Made in Yemen – Ramadan delicacies [Archives:2006/985/Last Page]

Ramadan has a special flavor for Yemenis especially when it comes to food. Housewives make it a point to start preparing delicacies ahead of Ramadan so that the whole family enjoys coming together around the Iftar table celebrating the holly month.

Every issue, we will bring you recipes of a number of Yemeni traditional foods made especially during Ramadan. We will also provide you with health tips regarding some of the food items for your benefit. Bonn appetite!

Shafout

Ingredients:

One piece of flat corn bread called Lahooh

One medium size yoghurt or buttermilk

Two garlic cloves

One chilli

Salt for taste

1 tbsp cumin

_ cup fresh coriander leaves

_ cup fresh peppermint leaves

Finely cut mixed salad or pomegranate

Procedures:

1.Mix all ingredients expect for the lahooh together in a blender and blend well

2.Add_cup of water and mix well again

3.Spread the lahooh bread on a plate with high edges

4.Pour 2/3rds of the liquid on the bread

5.Make sure the bread absorbs the liquid well

6.If served after one hour pour the rest of the liquid to make sure the bread does not dry

7.Decorate with salad on top of with pomegranate seeds

8.Serve cold as an appetiser.

Health benefits of Shafout:

Yoghurt is an excellent appetiser and cooler for stomach heat. It contains three strong elements that make it a great refreshing light dish, these are yoghurt, coriander and mint.

Yoghurt:

It improves natural defense, it contains a good amount of phosphorus and 88% water. People with a risk of osteoporosis should eat at least one serving of yoghurt per day. Other benefits of live and active cultures in the yoghurt are, they may help to boost the immune system. They encourage the right kind of bacteria to multiply in the gut. These bacteria help to digest food and prevent stomach infections. Also, they help to provide relief from vaginal infections.

Coriander

Coriander is rich in various food elements. An analysis of coriander leaves shows them to contain moisture 86.3 per cent, protein 3.3 per cent, fat 0.6 per cent, minerals 2.3 per cent, fibre 1.2 per cent and carbohydrates 6.3 per cent per 100 grams. The mineral and vitamin contents include calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. They also contain sodium, potassium and oxalic acid. Their calorific value is 44.

Coriander is used for various health remedies:

-Gastrointestinal trouble (including gas and bloating)

-Digestive problems

-Bacterial and fungal infections

-Loss of appetite

Peppermint:

In the world of health research, randomized controlled trials have repeatedly shown the ability of peppermint oil to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including indigestion, dyspepsia, and colonic muscle spasms. These healing properties of peppermint are apparently related to its smooth muscle relaxing ability. Once the smooth muscles surrounding the intestine are relaxed, there is less chance of spasm and the indigestion that can accompany it. The menthol contained in peppermint may be a key reason for this bowel-comforting effect.

It is a Potential Anti-Cancer Agent, an Anti-Microbial Oil, a rich source of traditional nutrients and it is beneficial in asthma.

Source: online-vitamins-guide.com & whfoods.com
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