In this edition of Saa Nasta learn about the rollercoaster ride of motherhood, how to make a quick begun baazi or eggplant stirfry with garden-fresh ingredients. Find out about upcoming community happens.
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Mothers can make a difference
This week I spoke to Mommying While Muslim, a podcast dedicated to uplifting voices of American Muslim women. Created in a post 9/11 world, MWM featured news reporters all month.
Check out my episode “Mothers Reporting The News,” where I talk about motherhood, accepting God-given talents for the greater good, and embracing changes that come with parenting, working, and life.
Begun Baazi: Eggplants for dinner
This week I picked the last bits of harvest from my garden. I captured these ingredients: string beans, peas, thai chili peppers, eggplants and tomatoes.
In many Bangladeshi households, farm-to-table is a normal part of living. It’s common to pick vegetables and cook whatever is ready to eat! In Bangladeshi cuisine, you can make a simple stirfry with some of these ingredients and a simple base: onion, salt and turmeric, and chili peppers. One of my favorites is begun (bey-goon) baazi, or eggplant stirfry.
Eggplants are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and are great for diabetes due to having polyphenols. They contain calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium.
Begun Baazi Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp oil
1 small onion - sliced
2-3 chili peppers - sliced into rings (leave whole for flavor without the heat)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 large eggplant or 4 small eggplants - diced
1/2 cup cilantro for garnish - chopped
Method:
Sautee the onions in the oil, salt, turmeric and chili peppers for about 5 min. in a pan.
Wash eggplant thoroughly with a colander over a bowl.
Add cubed eggplant to the pan. Let it cook for about 10 min. Stir occasionally every 2-3 min.
Turn off the stove when eggplant cooks through.
Garnish with cilantro.
Serve with rice or pita.
Note: If you’re not an eggplant fan, replace it with a vegetable of your choice and adjust cooking time to how long it take to cook that vegetable.
Suggestions: string beans, spinach, mixed veggies
Community News:
End-of-Summer Festival
Community organizations are hosting a carnival tomorrow at Masjid Al-Falah parking lot from 12-4 p.m., with free book bags while supplies last. Donate supplies here: icnarelief.org/b2s.
Redistricting Meeting
A redistricting meeting will be held in Hamtramck on August 30 at the Gates of Columbus Banquet Hall. Redistricting is a process to redraw the electoral district boundaries to assign representatives in those districts.
The program will be held from 6-8 p.m. More information here.