Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, a religious annual observance and month of fasting that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The time spent fasting is meant to be used for prayer, charity, spirituality, and for purifying the mind and body. The beginning and end of the month of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Muslims fast from before sunrise to sunset.
Dates & Mint Tea
No. Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about 10 days earlier each year. During a Muslim’s life, Ramadan will fall during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long.
Principally because it is the month that Allah revealed the Quran to the last Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Those who are not required to fast during Ramadan are young children, (those who did not reach puberty) the sick or those with mental illnesses, travellers, the elderly and women who are menstruating, pregnant, breast-feeding or have recently had a baby.
The month of Ramadan contains the most blessed of nights – known as Laylatul Qadr – about which Allah, subhana wa t’ala, says:
‘What will make you realize what the Night of Power is like?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Angels and the Spirit descend upon it with their Lord´s permission with every command;
There is peace that night until the coming of dawn.
(Quran: 97:1-5)
Muslims break their at sunset with dates or water. Traditionally we, the Cape Malays, will have a starter consisting of soup, samosas, dhaltjies, fritters. More often than not after prayers we will have a main meal. During Ramadan plates of food are shared with neighbours. Little children can often be seen carrying plates of food to neighbours, etc… The best charity, the best Zakah, the best Sadaqah is in Ramadan. Feeding the poor and needy fasting people is highly recommended in Ramadan. The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘Whoever feeds a fasting person, will get a reward like him.’ (Ahmad) He also said, ‘Protect yourself from the fire even by giving half of a date.’ (Agreed upon)
The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fasts by eating some dates before offering Maghrib prayer. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins. Dates are also rich in natural fibres. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. Dates and palms have been mentioned in the Holy Quran 20 times, thus showing their importance. The prophet likened a good Muslim to the date palm saying, “Among trees, there is a tree like a Muslim. It’s leaves do not fall.”
The Five Pillars of Islam include Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, Hajj: a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life, Zakat: giving to the poor, Salah: five-time daily prayer, facing Mecca, including absolution prior to prayer, Shahada: declaration of belief in one true God.
May you have a blessed spiritual uplifting month, ameen
Here’s the link to some of my favourite Ramadan treats.
Pineapple Chicken
Sweet and tangy, flavourful tropical chicken for a quick and easy meal. Prepare beforehand and pop in the oven for a lovely alternative to Sunday roast.
Tropical Pineapple Chicken
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Ingredients:
1 chicken, skin off and cut into 8 pieces
1 tin canned pineapple rings (440g)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp tomato sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
½ – 1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt or to taste
1 Tbsp cooking oil
Fresh chopped dhanya/coriander/cilantro
#capemalaycooking
Method:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, juice of canned pineapple, tomato sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli powder, paprika and salt . Reserve a quarter of the sauce and set aside.
Using a Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the sauce mixture and chicken. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator, turning the bag occasionally.
Combine the pineapple rings and brown sugar.
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
Transfer the chicken, with the marinade, into an oven proof dish. Cook the chicken, uncovered, for about 45 minutes turning half way through. Pour the remaining reserved sauce and arrange the pineapple rings on top of the chicken. Return to the oven and grill for about 5 – 10 minutes until the pineapple rings are light golden in colour.
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped dhanya. Serve with a fresh green salad.
Cook’s Tip
Use fresh pineapple and half a cup of pineapple juice instead of the canned pineapple rings.
BBQ (braai) the chicken pieces instead of cooking in the oven.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Gulab Jamun
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Gulab Jamuns are popular in South Asian cuisine. Crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy inside. Gulab Jamuns can be eaten as a dessert with ice cream or fresh cream. It can also be made during Ramadan to share with family, friends and neighbours. It is a great alternative to koesisters or doughnuts.
Gulab Jamun
Ingredients:
1 tin condensed milk (497g)
3 Tbsp butter, melted
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp semolina
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp rose essence
2 – 2¼ cups cake flour, sifted
Oil for deep frying
For The Syrup
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 tsp rose essence
Desiccated coconut to finish
Method:
Using a medium size bowl whisk the condensed milk and melted butter together. Add the ground cardamom, baking powder, bicarb, essence and semolina whisk until the mixture turn creamy. Gradually add the flour to form a soft dough. (You may not need the full 2¼ cups of flour.) Leave to rest for about 10 minutes. Divide the dough into 30 pieces. Roll the pieces of dough into balls or into oblong shapes. Best to use a slightly floured surface (and hands) as the dough might be slightly sticky.
In the meantime add the syrup ingredients in a pot and bring to the boil. Boil until the sugar water turns sticky. Remove from the heat but keep warm to dip in the cooked gulab jamuns when done.
Heat the oil in a deep pot and deep fry the gulab jamuns on medium heat, take care not to over crowd the pot as the gulab jamuns will swell considerably. Fry until deep brown stirring all the time to get an even colour all over. Remove and drain excess oil on kitchen paper. Cool slightly before dipping in the warm sugar syrup and rolling it in desiccated coconut.
Cook’s note:
You may not need all the flour, add the flour gradually
You may leave the jamuns drenched in the syrup of you like it sweet and syrupy until it is ready to be served.
Gulab Jamun
Orange Bundt Cake
Orange Bundt Cake
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
This cake has a citrusy flavour, the sweet & Sour orange juice and the orange butter icing gives this cake an incredible taste. Absolutely delicious. This cake can also be made in round cake or loaf tins.
Ingredients
2 cups cake flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 cup caster sugar
½ cup milk
½ cup orange juice
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, beaten
1½ teaspoons grated orange zest
½ tsp orange essence
Orange butter icing:
50g butter, softened
1 cup icing sugar
2 Tbsp orange juice
½ tsp orange essence
1 tsp grated orange zest
Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease and flour a Bundt tin.
In a measuring jug, combine milk, the orange juice, oil, beaten eggs, essence and
1½ teaspoons orange zest. Set aside.
Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Mix in sugar.
Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To make Orange Butter Icing:
Cream butter until smooth. Gradually beat in icing sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 tablespoons orange juice to bring to spreading consistency. Stir in the orange essence and orange zest. Spread or drizzle over the cooled cake.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Raisin Buns – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights – Salwaa Smith
Freshly Bakes Raisin Buns
This time of the year brings back fond memories of many years ago. My late mom (may Allah/God grant her nur/light in her kubr/grave, ameen) used to make these buns to gift to our neighbours. She would knead and bake up to 5kg at a time. Imagine all those buns and all the people who enjoyed it. Here I’m sharing her recipe to make 24 buns but if your feel adventurous and generous make extra to share with your neighbours 😉
Makes 24
1 kg cake flour, extra for dusting
1 & 1/2 tsp salt
100 g soft butter
2 packets instant yeast (7 g packets)
2 Tbsp sugar
3 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp cinnamon powder
4 tsp ground aniseed
250g raisins or dried mixed fruit
2 – 3 cups warm water & milk mixture (half & half)
Raisin Buns – Before Baking
Raisin Buns Before Baking
Freshly Baked Spread With Lots Of Butter
Glaze:
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tsp boiling hot water
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour and salt, rub in the butter. Stir in the yeast, sugar, spices and raisins. Mix in the water/milk to form a dough. Start with 2 cups first, gradually add the rest as needed. Certain flour needs a little more or less liquid so feel free to adjust. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or so until the dough is soft and smooth.
Return the dough to the mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm spot until double is size, about 2 hours.
Gently knock the dough down for the air to escape. Divide the dough into 24 pieces and shape into buns.
Place on a floured baking sheet cover with plastic and leave in a warm place to rise until double in size.
Bake for about 15 – 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius.
To make the glaze, mix together the sugar and hot water until sugar has dissolved. Brush over the baked buns immediately after taking from the oven.
Suggestion:
Instead of making buns divide the dough into two, bake in loaf tins for raisin bread / loaves. Brush with glaze after baking.
Raisin Loaf
Raisin Loaf
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Salwaa’s Mutton Akhni
Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights – Salwaa Smith
Akhni is basically a rice and curry dish which have been made into one. Mutton, lamb or chicken pieces are made into a dish very similar to curry and topped with rice. Basmati or long grain rice is best to use for this dish as with all rice dishes. Akhni is very often served at large gatherings and sometimes made over an open fire (BBQ). The taste of akhni made over an open fire changes completely in comparison to one made on an electric or gas stove. There are different versions of akhni available e.g. akhni is made in most Asian countries and varies by region. Here I share my version of Cape Malay akhni which is served with dhai, tomato and onion salad or various atchars.
Mutton Akhni
Ingredients:
1kg mutton/lamb pieces
6 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
1 heaped tsp of saffron
3 large onions, finely chopped
50g butter or margarine
1 cup buttermilk
1 large whole fresh green chilli, slit open
1 Tbsp garlic and ginger paste
1/2 cup chopped fresh dhanya
2 & 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
2 & 1/2 tsp red leaf masala/roasted masala
2 tsp ground jeera/cumin
2 tsp ground coriander/koljana
1 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp turmeric/borrie
4 – 5 cups basmati rice
1/2 cup cooking oil
2 tsp jeera seeds
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 bay leaves
6 cardamom pods, slit open
4 pieces of stick cinnamon
6 all-spices
6 cloves
Method
Wash the mutton pieces, drain and set aside. Boil the potatoes in a little water, till half-cooked but still firm. Infuse the saffron in 1 cup of boiling water and set aside.
Melt the butter in a pan and fry 1 chopped onion in the butter and set aside.
Place the mutton pieces in a large mixing bowl and add the buttermilk, green chilli, garlic and ginger paste, dhania, salt, red leaf masala, ground jeera, ground coriander, chilli powder, and turmeric. Mix thoroughly, ensuring that all of the mutton pieces are covered in the marinade. Set aside for 1 hour.
Rinse the rice in a colander, drain and place in a large pot on medium to high heat. Add water to reach halfway and add 1 teaspoon salt. Boil till half-cooked (the rice grains should be firm). Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain and set aside.
#capemalaycooking
Heat a large pot on medium to high heat, add the oil. Add the jeera seeds, mustard seeds, bay leaves, cardamom seeds, all-spices,cloves and cinnamon. Stir-fry for 1 minute then add the remaining chopped chopped and braise till golden in colour. Add the marinated mutton pieces along with the marinade, the 1 cup of water and simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes, or till the meat is tender and cooked. Add more water if the meat becomes to dry.
Arrange the potatoes between the mutton pieces and spoon the rice directly on top. Pour the fried onion with the melted butter over the rice, and lastly pour the cup of water containing saffron plus 1 more cup of boiling water over the rice and onions. Turn the plate on high for 5 minutes, then lower it to low. Steam, covered, for 20 minutes. Turn the heat off, leave to “rest” for 10 minutes before serving with dhai and tomato & onion salad.
Note: All akhnis and breyanis should be dished from the bottom up.
Variation: The mutton may be substituted with lamb or chicken pieces (thigh, drumstick, wing and breast,) and prepared in exactly the same manner. Cooking time however will be less if using chicken or lamb. Note that the breast portion should be halved 🙂
How to make to tomato and onion salad
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Chocolate Coconut Dreams
Ingredients:
2 cups cake flour (plain flour)
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup sugar
1 ¼ cup desiccated coconut
250g soft butter
5ml bicarbonate of soda
25ml boiling water
25ml cocoa powder
25ml golden syrup
2 large eggs, beaten
To complete: 200g cooking chocolate
Method:
Combine flour, oats, sugar & coconut in a large mixing bowl.
Rub in butter with finger tips to resemble fine crumbs.
Pour boiling water over bicarbonate of soda, stir in cocoa powder and golden syrup.
Beat eggs well and combine all ingredients. Mix well to form soft dough.
Divide into approx. 30 small balls. Place on a baking tray and press flat with a fork.
Bake in a preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius for 10-12 minutes.
Cool on a cooling rack and dip the top of the biscuits in melted cooking chocolate.
Tripe Curry (Pens Kerrie) – Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
A traditional South African delicacy that remains a favourite in many homes. You either love it or don’t like it.
Tripe Curry / Pens Kerrie
Ingredients:
1 kg clean tripe
1 tsp salt
3 bay leaves
3 large onions, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, grated
2 tsp garlic
1 ½ tsp turmeric/borrie
1 ½ tsp coriander/koljana
1 green chilli, chopped
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp leaf masala
Method:
Boil the tripe with one teaspoon salt, bay leaves and enough water to cover until soft, about 2 hours. Drain and reserve the water. Allow the tripe to cool down before cutting it into strips. Set aside whilst making the sauce.
Fry the onions in a large pot until transparent and soft. Stir in the grated tomatoes, garlic, turmeric, coriander, green chillies, chilli powder, salt and the leaf masala. Simmer over low heat until the gravy is well blended and cooked through, this should take about 20 minutes to get a nice thick gravy. Add from the reserved water if needed. Add the strips of tripe and cook a further 15 minutes stirring every now and then, adding water if necessary. Serve with boiled white rice. Serves 6
Variation:
Add soft boiled sugar beans when adding the tripe
Add 1 cup of steamed gram dhal when adding the tripe.
Click here for details of where to by the NEW Cape Malay & Other Delights Cookbook
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Egg and tomato salsa bake smothered in cheese.
Quick and easy brunch idea. The salsa can be made in advanced. Serve in individual dishes.
Baked Egg
Ingredients:
4 Tbsp cooking oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 tsp crushed chillies
½ tin (about 200g) chopped tomatoes
4 large eggs
¼ cup grated strong cheese
1 Tbsp chopped basil
Salt & pepper to taste
Method:
Heat a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the oil and heat until hot.
Saute chopped onion, garlic, and crushed chillies.
Cook until softened and light brown, about 6 minutes.
Add the chopped tomato and bring to a simmer.
Cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
Turn off the heat and divide the sauce into your separate oven proof dishes.
Ramekins works well for this dish.
Add the eggs into the your dishes.
Sprinkle over the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for around 12-15 minutes or until the egg has cooked to your taste.
Remove the dishes from the oven and serve immediately.
Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve with some toasted bread or tear and share bread on the side.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Mar 2
This gallery contains 5 photos.
Cheese & onion tear and share bread Simple tear and share bread recipe to make at your next braai (BBQ). Ingredients: 1 unsliced loaf bread (400g – 500g loaf) 100g Mature Cheddar Cheese , thinly sliced 100g Mozzarella Cheese, thinly sliced ⅓ cup butter, melted 5 spring onions, chopped 4 cloves of garlic, crushed […]
Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights - Salwaa Smith 
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