Halal Charcuterie boards have become quite popular over the last few years. It’s not surprising since they are simple to make. Plus, there are so many options, you can easily make one to feed a crowd. Or at least a couple of teenagers. (Those kids can really pile it in! IYKYK!) Anyway, despite charcuterie boards being so popular, you may not have heard about halal charcuterie. These boards are quite similar to regular charcuterie boards. They simply have foods that are considered halal foods. Today, we will discuss what you need to know about halal, as well as how to make one of these boards.
What is Halal Food?
Halal food, as well as the halal lifestyle, are part of Muslim culture. Don’t think you need to be a Muslim to enjoy this delicious cuisine though. Actually, you probably already enjoy certain halal foods. You simply don’t realize they fall in the halal food category with Halal Charcuterie just to name a few.
Let’s begin with the meaning of halal. This is an Arabic word. It means lawful or permitted.
Using the word halal with food, basically creates a meaning of only consuming food that is good for you. If you stick to a halal diet, you would need to avoid foods that are considered unhealthy.
In order for a food to be considered halal, it must go through a specific process. This process begins right at the farm and continues until it reaches a package or a plate.
Some foods are labeled as halal such as Halal Charcuterie. Those foods are deemed safe to eat as halal foods. The reason for this is any food that is labeled as halal, always goes through halal certification. If a food doesn’t pass the certification, it would never be labeled as halal.
If a food isn’t labeled as halal, it still may fall under the guidelines. However, strict halal food followers won’t take their chances. They will only purchase foods with a halal label.
Any food that isn’t halal is considered a forbidden food. The term for those foods is haram. You will never see haram foods eaten by strict halal food followers.
The History of Halal Foods
The definition of halal is straight from the Quran. However, within the verses of the Quran, it appears the definition of both halal and haram are vague. Therefore, some people have their own interpretations of what these words mean. This is why some people are stricter with their halal diets than others.
Many people compare the Muslim culture to the Jewish culture when discussing dietary restrictions. However, the difference between the two cultures is quite large. The only similarity that is worth noting is that animals must be slaughtered in a humane way.
All halal meat must be from an animal who was slaughtered with minimal suffering. The pronouncement of God’s name must also be done during the slaughtering process. This ensures the animal has been sacrificed to God in the appropriate way.
Halal Food Examples
There are quite a few halal food examples that we can share with you. We won’t go into the details with every single one. However, we will share the ones you should be aware of.
First, understand that all halal foods must be free from ingredients that are considered haram foods. If a dish contains even a single haram food, it should not be eaten.
The following foods are considered to be halal:
- Seafood
- Pasta
- Desserts and Pastry Items
- Breads and Other Bread Products
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Coffee and Tea
- Seasonings
- Fruit
- Honey
- Peanut Butter
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Vegetables
- French Fries
- Soups
- Sauces
- Jams
While there are other halal foods not on this list, you should know that there is also a list of haram foods. One of the main haram items is alcohol.
Guidelines for Preparing Halal Foods
There are specific guidelines that must be followed when you are preparing halal foods. This includes a halal charcuterie board.
- All utensils, glasses, serving dishes, and surfaces food will be prepared on must be thoroughly cleaned.
- All halal meats must be prepared on their own chopping board. You must use a specific prepping area, as well as a specific knife, for this task.
- If using non-halal meats or foods, separate them into different containers.
- When preparing meat in the oven, all halal meat must go on the top rack. All non-halal meat should be placed on the bottom rack.
- Never serve halal meat and non-halal meat at the same time. This prevents confusion.
- Different utensils should be used to serve both halal and non-halal meats and other foods.
- All fried foods must be prepared in vegetable oil.
- All salads should only contain halal meat and halal cheese.
- Only margarine and vegetable oils can be used to prepare cakes and other desserts.
How to Make a Halal Charcuterie Board
It is now time to make your own halal charcuterie board. We will list out all the ingredients before sharing the instructions for making this halal board.
Halal Charcuterie Board Ingredients
- Round of Brie Cheese
- Honey
- 4 Wrapped Cheese Triangles
- Pear – Cut in Slices
- 2 Plums – Cut in Slices
- Handful of Grapes – Can Leave on the Stems
- Apple – Cut in Slices
- Handful of Pomegranate Seeds
- Ham
- Handful of Dried Apricots
- Salami
- Meat Sticks
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Crostini
- Swiss Cheese – Sliced
- Cheddar Cheese – Cubed
**It is important to note that some companies offer the cheeses above certified as halal. Others do not. Make sure you choose your cheeses carefully when preparing this halal charcuterie board.
Instructions
- Grab your favorite round charcuterie board. To follow all halal guidelines, make sure this board and everything you are using is cleaned just prior to use.
- Place the round of brie slightly off center on the board.
- Place a small container filled with honey next to the brie.
- The triangle wedges of cheese should be placed with the pointy end in between the brie and honey.
- The sliced pear should be placed next to the honey. Leave a little space between the two for the pomegranate seeds.
- Add the sliced plums next to the pear with more pomegranate seeds along the edge of the board.
- The dried apricots are next and should be placed next to the plums.
- Add the grapes between the apricots and the brie.
- On the other side of the pear, add the sliced apple.
- Create an accordion file with your ham and place a few slices next to the apple. More ham should be placed on the other side of the brie.
- Meat sticks should be placed next to the ham and apple.
- Salami should be placed to the side of the meat sticks, along the side of the board.
- Add the cherry tomatoes next to the salami.
- Crostini should be laid out next to the tomatoes with the swiss cheese in between the crostini and the dried apricots.
- You will have a little bit of space left on your charcuterie board. Fill those spaces in with the blueberries and cubed cheese.
Your board is now ready to be served!
Preparing and serving a halal charcuterie board is not difficult. You simply need to know what halal foods are and prepare them properly. If you are looking for an easy charcuterie board to serve to friends and family, try this halal board. It is sure to be a hit!
