Ramzan is around the corner and all over the world Muslims are fully engaged in preparations for yet another month of praying, fasting, and feasting! However, why do people fast during the holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan? People fast for spiritual reasons, which also in turn detox their body and mind against temptations and cravings, making their iftar very special!
As a ritual, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, refraining from having food as well as water. While fasting, people wake up before dawn to eat suhoor (a healthy and fulfilling food to keep them energetic all through the day while fasting). After dusk, people celebrate iftar by breaking their fast, usually consisting of protein-rich meat-based recipes and delectable sweet dishes to keep their energy levels high for the next day.
Here we bring to you an array of popular Ramadan dishes prepared during Ramzan all over the world!
Top 10 traditional Ramadan recipes you must try this Ramzan…
- Date Shakes
- Zaatar Manakish
- Biryani
- Chicken Fattoush
- Lentil soup
- Meatball curry
- Shawarma
- Sheer khurma recipe
- Shahi Tukda recipe
- Kunafa
1. Date Shakes:
Having healthy and filling shakes early in the morning is a much better option than having tea or coffee. One can start Suhoor with delicious and nutritious date shakes which are easy to prepare in less time. A creamy date shake, rich in fibre is well-balanced to keep you energized the whole day long. A mix of soaked dates, one banana, chia seeds, a pinch of cinnamon, rolled oats and milk is enough to set you for the day!
2. Zaatar Manakish:
This is yet another amazing traditional Ramadan recipe for your Suhoor! Manakish is nothing but a popular flatbread, a staple of Middle East cuisine during Suhoor. Baked with the goodness of olive oil and spiced with fragrant zaatar (a spice blend consisting of sesame seeds and oregano), and salty cheese, this dish is very fulfilling during your Ramzan fasting.
3. Biryani:
Biryani is a stable Ramadan recipe during Iftar. One can find a plethora of biryani dishes served during Ramzan. A sumptuous keema biryani or classic mutton biryani, nourished with an array of spices such as saffron, cardamoms, cloves, cumin seeds, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon, makes it one of the must-have dishes during Ramzan. One can also go for chicken biryani, Gongura biryani, or Awadhi biryani (cooked in dum style), to name a few. Though biryani takes time and requires a certain level of culinary skills, once ready, it is one of the most aromatic dishes during Iftar.
4. Chicken Fattoush:
Chicken Fattoush is yet another one of the classic Iftar recipes or Iftar items. It is a Middle East salad recipe, accompanied by pitta bread, made quickly and easily. The main ingredients include lettuce, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, cucumber, spring onions, ground sumac, pitta bread, and most importantly, cooked chicken pieces as the star ingredient. A good blend of all these ingredients, topped with grilled pita bread pieces, makes it irresistible!
5. Lentil soup:
It is always better to break your Ramzan fast with a lentil soup, that is super nourishing, yummy, and provides one with the required fluids. This Iftar recipe is a vegan recipe with the least amount of ingredients and is super easy to prepare. In a pot stir spices like cumin, turmeric, pepper and carrots, onions, and potatoes. Add split red lentils and water to it and cook well, until the soup is ready to be served with lemon juice and fresh parsley.
6. Meatball curry:
Healthy iftar recipes also include a wholesome meal of meatballs dipped in spiced curry, served with roti or naan! The meatballs are made with minced meat, flavoured with spices like cumin seeds, cloves, coriander powder, cinnamon, turmeric and chilli powder, ginger, and garlic. Cook these meatballs in a delicious gravy of tomatoes and onions, with a dash of coconut milk on top.
7. Shawarma:
It’s really hard to avoid the mouth-watering chicken shawarma during Iftar. Apart from being a popular street food in the Middle East, it is a great recipe for breaking your Ramzan fast too! Made with marinated thinly sliced chicken, shawarma is filled with a variety of ingredients like lettuce, onions, and tomatoes wrapped in wheat wraps. It is garnished with marinade sauce and mint leaves.
8. Sheer khurma recipe:
Now, coming to a few sweet desserts prepared during Ramzan, let’s begin with the popular Iftar recipe - Sheer Khurma. Sheer Khurma is a pudding made with pure ghee and the goodness of dried dates. Sheer Khurma is made with roasted crushed vermicelli, and soaked dry fruits like dates, almonds, cashews, and chironji. It is a little time-consuming recipe as milk is simmered for a long time to achieve the creamy texture.
9. Shahi Tukda recipe:
Shahi Tudka is one of the typical Hyderabad and Old Delhi Ramadan dishes. It is a rich recipe made with sugar syrup and bread. This royal dessert is made with fried bread slices dipped in sugar syrup and finally garnished with rich cream, almonds, pistachios, and tutti frutti.
10. Kunafa:
Kunafa is a very popular Arabian dessert made with kataifi (a spun pastry), soaked in a sugar-based syrup (attar), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Though different versions of Kunafa are available, one can make it with layered cheese, clotted cream, nuts, and soft ricotta cheese. The main ingredient, fine semolina dough, makes this dessert very crunchy and delicious during Iftar.
For all your home décor needs such as contemporary wall décor, exquisite showpieces, and bright wall lamps, visit us at vaaree.com today and find an array of home decor solutions under one roof!
FAQs:
1. What are the different types of cuisines featured in these traditional Ramzan recipes?
Different types of cuisines featured in these traditional Ramadan recipes are Arabic, Hyderabadi, and Old Delhi styles.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options included in the recipes?
Yes, some vegan Ramadan dishes are lentil soup, berry smoothie, chickpea and spinach pitas, banana oatmeal, and chilled cucumber basil soup.
3. Do the recipes specify the level of difficulty or cooking time involved?
Yes, some Ramadan recipes are made very quickly with ease and others might take a longer time with detailed cooking.
4. Are there any specific ingredients that are difficult to find?
Most of the ingredients are easy to find. However, some ingredients may be specific to a particular place, which can easily be replaced by their substitutes.
