Ramadan - Month of Fasting Ramadan is the ninth and the holiest month of the Islamic year. This year possibly the beginning of Ramadan will be October 5, depending on the moon. The holy book ‘Quran’, was given to the Muslims during this month by Allah to follow, through Prophet Muhammad. Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset for the whole month. People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women are excused from observing the fasts. The Islamic calendar is lunar, the beginning of Ramadan moves by ten days every year, this provides an opportunity to experience fasting in every season. It can be challenging to fast that much more during the summer months because the days are very long and the inability to drink any water/liquids during the day is a real test of perseverance. Ramadan is a month where most people are compelled to devote more time to prayers and charitable causes. The concept of fasting is not only to starve yourself but also to reflect on one’s life and put things in perspective. Sometimes, we get so busy with the worldly things that the concept of mortality gets lost. This is certainly the month that reminds everyone of an after life and consequences of our actions in this world. After the thirty days, the end of Ramadan is celebrated for three days. Families visit each other and exchange gifts. I like to throw a party and invite all my friends to enjoy traditional Pakistani food; it is a lot of fun every year and my personal guest list has certainly grown over the years since I have lived in the United States. Many traditional foods are cooked for the evening for Iftar, which is the feast to end the fast at sunset. Fresh dates are traditionally offered to open the fast, a variety of dishes are prepared for the evening feast. One of my favorites is Cholay - spicy chickpeas cooked in a tomato and cilantro sauce. This dish is full of protein and totally delicious! Huma Siddiqui President Cholay (Spicy ChickPeas in a Tomato and Cilantro Sauce) 1 pound dried chickpeas 5 cups water 2 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon whole cumin 1 large onion, sliced 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons chili blend 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped Soak dried chick peas in a bowl, overnight. Next morning, drain the water and wash thoroughly under running water. Then add 5 cups of water and leave the chickpeas to cook on medium heat for about three hours or until the chickpeas are tender but not mushy. Heat oil in separate saucepan, add cumin seeds. When they start to sizzle, add onions and fry them until they are golden brown. Add chopped tomatoes and all the spices. Stir the spice mixture for a couple of minutes and then add the chickpeas to it. Mix everything together. Add finely chopped cilantro and leave it to simmer for about ten minutes. Empty the chickpeas in a dish and sprinkle some cilantro on top before serving. You can use sliced tomatoes and onions to decorate the dish as well. Cholay, can be served as a snack with tea or as a vegetarian side dish. Some people like to add plain yogurt on the side to balance off the spices. Upcoming Events Epcot International Food and Wine Show Friday, Sept 30 – Sunday, Oct 2 Epcot Center, Lake Beuna Vista, Florida Wisconsin Premier Gourmet Food, Wine and Specialty Product Show 2005 Friday, Oct 28 – Sunday, Oct 30 Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI Anew Business Expo Saturday, Nov 19 – Sunday, Nov 20 Alliant Energy Center Madison, WI In The News... Book Reviews: Andrea Cisco - Armchair Interviews September 2005 Tracy Farnsworth - Roundtable Reviews September 2005 Samir Karimi - Asian Wisconzine August 2005 Sheilah Kaufman July 2005 Recent Articles: Fragrant and Flavourful Talk - The International Magazine of Orasom Telecom Holding, Spring/Summer 2005 Huma Siddiqui: Enjoying the Spices of Life (Asian Wisconzine, May 2005) Upcoming Classes Orange Tree Imports Madison, WI Thu, Oct 6, 6:30–9:00 pm All Through the House Stoughton, WI Wed, Oct 12, 6:30–8:30 pm Sur La Table Woodmere, OH Thu, Oct 13, 6:30–9:00 pm Sur La Table Columbus, OH Fri, Oct 14, 6:30–9:00 pm Whole Foods Market Madison, WI Wed, Oct 19, 6:00–8:30 pm Whole Foods Market Madison, WI Wed, Nov 9, 6:00–8:30 pm Orange Tree Imports Madison, WI Thu, Nov 10, 6:30–9:00 pm Whole Foods Market Madison, WI Thu, Dec 8, 6:00–8:30 pm For more information on classes and upcoming events, visit us at www.whitejasmine.com White Jasmine, LLC • info@whitejasmine.com Toll Free: 866-774-2995 • Voice: 608-437-1250 • Fax: 608-437-1247