A Yemeniyah's Recipes

In a hadith narrated by Ad-Daylami: “We came to the Prophet (Peace and Blessing be Upon Him) and said to him: ‘O Messenger of Allah, you know who we are, from where we are and to whom we have come.’ He said: ‘To Allah and His Messenger.’ We said: “O Messenger of Allah, we have grapes; what should we do with them?’ He said: ‘Make them raisins.’ We then asked: ‘What should we do with raisins?’ He replied: ‘Steep them in the morning and drink in the evening, and steep them in the evening and drink in the morning. Steep them in skin vessels and do not steep them in earthen jar, for if it is delayed in pressing, it becomes vinegar.’ [Sunan Abu Dawud]

Of raisins the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said,  “What an excellent food raisins are; they relieve fatigue, cool away rage, strengthen the nerves, ameliorate flavor, treat phlegm, and clear skin color” (Al-Dhahabi). It is also noted by Al-Bukhari that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) would often soak raisins in water and drink it. This is a Sunnah maintained by people from Yemen. In the Old City of Sana’a “Naqee’e Al Enab” is sold as it is in many restaurants around the city. Yemen is known for its grapes that have become proverbial among Arabs.

There are a number of ways that you can make this drink.

Method One [the one that I used]: 

1) 3 cups of water

2) 3 tbsp of sugar [more or less depending on how sweet your grapes are]

3) 1 cup of black raisins . If you do not have Yemeni raisins which are among the best in the world, then you can use Chilean Fire Flame Raisins sold at your local organic store like Fresh Market or Earthfare]. You want some good quality raisins. Make sure you wash them.

Bring water and sugar to a rolling boil. Turn off add the raisins and cover immediately. When cool, refrigerate for 2 days and no longer than that. Sieve into glasses and serve cold.

Method 2: 

1) 3 cups of water

2) 1 cup of black raisins .

Boil water. Add raisins and cover. Leave in refrigerator for 1-2 days and enjoy.

Method 3: 

1) 3 cups of water

2) 1 cup of black raisins.

Boil water. Add raisins and cover. Leave in refrigerator for 1 day. Blend water and soaked raisins in a blender and then run through a sieve and serve. This will have a thicker consistency and darker color.

* Will be trying other  colors of raisins soon and posting Insha Allah.

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Ginger is mentioned in the Qur’an as being one of the flavors of the drinks in Jannah [Paradise].

Allah [Subahanahu Wa Ta’ala] says, “And they will be given to drink a cup whose mixture is of ginger” [76:17]

Here’s a simple drink made from fresh ginger on earth in anticipation insha Allah of things to come in the Jannah of the Hereafter. This recipe was given to me by my Sister Arwa Almas. You will need:

1)  Fresh ginger, about the size of your forefinger  [comes to about 2 tbslp] or less if that’s too strong for you. Washed and peeled.

2) 1 cup of cold water

3) honey to sweeten to taste [or sugar if you prefer]

In a blender place all ingredients, and blend until they all come together. Sieve, and pour into glass. Adjust the sweetness if necessary. Refrigerate or add some ice cubes and enjoy.

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