Ramadan Food Idea: 15 Dishes to Serve during Ramadan
- Ramadan
- November 24, 2021
- 12 minutes read
- Ramadan is the month wherein Muslims grow spiritually and become closer to Allah.
- Ramadan is known for its family gatherings, delicious food, and special sweets served after long hours of fasting.
- There are various different dishes, soups, sweets, and drinks served around the world.
- These foods in this Ramadan food idea are full of minerals, vitamins, and more.
- Good nutrition during Ramadan is a must in order to avoid malnutrition and dehydration.
The Holy month of Ramadan is known for its family gatherings, delicious food, and the special sweets served on Iftar. During this time, Muslims grow spiritually and become closer to Allah, their families, and loved ones.
What are the most popular food dishes served during Ramadan?
Every country and region has its own food culture and traditions. Below you will find 15 different kinds of soups, salads, dishes, sweets, and beverages served.
What is Ramadan?
The Holy Month of Ramadan is a period of fasting celebrated by Muslims. For thirty days, they gather after their sunset prayer and break their fast with a meal called Iftar. This is shared with friends and family members. During this month, people also do charitable work and focus on prayers. They also commit to ditching bad habits, donating money, and feeding the poor.
15 Ramadan food idea to try
1. Dates
Dates are the perfect natural food for Ramadan! They will restore the fuel lost during the day and give you instant energy. Dates are traditionally used to break the fasting that lasts from sunrise until sunset. They were mentioned many times in the Qur’an, as the Prophet said that the best way to break the fast is by having dates.
What are the characteristics of this magical fruit?
Dates are low in calories. They are mostly fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sodium. They are also rich in Vitamin A beta-carotene folate, and Vitamin D complexes. These are crucial for muscle building and repairing.
Dates are also rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Basically, this tiny food will restore all the drained energy and minerals lost during the long hours of fasting.
Dates can be served in many different ways. In the Middle East, they are found in pastry shops stuffed with walnuts, almonds, lemon peel, pistachios, and many other stuffings. The most popular recipe is known as Maamoul, which is a Middle Eastern cookie filled with date pudding.
Dates can be easily added to your meals too. Try pitting and chopping them into salads, shakes, smoothies, cake dough, sandwiches, and even pasta!
2. Lentil Soup
Before starting with the main meals, lentil soup is a must. It can prepare your stomach to receive food after long hours of fasting. Lentils are rich in protein: each 100g has about 9g of protein. They contain many minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. This soup is highly nutritious. It is sometimes served with a mix of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, potatoes, and others.
3. Fattoush
After having those dates and soup, it’s time for a special Lebanese salad called Fattoush. It is a mixture of many vegetables such as romaine lettuce, mint, green onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, parsley, and onions. The sauce is a mixture of sumac, garlic, pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. All of these ingredients are mixed together and served with some crisp pita bread on top to give that extra crunch.
4. Kibbe
Kibbe is a healthy dish that is often served daily in the Middle East. Some may consider this as “Arabic meatballs.” It has a crispy golden outer shell made with bulgur wheat, onions, and finely ground, fat-free beef. Kibbe is then stuffed with seven-spiced ground beef and toasted pines or almonds. These are sealed and then baked or fried. If you want to make them juicier from the inside, pomegranate molasses is added to the beef mixture.
5. Dahi Vada
Dahi Vada is a popular Indian food. Dahi means yogurt, while vada is deep-fried fritters laced with spices and chilies. Dahi Vada is served as a delicious cold appetizer, so make sure not to miss it out.
6. Shawarma
Shawarma consists of a juicy marinated piece of meat, either chicken or lamb, that is cut into thin layers. It is stacked in a cone shape and roasted on a vertical rotisserie that turns slowly. It has a special flavor as it uses spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic. Shawarma is usually served in between white pita, along with tahini, pickles, tomatoes, and mint leaves. It is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin B, and protein.
7. Fasolia and Rice
Fasolia is a classic levant dish of cannellini beans. They are slowly cooked with a garlic-rich tomato sauce and tender meat chunks. It is served with rice. Because it is composed of beans and meat, this dish is full of protein and fiber.
8. Foul Medames
Foul Medames is a vegan dish filled with cooked fava beans. It is traditionally served with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chopped parsley, and a mixture of spices. It can be topped with tomatoes, onions, and radish. These give it many health benefits as it is rich in fiber and vegan protein.
9. Stuffed Turnips
This delicious Palestinian dish is originally cooked in Nablus and Khalil during Ramadan. Stuffed turnips are cooked with spices such as cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and minced garlic. It is topped with rich tahini, yogurt, and lemon sauce. They also add garlic, fresh coriander, and toasted pines on top.
10. Lebanese baked fish with tahini
This dish is also called Tajin Samak in Lebanon and is known as a dish with a lot of heart and flavors. The zesty and lemony taste of the white fish is paired with nutty rich tahini, roasted pine, and almond nuts. There is also a fragrant kick of coriander and spices, with a pinch of Paprika in every bite. This is a must-try dish!
11. Date Walnut coffee cake
Imagine a piece of cake while having coffee after an Iftar meal. The icing says it all: the combination of Dates, tahini, and salted caramel sauce is to die for! The cake ingredients are rich in pitted dates, black coffee, milk, and walnuts. Like the others, dates are the main ingredient of this recipe. This makes the cake rich in vitamins and minerals.
12. Sab al Ghabga
In Kuwait, the time between Iftar (sunset meal) and Suhoor (sunrise meal) is called Ghabga. Sab al Ghabga is a famous dessert served during the late nights of Ramadan. After Iftar, tea is made. The family gathers in the living room to pray, watch TV, and enjoy this tasty treat. They are sweet dumplings made of cardamom and saffron. They are drizzled with syrup, and pistachios are sprinkled generously on top.
13. Baklava
Baklava is one of the most famous pastries in Ottoman cuisine. It is a layered pastry dessert made of honey and filo. This treat is filled with chopped sweetened nuts. Baklava is a must-try dessert, especially during Ramadan.
14. Jallab
Jallab is the most popular drink to have in Ramadan. In fact, it is found in almost every household. It is made of dates, grape molasses, and rose water. It is then served with ice and nuts on top. This treat is a great source of hydration. It is low in both sugar and calories. What a great and delicious way to rehydrate after a long day of fasting!
15. Qamar al-Din
This is a popular Middle Eastern drink served during Ramadan. They have dried apricots or apricot paste as the main ingredient. It is known to help with digestion and metabolism. This drink is also rich in minerals and vitamins. It is a delicious drink best paired with a mouth-drooling dessert.
The Holy Month of Ramadan is considered the perfect time to get closer to loved ones and enjoy the season. It also emphasizes the need to help more people in need and practice prayers.
Ramadan involves fasting and spending long hours without hydration. Because of this, it is important to avoid malnutrition and dehydration. It is crucial to eat and drink foods that are filled with minerals, vitamins, and protein. This is in order to replenish all the calories and energy lost during the day.
As noticed, the most common ingredient or food found in almost every dish, dessert, or juice is dates. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, and they are low in calories. Most of the dishes served to focus on protein intake and fiber intake. This is in order to replenish the body and refuel the muscles after the long hours of fasting.
Summary
We introduced 15 dishes from different cultures served during the Holy Month of Ramadan. They are filled with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Different dishes are served on Iftar according to each country’s culture. Because of this, there are so many delicious and nutritious foods to try. There are also various special drinks packed with minerals. Special types of desserts are also served during this Holy Month.
Scientific Information
- Malnutrition: Refers to deficiencies in minerals or vitamins due to an imbalance or low intake of food.
- Dehydration: The absence of a sufficient amount of water in the body.