Okay guys I’m fully aware Ramadan needs to InshAllah be completed first however as I’m pregnant and due to have baby just before Ramadan I want to plan as much as possible beforehand.
I’ve got my little ones clothes sorted; and I’ve pretty much picked out my own outfit as well as newborns InshALLAH. I’m now looking at Eid menu. I won’t be hosting any Iftaris as I simply will not be able to but I still need to do Eid dinner for our family.
I’m looking for a menu that I can start maybe 2/3 days beforehand that won’t take too much prep on the day.
My ideas so far are these:
Starters:
steam roasted chicken or tandoori chicken (need to find a recipe for steam roasted)
alu tikkis
seekh kebabs (possibly make in advance and freeze)
Mains:
meat pilau (fry onions and make masala beforehand. Will par-cook the meat in my slow cooker beforehand)
chicken palak (make masala in advance; add chicken and palak on the day)
Sweets:
Cupakes
Phirni
What do you guys think? Is this the type of menu I can prep for in advance in short bursts rather than leave work for the last minute?
If I were you, I would switch out the pulao for biryani so that you can make the korma from start to finish beforehand, and all you need to do is boil the rice on the day of.
Cupcakes might also be a pain to make, since you can’t do them ahead. I am assuming you listed cupcakes for something kid-friendly. If that’s the case, brownies are a better option b/c they freeze well. You just need to thaw them for a couple of hours on the day of.
I agree with the seekh kabab idea. Make ahead and freeze. They’re just as good.
As for the steam roast, I have never made that, so I can’t tell you if it’s doable ahead of time. But if you went for a chargha kind of roast, you can definitely marinate it overnight and just cook the day of.
My deep routed Punjabi-ness will only be satisfied with pilau. Biryani just doesn’t cut the mustard for big events like Eid. Yes I know there are plenty of biryanis out there but nothing hits the spot. Oops.
As for cupcakes-I usually make them 48 hours in advance, cool them and ice them the night before. Has worked in cooler weather. Plus I’ve frozen them without icing and they’ve worked too. Brownies seem to dislike me when I freeze them. Maybe it’s just me? But I agree with your suggestion as it’s less time consuming.
Oh Kebabs is a winner!
Charga-love it but didn’t consider it. Perhaps I ignored it because of the chili factor. Maybe I need to update my recipe.
LOL oh my goddddd, u just reminded me… of pulao. My mom makes the BEST pulao, and we’re also punjabi..but every Eid it’s chicken biryani (or goat biryani).
Punjabi mums generally do. My Mum made pulao yesterday. I sat around waiting for it until 9:50pm! Yeap I’m hardcore!
I just have problems with Biryani. I associate it with my in-laws home; their based in Karachi and love it. I was served some really nasty ones in 1998 and since then I cannot stand the stuff unless I cook it myself but not for a special occasion. I didn’t even eat my own Walima meal-it was fricking Biryani.
My daughters a Pulao girl. Actually she eats the meat/chicken first and then the meat. Hhhmmm.
Have your family always done Biryani on Eid? My Mums family in Pakistan have started doing Biryani too.
I’m proud that my Dadas family are still close to their roots and only do Pulao on Eid here in England-nuff said.
mashallah ! You are one organized gal! Hats off to you for thinking far ahead. Haleem freezes beautifully taste fresh when u thaw it, heat it and give it baghar. as far as pullao and biryani it’s a matter of preference. my family and inlaws always make biryani - so that’s what I crave and love. of course I think my mom makes the best biryani but maybe i am being partial.
One question if you will be post partum won’t anybody else help with the cooking? stick with dishes that you are comfortable and have made plenty of times before.
My Mother works MashAllah so it’s a bit tricky in regards to getting help. My sisters are all out of the area. Apart from that I don’t have much family.
Princess1983, you are so right! My Ammi says the same thing about pulao as delicious and amazing Biryani can be but pulao has a special spot in our big punjabi hearts
I am juggling a newborn and 2 toddlers at home too at the moment so opting for a simpler menu this Eid as well…and also my daughter BD party is right before Ramadan starts and having no iftaars here either…
I am thinking for Main course: Nihari, Pulao, Bhuna gosht, seekh kebab, and malai chicken tikka…along with naan/salad/boondi raita and for meetha I was thinking since its summer I will make kulfi, it’s quick, easy and kids love it
