Best Halal Recipes for Classic UK Delicacies

The United Kingdom boasts a variety of delicious delicacies that reflect its rich culinary heritage and extensive history. With these mouthwatering cuisines being a staple in the country, recreating halal versions of these dishes might be an interesting activity. Here are some notable ones for you to try to recreate!

Fish & Chips

Image Credit: Andy Wang on Unsplash

Fish and chips are the quintessential English dish that locals and visitors love. Imagine biting into a golden, crispy fish filet, perfectly seasoned and freshly fried. The crunchiness is simply irresistible! The secret to the best fish and chips lies in the batter. Traditionally, dark beer creates a light and tender coating, but baking soda is a fantastic Halal alternative that adds extra crunch.

Do opt for cod, haddock, or pollock for the fish, and always use the freshest catch for the best flavor. For perfect timing, fry the chips first, then the fish, and finish with another round of chips. This ensures both components are hot and ready to enjoy simultaneously. Here is the recipe to make a Halal version of Fish & Chips:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 fresh fish filets (cod, haddock, etc.)
• Corn on the cob
• Beans
• Potatoes for chips

For the batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup corn flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• Salt and freshly crushed black pepper
• Water

For the dry mix:

• 1/4 cup corn flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper powder

For the chips:

• Two medium-large potatoes
• Salt
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Thinly chop and wash potatoes to remove starch. Boil for 5-6 minutes on low.
2. Superb in ice water, drain, and dry with kitchen towels.
3. Fry chips for 8-10 minutes.
4. Mix batter ingredients to a loose consistency. Set aside.
5. Cut fish filets lengthwise, coat in dry mix, dip in batter, and fry for 4 minutes on each side.
6. Fry leftover chips to ensure everything stays warm.
7. Serve hot fish with crispy chips, boiled corn, and steamed beans or mushy peas.

Read more: 10 Iconic Mosques To Visit in the United Kingdom

Victoria Sponge

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The Victoria sponge cake, not to be mistaken for a regular sponge cake, is a versatile and cherished classic British dessert. Known as the Victoria sandwich cake, this two-layer delight is filled with strawberry jam and whipped cream and then dusted with granulated sugar.

Victoria Sponge cake gets its name from Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901 and reportedly enjoyed a slice with her afternoon tea. The light and airy sponge, combined with the rich filling, became synonymous with the teatime tradition that the queen popularized. As a result, the cake was named in her honor, commemorating her significant influence on British culinary and social customs. Here is the recipe to make the Halal version of the classic Victoria Sponge.

Ingredients:

For the Sponge:

• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) caster sugar
• Four large eggs
• 200g (1 2/3 cups) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

For the Filling:

• 4 tbsp strawberry jam
• 250ml (1 cup) whipping cream
• 1 tbsp icing sugar (optional)

For the Topping:

• Granulated sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Prepare two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins by greasing and lining them.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, mix the butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour into the mixture and fold it gently. Add the vanilla extract and milk and mix until smooth.
4. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Smooth the tops and bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Filling: While the cakes are cooling, whip the cream with the icing sugar (if using) until it holds soft peaks.
7. Assemble the Cake: Place one sponge on a serving plate and spread the strawberry jam evenly over it. Spread the whipped cream over the jam. Then, put the second sponge on top and lightly press down.
8. Finish the Cake: Dust the top of the cake with granulated sugar. Add some sliced strawberries for decoration.

Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Image Credit: Oxfordian Kissuth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shepherd's pie is a UK delicacy with deep historical roots. Originating in the late 18th century, it was born out of practicality, using leftover roasted meat, typically lamb or mutton. Named for its connection to shepherds and rural life, it symbolizes British culinary tradition and comfort. Made with simple, local ingredients like potatoes and vegetables, it remains a beloved dish in British households, pubs, and restaurants.

Its versatility and adaptability have kept it a staple, with variations like cottage pie. Overall, shepherd's pie embodies the essence of traditional British cooking and continues to be cherished today.

Here's how you can make a Halal version of Shepherd's Pie in the comfort of your home!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 500g of ground lamb or beef (Halal-certified)
• One large onion, finely chopped
• Two cloves garlic, minced
• Two carrots diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth (Halal-certified)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Halal-certified)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 1 kg of potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Set aside.
2. Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat while the potatoes are cooking. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground lamb or beef, cook until browned, and break it apart with a spoon.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary into the mixture.
4. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, until the carrots are tender and the sauce has thickened. Mix in the frozen peas and cook for an extra 2 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them out evenly to cover the meat mixture completely. Use a fork to create a pattern on the top of the mashed potatoes, if desired.
6. Bake the Pie: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve: Let the shepherd's pie cool for a few minutes before serving. 

Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

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Scones are considered a UK delicacy due to their historical significance, association with afternoon tea, and versatility for various occasions. They're deeply rooted in British culinary traditions, come in regional variations, and are a cultural icon of British cuisine.

Here is the recipe to make Scones with clotted cream and jam, perfect for your afternoon tea with friends.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• One tablespoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup milk (ensure it's Halal-certified)
• One large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Halal-friendly clotted cream
• Halal-friendly jam (such as strawberry or raspberry)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Put parchment paper on the baking sheet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
5. Form Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball.
6. Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough to about 2.5 cm (1 inch).
7. Cut Scones: Use a floured round cutter (about 5 cm or 2 inches in diameter) to remove scones from the dough. Put them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone. 
8. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the scones with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
9. Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they are risen and golden brown.
10. Serve: Once cooled slightly, split the scones in half and serve with generous Halal-friendly clotted cream and jam dollops.

These Halal scones are perfect for enjoying with tea or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Enjoy!

Classic English Breakfast

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The English breakfast has deep roots in British history, evolving from a simple meal to a hearty spread over centuries. Originating in the 19th century, it was initially a response to the needs of laborers during the Industrial Revolution.

Over time, it became a symbol of British culture and hospitality, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Today, the English breakfast remains a beloved tradition, known for its hearty flavors and comforting appeal, whether enjoyed at home or in a cozy café. It reflects the essence of British culinary heritage and continues to evoke a sense of tradition and nostalgia. 

Here's a simple Halal English breakfast recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 Halal-certified beef or turkey sausages
• 4 Halal-certified beef or turkey bacon slices
• Four eggs
• Two large tomatoes halved
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• One can (400g) baked beans
• Four slices of bread
• Butter or olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausages and Bacon: In a non-stick skillet, cook the sausages and bacon over medium heat until browned and cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, set aside.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a little butter or olive oil, if needed. Cook the halved tomatoes and sliced mushrooms until softened and lightly browned. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Once cooked, set aside.
3. Heat the Baked Beans: Heat the baked beans over low heat in a small saucepan until warmed through.
4. Cook the Eggs: Fry, scramble, or poach the eggs according to your preference in the same skillet (or a separate one).
5. Toast the Bread: Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
6. Assemble the Breakfast: Arrange the cooked sausages, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggs, baked beans, and toast on serving plates.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the English breakfast immediately, accompanied by your favorite condiments like ketchup.

Final Words

Whether you savor the crispy goodness of fish and chips, indulge in the sweetness of Victoria Sponge, relish the hearty comfort of Shepherd's pie, savor the aromatic sweetness of scones, or start your day with the satisfying simplicity of an English Breakfast, these recipes bring people together through the joy of food. We hope you love these shared recipes and try them at home.

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