As those of you who have been following MOVE’s food blog since last semester know, I’ve been treading uncharted recipe websites and religious information websites in order to take a look at the food-related traditions of various religions.
I’ve taught myself a lot in the process, including a great hummus recipe and the ability to school my family on the reason we set out cookies for Santa. The final installment will discuss the traditional recipes of Eastern religions. Of course, I’m writing generalities, as there are various cultures, sects and beliefs among these religions. It seems many have some sort of vegetarian ties, even if it’s not a required restriction.
In Buddhism, there are not strict dietary laws or guidelines of right or wrong, such as those associated with non-secular Judaism and Islam. The Faith and Food website explains many Buddhists are vegetarians, but it’s an individual decision, most likely related to their first Precept, which is not to harm. As reincarnation is also a Buddhist belief, many choose not to eat animals to avoid negative karma.
The Bahá’í also encourage vegetarianism. This religion promotes it as a simple, natural diet.
Many Hindus are also vegetarian, but their dietary restrictions are more uniform than Buddhist and Bahá’í beliefs.
Meat and some other animal products, especially cow, fish, poultry and eggs, are considered forbidden. They are believed to have a negative influence and are linked to ignorance and disease. Stricter followers will also abstain from alcohol and caffeine — it is believed to pollute the mind, making meditation difficult — as well as garlic, onions and mushrooms. It is their belief that mushrooms make one ignorant, and garlic and onion may make one too passionate.
Food rituals are common in Hinduism. Because it is common for Hindus to have alters in their homes, many will sacrifice their food before eating. It seems Hindus also have an affinity for celebration, as there are 18 days warranting a feast on the Hindu calendar, plus personal feast days, which may include celebrations such as birthdays, weddings or anniversaries. According to the Faith and Food website, Hindus also fast for a variety of reasons, depending on other factors, such as gender, age or family, among others. It’s also common to fast on the anniversary of a parent’s death.
During the Hindu New Year, which happens in January, they serve sesame derived sweets, a symbol of health and friendship. They may be exchanged, but the overall reminder of these desserts is to remember it’s important to resolve past quarrels, according to Cooking Light.
**Sesame Sweets**
Filling:
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
2 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dough:
2 cups sifted cake flour (about 7 ounces)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces
4 to 5 tablespoons ice water
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 325°
To prepare filling, combine first 7 ingredients in a food processor; pulse 6 times or until combined and almonds are finely chopped. Remove almond mixture from food processor; set aside. Wipe processor bowl and blade with a paper towel.
To prepare dough, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor; pulse 3 times. Add butter; pulse 4 times or just until combined. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing just until combined. (Mixture may appear crumbly but will stick together when pressed between fingers.)
Shape dough into 24 balls. Place dough 2 inches apart on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Press thumb in center of each ball to form an indentation. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon almond mixture. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes or until set. Remove from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Source: Taken directly from Myrecipes.com
