28 November 2018| 20 Rabi ul Awwal1 440| Safeera Kaka
The radio theme last week was all about the life and times of Nabi (SAW) and inculcating the sunnah foods into our lives.
I decided to dedicate the recipe segment of the show to Sunnah foods and their recipes. We all know the Sunnah foods, or even eat them on a regular basis. I think it’s a good idea to remind ourselves and our families that these are the very same foods our Nabi Muhammad (SAW) consumed and enjoyed, and to make the intention to follow the Sunnah.
Here are list of Sunnah foods and I’ve come up with some recipe ideas incorporating these lovely foods.
BARLEY
Whenever a person of the family of Muhammad (saws) fell sick then it was ordered that the barley gruel should be prepared for him. Then he used to state “it removes the grief from the patient’s heart, removes its weakness as any of you removes the dirt from your face after washing it”.
Many stores stock talbina which is ground barley, that can be enjoyed as a porridge in the morning.
RECIPE IDEA: Soak ajwa dates in water the night before (this is another sunnah called Nabidh – a drink prepared from soaked raisins or dates). Prepare the talbina according to the package instructions and sweeten with honey, top with chopped soaked dates and some pomegranate rubies.
DATES
The significance of the date palm as a source of nutrition and sustenance has been stated in many ahadeeth.
It has been narrated by Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet SAW said there is a tree among the trees which is similar to a Muslim (in goodness), and that is the date palm tree.”
RECIPE IDEA: Make these super trendy, energy bites. Combine 1 cup of seeded dates, 1 generous tablespoon of almond nut butter, a tablespoon of cocoa and around half a cup of coconut. Blitz everything in your food processor, if the mixture is too sticky add extra cocoa or coconut. Shape into truffles and store in the refrigerator.
FIGS
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said: “Figs are a fruit from Paradise – a cure for piles.”
RECIPE IDEA: Combine some baby spinach leaves, chopped and quartered figs and roasted walnuts on a pretty plate. Make a dressing with white balsamic vinegar, honey, fig jam and olive oil. Dress the salad and finally top with feta cheese before serving.
HONEY
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and honey.”
RECIPE IDEA: Decant honey into pretty jars, add aromatics like herbs, cinnamon or citrus peel and allow the honey to infuse. Gift to family and friends.
MUSHROOMS
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said: “The mushroom is a great cure for the eyes. It is also a form of birth control.”
RECIPE IDEA: Saute some mushrooms in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, thyme and chilli flakes. Add a dash of cream and cook until thickened. Serve on top of toast.
MELONS
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Eating watermelon before meals washes the stomach and removes its diseases.”
RECIPE IDEA: Peel and seed an entire watermelon and try to remove as much seeds as possible. Liquidise with a dash of rose syrup and allow to chill in the freezer until semi frozen. Serve as a slush before meals or as a refreshing summer drink.
WRITTEN BY: SAFEERA KAKA
Safeera Kaka
Safeera Kaka is a radio presenter based in Johannesburg. She hosts a popular daily show that tackles a range of topics. In her free time she also engages in philanthropy, media development, mc’ing and sharing her culinary adventure on social media. She hosts a lifestyle blog at safeera.co.za
