The Holy month of Hari Raya Puasa is upon us and Iftar or the custom of breaking fast at dusk holds special significance for the Muslim community observing the month-long fasting practice
Also known as Eid al-Fitr which means the festival of breaking the fast, this celebratory festival rewards a month of fasting with indulgent treats, lavish feasts and plenty of hearty company!
More than this, Hari Raya Puasa symbolises a time of forgiveness, a fresh start that imbues revellers with renewed strength and courage for the new year. And what better way to embody the significance of the festivities with a bit of self-love? Begin your Hari Raya Puasa celebrations with recipes that are healthy, delicious and easy to execute.
Not sure where to begin? Madam Rahayu Mahzam, MP for Jurong GRC, presents two recipes that are perfect for the festive season.
Ayam Masak Merah
Mdm Rahayu Mahzam introduces her own take of Ayam Masak Merah, a chicken dish that is infused with a delicious medley of spices. It pairs really well with other festive staples like ketupat and lontong! Packed with heat, umami and aromatics, this dish will definitely leave your guests wanting more.
Ingredients:
1 Red Onion
2 Shallots
2 Garlic
3 Dried Red Chili Peppers
1 Block of Ginger
1 Stick of Lemon Grass
2 Tablespoons of Tomato Sauce
2 Tablespoons of Chili Sauce
2 Tablespoons of Sweet Thai chili Sauce
2 Tablespoons of Sunflower Seed Oil
1 Tablespoon Cumin Powder
1 Dried Bay Leaf
1 Tablespoon of Salt and Sugar
1 Whole Chicken, cut into small pieces
1 Teaspoon of Ground Turmeric Powder
Steps:
- Marinate chicken with turmeric powder and salt. Light brown the chicken to cook until golden on all sides.
- Blend the softened dried chili, shallots, lemon grass, garlic, onion, and ginger in a blender to a paste.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Then add in chili paste, chili sauce, sweet thai chili sauce, tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Then add in cumin powder and bay leaf, season with salt and sugar.
- When sauce is cooked add the cooked chicken (or choice of meat)
- Serve with rice, ketupat or lontong.
Fruity Coconut Water
Singapore’s tropical climate will cause discomfort to even the most acclimated tropical islander. Thankfully, a simple refreshing drink can do wonders to combat the effects. Mdm Rahayu Mahzam presents her Fruity Coconut Water, a fruit-infused chilled beverage that complements the heaviness of your Hari Raya Puasa feasting with its cooling properties.
Ingredients:
Dragon fruit (diced)
Blackberries
Blueberries
Oranges (sliced)
Coconut water
Steps:
- Evenly distribute all cubed fruit on an ice tray.
- Add water and place the ice tray in the fridge to chill.
- Toss the iced fruit cubes into a glass, fill it with coconut water and serve.