Friday, 27 June 2014

Ramadan Recipes :; Iftar Recipes :: Recipes for Ramzaan

Ramadan Kareem to all my readers and friends !

The time of the year is here, again where Muslims across the world honour the revelation of the Islamic Holy Book “Quran”.  Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was revealed. They keep a month long fast to celebrate and honour the same. I am not a Muslim by religion, but I have had several Muslim friends and roommates and hence I do have some knowledge about this Month specially the food which I was always more interested in. 

  •   Eating healthy and right is very important during Ramadan. In this post,  I am listing down a few recipes which can be useful to plan a healthy and balanced menu ahead for Sehri (Suhoor) or Iftar. Here are some tips I have learnt from my friends, to keep yourselves fit and healthy during this time. 

  •   Always eat the Suhur/ Sehri  meal - While you may want to pass to catch some more sleep, remember that you can always take a catnap while you're fasting, but you won't be able to eat or drink. The food eaten during this time should be light yet high in fiber so to keep you full for longer during the day. If you eat too much of sweet or salt at this time, your body will demand water very shortly leaving you restless all day.
  •  Limit your fat intake - That's right, limit it--don't cut it out. Otherwise you'll have to get rid of what's considered "traditional" Iftar food in most Muslim cultures. If you're not sure what kind of food is being referred to, think fried, greasy and/or super sweet. 

  •        Engage in some light exercise - Before you fall over from exhaustion after Iftar and dinner, take a short walk around the block or just around your building. The change of environment and exposure to fresh air will keep your body from sagging   

  •      Take a short afternoon nap - During lunch hour, find a quiet spot, set the alarm on your watch or cell phone and take a short nap. This would help your body adjust to the daily Ramadan schedule that requires waking up early for the Suhoor meal. 

  •         Make healthier food choices – it’s very easy to feel captivated by the variety of food served during Iftaar, but it could be very harmful in the  long run and towards the end of this Month you might end up gaining some extra pounds instead of dropping some. For example, you may plan your menu with a light starters/soup and less oily food few days if not possible in all days. For breaking fast try to drink juice/milkshake instead of tea; have your tea/coffee later if it's must for you.  

  •   Keep your meals balanced- Your food intake should be simple and not differ too much from your normal diet. It should contain foods from all the major food groups:

  1. fruit and vegetables
  2. bread, cereals and potatoes
  3. meat, fish, or alternatives
  4. milk and dairy foods
  5. foods containing fat and sugar


Remember - The underlying message behind Ramadan is self-discipline and self-control, this shouldn't fall apart at the end of the day. 

Keeping in mind the above pointers, I am listing down a few “healthier” Vegetarian recipes so you could plan your meals in advance and hence work towards keeping it balanced. 


Refreshing Drinks to keep you hydrated




Snacks for Suhoor ( Sehri) or Iftar  time


Paneer Tikka - Made on stove top, no oven required

Kordoi -  Whole wheat spiced crispies


Cous Cous Salad - with chickpeas and vegetables
Baked Spinach Samosa - Feta cheese and spinach parcels


Chutneys, Dips and Raitas for your snacks and Mains


Spinach Yoghurt Raita  :: Paalak ka Raita
Beetroot Yoghurt Raita :: Chukandar ka raita
Pineapple Raita :: with pomegranate ( Anaar )
Main Courses to fill you up


Hyderabadi Vegetable Dumm Biryani - Stove top and Oven both versions 
Zarda - Sweet Rice preparation with saffron and nuts 



Shakshuka : Baked Eggs in rich Tomato sauce with Spinach and Kale
Baked Eggs - in Spinach and spicy Potato mash






Paneer Pudina:: Paneer in Mint and Coriander gravy

Restaurant style Matar Paneer :: Paneer with green peas
Kadhayi Paneer - Paneer with capsicum
Cashew Chilli Paneer - Paneer with cashews and bell peppers


Chana Dal  Vada curry :: Bengal gram fritters in buttermilk based gravy

Malayi Kofta - Paneer cutlets in rich tomato gravy
Breads for Essential Carbohydrates 








Some healthier Desserts to keep up the energy levels


Amrakhand :: Mango Shreekhand :: Mango infused Greek Yoghurt Dessert
Almond Halwa :: Badam ka halwa 
Carrot Halwa :: Gajar / Gaazar ka halwa
Khubani ka meetha - Apricot Pudding from Hyderabad



Cabbage Kheer :: Patta Gobhi ki Kheer





For more Ramadan recipe updates , visit this Pinterest Board and follow. I will keep on updating this post and the Pinterest board with new recipes as and when I post them
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