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Recently we spent some time in Metz (France). Crossing the square near the ancient cathedral, we heard the loud and exceptional beautiful singing of a blackbird. Not only we, but others looked up in surprise as well. Was this real or did someone fool us with artificial sounds? It soon appeared to be real: a solitary blackbird singing lustily, warm melodic notes: a clear sign of the start of spring!
February, the last month of winter, is traditionally connected with purification (februum in Latin means purification) and on the 10th of February, many Christians will start a 40-day period of fasting, which may take various forms, but will be sober in most cases. Whether a practicing Christian or not, why not use this period of ritual fasting as a mental and physical purification period leading you in a healthy way to Easter?
Also in Kosovo, India, Vietnam and the African island of Zanzibar, fasting is common and my books will give you plenty of inspiration for a healthy, sober start towards spring. To help you along, I will post a daily suggestion on my Facebook and Instagram pages, starting on Ash Wednesday (February 10). Irrelevant of religious motives, I do believe in the benefits of a sober, vegetarian diet. To be conscious about what you eat, how physically active you are, and in what way this affects your wellbeing is an interesting personal discovery. So let's start our own, very individual 40 days of symbolic fasting. In my next newsletter, we will celebrate with Easter inspiration from all over the world! Promise!
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VIETNAM: FULL MOON | |
When you fall ill in Vietnam, many locals will advice you to fast by only eating a little salted rice gruel to soothe your digestive system. And Vietnamese Buddhists have religious reasons to fast, which often means abstaining from meat. Full moon is a moment many street vendors prepare delicious vegetarian snacks. Street Food Vietnam (in Dutch only) describes several 'full moon recipes' and many vegetarian snacks.
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KOSOVO: RAMADAN |
During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, many Kosovar fast during the day and prepare delicious food at night. Beautiful tasty pies, stuffed peppers, byrek (filled pastries) or sweets, you'll find all these and a lot more in Street Food Kosovo (available in English and Dutch).
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ZANZIBAR: BIRYANI | |
Biryani, a spiced rice dish, is very popular during Ramadan, when after sunset family and friends gather to share a meal. I was familiar with this dish from India, but I also very much enjoyed the Zanzibari version with a tasty 'red' and 'yellow' sauce that the women served with the biryani. You will have to wait for this recipe, though! Work is in progress for my next book. Tasty recipes from the island of spices. I will keep you posted.
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INDIA: AYURVEDA | |
Many traditions in India advice fasting. Tuesday ('mangalvar'), for instance, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. To worship this monkey god, people fast on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset.
In Ayurveda (a holistic healing system), fasting is not so much about going without food, but rather eating a light, balanced meal based on your personal energies. Mung dal, made with lentils, is generally considered a very healthy meal. Street Food India (Dutch only) describes several dals.
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Although I have changed the name Street Food World into Local Kitchen Stories, that doesn't change the basic idea behind these books: sharing with those in need. Half of the proceeds of my books is and will be shared with initiatives in Kosovo, Vietnam, India and - soon - Zanzibar. Read more about the projects on the website. |
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