Simple, nourishing dishes eaten by pilgrims during Eid

Since Eid-ul-Adha is all about meaty feasts, soon the reply to your every question your mom will answer, "Eat the meat". There will be every possible dish made from meats, including biriyani, kebabs, steaks, and korma. But did this thought ever come across your mind? What do our Hajji eat on Eid? Yes, the fortunate souls performing Hajj under the scorching Saudi sun in two simple white sheets are eating during this special time. Far from homemade delicacies, they are experiencing Eid in a spiritual but straightforward and yet contented way.

The Hajj Setting

Hajj is a spiritual journey. It's about connection with Allah and patience. Imagine celebrating Eid in a setting that takes you out of your comfort zone, somewhere between Mina and Arafat. It's poles apart from the spoonfed Eid celebration. Your family doesn't surround you, but millions of pilgrims around every corner, all united in their connection with Him. Every action, every moment, is meant to show devotion and mirrors simplicity. Whilst families indulge themselves in delicious spreads, endless desserts, Haji's prefer warm and comforting meals specially prepared for them to nourish and energise themselves throughout the journey. Those meals are practical, easy to consume and digest and designed to provide energy without discomfort. It's like sharing a date inside a tent with a fellow stranger who slowly starts to feel like a family. And this is the Eid table at Mina and Arafat.

Foods Typically Haji's Eat

First, dates and water are like the staple food for Haji's. Packed with nutrients and fibres, this is easy to carry, and on-the-go natural sugar provides instant energy. Every meal begins and ends with dates, following the sunnah of Muhammad (PBUH). And water needs no extra introduction in the desert heat. 

Then there's the famous national Saudi rice dish, Kabsa, made with meat and spices. While they aren't as rich as the home-cooked version, they are a great source of carbs for sustained energy. The basmati rice is slowly cooked with tender chicken or lamb pieces and seasoned with cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Light but immensely flavorful. 

Qahwa, or Arabic coffee and tea, aren't just any beverages; they are acts of hospitality. The difference between regular coffee and Qahwa is that they are slightly roasted coffee beans ground with cardamom, served in tiny cups. These drinks are served by locals to showcase warmth and hospitality towards Haji's.

Mandi is also similar to Kabsa, but the meat is typically roasted or smoked, and it is often served with rice dishes. Traditionally, Mandi is prepared in underground ovens, which gives it a distinctive smoking flavour and makes ordinary ingredients taste extraordinary. While Haji's won't get an elaborate version, the mass-prepared renditions of these hearty meals provide enough energy.

Khubz (Flatbreads/Roti) with hummus or cheese are easy to eat and filling. Hummus is traditionally made with chickpeas, which provide a steady source of energy throughout the day. Flatbreads are a staple there. Moving on with Qursan, a thin bread soaked in a vegetable stew with tender pieces of meat. The stew is made with potatoes, carrots and other simple vegetables. The soup is very nutritious and comforting, packed with protein and fibre. They are easy to digest.

After all these mains, it's time for some desserts. Ma'amoul and date delicacies are sweet treats filled with dates or nuts. These are sweet semolina cookies filled with dates and nuts. Jarees' Middle Eastern version of rice pudding is made with ground-grinded wheat until creamy. It's gentle for the stomach, filling and easily digestible for Haji. Apart from these, fruits like watermelons, oranges, apples, bananas, and simple salads are eaten for their essential vitamins, especially to combat the heat. For snacking, a samboosa is a good option, a crispy pastry filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables. It's like fast food but more nutritious, tasty and easy to digest.

Long story short, what Haji eat is more Subtle, prepared with less oil, fewer spices and a natural flavour, which is very easy on the stomach.

While we celebrate Eid with joy, flavour, and grandeur, let's take a moment to remember our beloved Haji and try one of their simple dishes to celebrate the beauty of simplicity. After all, the best part of any hajj dish isn't about a simple recipe; it's a reminder of how food is a blessing meant to be shared, to connect.