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Are you searching for a halal cooking method for meat? You are not alone in finding halal cooking techniques or methods online.
Did you know that spices were expensive and equal to gold and silver in the Middle Ages? It sounds strange, right? But yeah, at the beginning of human history, spices like pepper, cinnamon, and cloves were rare and highly desirable. Due to their use in food, people traded them in exchange for gold and silver.
People used to pay rent, dowries, and even taxes in exchange for cooking ingredients. Every culture’s cooking method is different. Islam, is the second-largest religion, provides dietary rules to Muslims. The nutritional rules following halal standards are somewhat different from usual cooking methods.
This guide is here to help you understand which things distinguish halal from haram, Halal ingredients, halal cooking techniques that follow the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and how to avoid haram ingredients.
But before jumping straight into the halal cooking techniques, let’s discover the difference between haram and halal.
9 points what makes Food Halal or Haram?
- Halal food is allowed for consumption in Islam, while haram is forbidden.
- The concept of halal and haram applies to both food and drink in Islam.
- Halal food is prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. The rules include specific guidelines for how animals are slaughtered and the ingredients used.
- Haram food includes any type of pork products, alcohol, and meat from animals that were not slaughtered according to Islamic principles.
- Eating halal food is seen as a form of worship in Islam while consuming haram food is considered a sin.
- Halal food is believed to be healthier and more wholesome for the body and soul.
- The consumption of halal food is encouraged by Islamic teachings, while haram food is strictly prohibited.
- Some foods fall into a gray area known as “mashbooh,” meaning doubtful. These foods may require further clarification to determine if they are halal or haram.
- Eating halal food promotes mindfulness and consciousness in one’s consumption, leading to a more conscious and intentional way of life.
So far, we have learned how halal and haram is different, so let’s explore some halal cooking techniques.
5 Essential Halal Cooking Techniques
1: Source Halal Ingredients:
The first step in any cooking method is sourcing. When cooking halal food, make sure to source halal-certified ingredients. The lawful ingredients include meat, poultry, and other animal products (slaughtered according to Islamic law).
Before making a purchase, ensure that you buy from trusted suppliers who adhere to Islamic guidelines. You can confirm the products’ standards as halal by halal certification on the packaging.
2: Separate Halal and Non-Halal Items:
If you live in a non Muslim country where halal and haram products are used, you need to exercise greater caution. Make sure to keep halal and haram products separate, using different cutting boards, knives, and storage areas.
To maintain a high level of purity, avoid cross-contamination, as it may cause problems. Clear labeling and dedicated storage spaces for halal items help maintain this separation.
3: Cleaning and Purity: It’s Half Of Faith:
Cleanliness is half of faith in Islam. So, while cooking the halal food recipes, it’s essential to clean everything that will be used. Suppose you are about to prepare a meal. Clean the kitchen, equipment, and hands properly.
Purity aligns with Islamic principles and produces hygienic food. Make sure to use natural cleaning agents (free from alcohol and other forbidden substances) when cleaning.
4: Marinate With Halal Herbs:
As we all know, marination enhances the flavor of meat and poultry. So, when marinating food, make sure to use halal products. For example, use yogurt, lemon juice, herbs, and spices to flavor your food.
To enhance the taste of your meal, add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. It’s essential to ensure that all marinating ingredients are halal-certified. Marinating meat overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and results in a flavorful dish.
5: Slow Cooking in Halal Cuisine:
Islam encourages moderation in all aspects of life. This includes cooking, where moderate heat helps prepare food thoughtfully and healthily. Most of the time, people find slow cooking ideal for preparing tender and flavorful halal dishes.
Slow cooking involves cooking food at a low temperature over an extended period. You can use slow cookers and traditional clay pots. This technique is perfect if you like stews, curries, and braised meats.
Conclusion
Halal cooking techniques encompass a range of practices. The reason behind this list is to ensure that Islamic dietary laws prepare food. From sourcing ingredients to employing various cooking methods, each step plays a vital role in maintaining the morality of halal food.
By learning and applying these techniques, anyone can prepare delicious and respectful halal meals. Whether cooking at home or in a professional setting, adhering to these principles makes food nutritious and flavorful.
Have you ever tried any halal dishes at home? If not, give it a try and share your experience with us.
