Traditional Muharram Recipes to Prepare During the Sacred Month

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of reflection and remembrance for Muslims. This day is observed in remembrance of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. During this sacred month, various traditional dishes are prepared and shared among families and communities as part of the observance. Here are some popular Muharram recipes. 

Doodh ka Sharbat - Cooking with Benazir

Doodh ka Sharbat or Muharram ka Sharbat is a drink that is particularly made during Muharram. This is made using boiled milk. Once the milk is cooled, sugar, dry fruits, kesar or any other flavour is added and the mixture is refrigerated and served when chilled. Check out this recipe by Cooking with Benazir.

Muharram-special Khichda - Naziya Khans Kitchen

Khichra or Khichda is a meat-based variant of Khichdi. It is a variation of the dish Haleem, popular with Muslims of India. Khichda is cooked all year, particularly at the Ashura Muharram. It is made using goat meat, beef, lentils and spices, slowly cooked to a thick paste. Check out this version by Naziya Khans Kitchen.

Muharram Chonge - Zaika of India

This is a Muharram special sweet dish that is made on this particular day. Chonges are sweet puris dipped in gud (jaggery) syrup. This is a customary sweet treat from Maharashtra, best savoured with khubooli and doodh ka sharbat. Check out the recipe by Zaika of India. 

Haleem - Cook with Fem

Haleem is a traditional cuisine prepared during Muharram. It is a thick stew or porridge composed of wheat, spices, lentils, barley, and minced meat. You might select your meat and use the most popular and generally loved options, mutton or chicken. This traditional Hyderabadi dish is prepared in big pots to serve a huge crowd. Check out this recipe by Cook with Fem. 

Muharram Roat - Shaheen Syed

Roat is a traditional sweet dish often prepared during various festivals and special occasions, including Muharram. It is a type of thick, sweet bread made with semolina, ghee, and sugar, and flavoured with elaichi (cardamom) and sometimes kesar. Check out this recipe by Shaheen Syed.

Zarda - Cook with Lubna

Zarda, otherwise known as ‘Meetha Chawal’ in Hindi, is a traditional delicacy cooked during Muharram. Its aroma is a result of all the infused kesar, dry fruits, ghee, sugar, and rose water added to the dish. This sweet rice dish is a staple in all households and specially prepared during Muharram in Muslim families. Check this recipe by Cook with Lubna.

Malida - Rutba Khan Kitchen

Malida is a yet another traditional sweet often made during religious and cultural celebrations, including Muharram. It is a crumbly, sweet dish made from whole wheat flour, gud (jaggery) (or sugar), and flavoured with elaichi (cardamom) and nuts. Check this recipe by Rutba Khan Kitchen.