Eid al-Adha, the traditional Muslim Feast of Sacrifice, starts Sept. 23 this year. A significant holiday that commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah, believers celebrate with family, parties and, of course, food.
The holiday centers majorly around meat, so if you're a fan of BBQ, this will be right up your alley. The only thing you may miss from this feast is a larger pair of pants.
Tagine
This North African stew is named for its triangular-shaped cooking vessel. All the ingredients go inside the tagine then steam to juicy perfection. The lid's tall, conical shape keeps the moisture inside, recirculating to all the ingredients. Make your tagine vegetarian or meaty, and be sure to serve it with couscous to sop up the savory juices.
Roast lamb
Lamb is a traditional Eid al-Adha food, so there's no better time to get a whole leg of lamb and roast it. You can always go with lamb chops if you're feeling a little timid, but as long as you have the time and the oven space, go for broke and make a showstopper main dish. Lamb's juicy, rich flavor stands up to strong seasonings like coriander, garlic and chiles, so don't be shy.
Biryani
This popular Southeast Asian rice dish is especially useful at big holiday celebrations where you need to feed a crew. At its simplest, it's spiced rice mixed with vegetables and protein, though you can keep it vegetarian or even vegan to satisfy any dining requirements. The spices and add-ins are varied and range from mutton and chicken to cardamom and mint. For a luxurious take, a few threads of saffron are fragrant and turn the entire dish a vibrant golden hue.
Ma'amoul
You can't have meat without something sweet. These nut- or date-filled cookies are enjoyed year round but are especially traditional at Middle Eastern Eid al-Adha celebrations. The recipe is a little complicated but the results are delicious.
Kebabs
A photo posted by Victoria M. (@vicpic88) on Mar 28, 2015 at 4:52pm PDT
These aren't just great for 2 a.m. on a Saturday night, kebaba are a delectable and simple way to incorporate meat into your Eid al-Adha feast without having to roast an entire animal. These are ubiquitous all over the Middle East and Mediterranean and, while they are incredible when grilled over an open fire, they're also tasty pan-fried or roasted in the oven. Experiment with your favorite meats, seasonings and fresh herbs, using this recipe as a jumping off point.