November
2004
Naz's Kitchen
Written by site user Ased
Naseem |
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| A
meat dish prepared by Ased |
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Ased
Naseem from Birmingham has come up with an idea called 'Naz's
Kitchen'. It brings you healthy eating options for the festival of
Ramadan. |
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Ramadan
is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, and it was during this
month that it is believed the Holy Quoran "聟 was sent down
from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and
a means of Salvation聟" The actual night that Muslims believe
the Quoran was revealed to the prophet Mohammed is known as Lalet
al Qader (Night Of Power).
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| Ased
in the Kitchen |
During
the entire month of Ramadan Muslims fast. It is a time when Muslim's
can concentrate on their faith, spending less time on the concerns
of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.
At
the end of each day the fast is broken with a prayer, and a meal called
the iftar, is eaten. In the evening following the iftar most Muslims
will go to the Mosque to say special prayers known as Travi.
Naseem's
Kitchen
With all this in mind, I came up with an idea called Naz's Kitchen,
to my joy, the project was set up. I've travelled around the world
building a picture of each community I meets, their tastes, and preferences,
especially concerning the local cuisine.
I
have been filming in and around Birmingham, examining the historical
event of Ramadan, what it means to local people from a variety of
different backgrounds, and specifically concentrating on tips for
healthy eating.
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| Food
prepared by Ased |
The 11
minute film was screened on the '91热爆 Big Screen' in Chamberlain Square.
Asian dishes
The
recipes that I've concentrated on are three of the most popular dishes
within the Asian community. They are distinct from each other, in
that one is a meat dish, one a fish dish, and the last a vegetarian
dish. Although all of them are Asian in style, they all reflect different
cooking methods. All the dishes were recreated using healthier alternative
options to the traditional methods, encouraging the viewer to experiment
with their own favourite dishes, and to think about changing their
established cooking habits.
I
got to interview representatives from the Birmingham Central Mosque,
to explain what the celebration is all about, and what role it plays
within their community.
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| A
fish stall at the Birmingham Indoor Markets |
I also
interviewed a local fishmonger at The Birmingham Indoor Markets, who
gave tips on the preparation of the fish used in one of the recipes.
The food was cooked and prepared at Lazeez's Lounge Restaurant in
Sparkbrook by the head chef and myself.
Recipes
Click on the three links below to see the full Ingredients and method.
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