Ilhan Mohamed Abdi, a London-based culinary talent, has redefined how we approach Ramadan cooking with her debut cookbook, *The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast*. Released amidst personal challenges, including recovery from brain surgery, Abdi’s collection of recipes combines the rich flavours of her Somali-Egyptian heritage with the demands of contemporary life, making traditional dishes accessible for busy families.
A Journey from Inspiration to Publication
The vibrant spirit of Abdi’s culinary journey took flight during lockdown, when she engaged her growing Instagram following of 265,000 with live cooking sessions. “I started a Ramadan series online, inviting people to join me in cooking,” she recalls. These interactive sessions not only showcased her recipes but also demonstrated that delicious meals could be prepared in a fraction of the time typically expected. One standout dish, her 15-minute Somali rice, has become a hallmark of her approach, proving that quick cooking need not sacrifice flavour or tradition.
Abdi’s passion for food is deeply rooted in her childhood, where she spent countless hours observing her mother in the kitchen. “I absolutely loved it. I didn’t bore of it at all,” she reminisces. Yet, as a modern mother, she recognised the need to adapt traditional recipes to fit the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s families. In her cookbook, she dedicates sections to both suhoor—the pre-dawn meal—and iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, ensuring that the essence of Ramadan is preserved throughout.
Balancing Tradition with Modernity
In her culinary repertoire, Abdi draws on the flavours of her heritage while also embracing the efficiency required by today’s cooks. “A lot of it comes from my own culture, my own heritage. It’s influenced heavily by that,” she explains. Her recipes reflect a blend of Somali and Arab influences, all while maintaining a focus on simplicity and accessibility. Dishes like chicken shawarma and oxtail stew are featured alongside lighter options, such as date shakes and croissant bread pudding, demonstrating that modern iftar can cater to a variety of tastes and occasions.
Abdi’s desire to preserve familial traditions while adapting to contemporary needs extends to her daughter, Amaana. “I want to create that same sense of comfort and memory for her,” she states. By involving her child in the cooking process, she hopes to pass down cherished memories and recipes that will resonate for generations to come.
Celebrating Diversity in Cookery
Abdi’s cookbook is not solely for those observing Ramadan; it’s an invitation for everyone to explore the richness of Somali-Egyptian cuisine. “The book is absolutely for everyone,” she asserts. For those curious about Ramadan customs, she recommends starting with her samosas or syrup-soaked fried dough balls, which evoke fond memories of her own Ramadan experiences.
Her culinary philosophy is underscored by her belief in the importance of representation in the food world. “There are so many more Muslims in the world than, let’s say, vegetarians and vegans,” she points out, advocating for more diverse cookbooks that reflect the varied culinary landscapes of global communities.
An Invitation to Experience Ramadan
With Ramadan approaching this year from the evening of Tuesday, 17 February to Wednesday, 18 March, Abdi’s cookbook serves as an essential guide for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers alike. It encourages readers not only to prepare delightful meals but also to embrace the deeper cultural and spiritual significance of the month.
Why it Matters
Ilhan Mohamed Abdi’s *The Ramadan Kitchen* goes beyond being just a cookbook; it is a celebration of culture, family, and the adaptability of tradition in a modern context. By bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary living, Abdi not only enriches our culinary landscape but also fosters understanding and appreciation for the diverse traditions that shape our world. Through her work, she highlights the importance of food in bringing families together, especially during significant times like Ramadan, making her contributions essential in today’s multicultural society.
