Forget Eid brunches and other shenanigans. Eid Al Adha, chefs across the nation say, is all about family.
Often called the Big Eid, this holiday is described as more spiritual than Eid Al Fitr, which ends the month of fasting that is Ramadan. As my Lebanese neighbour Claude Al Hachache tells me: “It’s like Christmas and Easter. The former is more of a party, the latter more spiritual.” Another friend says it’s a feast of gratitude, which is why the faithful head to mosques for congregational prayers on the morning of the feast — in many cases as early as 6am.
Eid Al Adha commemorates Ebrahim’s (Abraham to Christians) willingness to sacrifice his son as a sign of his devotion. Before he was able to do so, however, the angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) intervened, placing a sheep (lamb in some versions) on the altar instead. That explains the centrality of lamb —or beef, mutton or camel meat depending on the region at the Eid table — but it also indicates the importance of Eid Al Adha as a family gathering.
We asked UAE residents from four different countries for their favourite family recipes, so you can try something different this Eid Al Adha. Instagram us on @gulfnewtabloid to let us know how they turned out.
Congratulation!