A period of 30 days of fasting which is known as the holy month of Ramadan is one of the major pillars of Islam. This is celebrated by almost every Muslim person around the globe. During this holy period, most Muslims try to avoid bad habits and become more religious, involved in good things, and payers. And it is the time they spend a lot of time with their families and close friends. So Ramadan is not only about 'fasting'.
During this holy period, Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. Not even a sip of water is allowed during daylight hours. But except for the elderly people, young children, the sick, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. The morning meal enjoyed before the sunrise is called 'suhoor' while the evening meal enjoyed after the sunset is called 'iftar'. When eating, Muslims are required to follow strict dietary laws about which foods are permitted (halal) and which are forbidden (haram).
Here are 12 popular and delicious Ramadan foods that you can enjoy during this holy period.
01. Dates
Dates are mandatory fruit during this period of the year and most Muslims have used to eat dates as the first meal from which the Ramadan fast is broken. They are very sweet in taste but also high in Potassium, Magnesium, and Fiber. You can have dates in different ways such as stuffed with some mixture or as a date shake.
02. Keema Samosa
In India, the Ramadan iftar treat table will never be prepared without some popular Keema samosa which is stuffed with minced mutton mixed with a blend of aromatic spices. It is a flavorful crispy fritter to taste during this holy month of fasting.
03. Haleem
This delectable yet nutritious stew is another popular iftar meal. It is made with lentils, mutton meat (slow-cooked), cracked wheat, and flavorful spices.
04. Fattoush Salad
This special authentic salad is made with various kinds of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, parsley, radish, and toasted pita bread. Then, the salad is tossed in a zesty sumac Mediterranean dressing. It's basically known as Mediterranean fried bread salad.
05. Kebab
Kebab is another popular iftar treat among many. You can make your own kind of delicious Kebab according to your choice of taste. You can either wrap ground meat (season it with spices) around an iron stick and grill or some chunky pieces of meat, bell pepper (get in two or three colors), potatoes, onions, and grill to perfection. Additionally, garnish with some tomato sauce and mayonnaise am before serve it. All kinds of Kebabs are welcome on the Ramadan table.
You may like to read: Delicious Grill Fish Recipes To Satisfy Your Seafood Craving
06. Beguni
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Beguni is a typical Ramadan meal in Bangladesh that is made from eggplants. At first, you have to season the eggplants. Make some cuts before seasoning it. So the taste of all the spices will absorb to them well. Now coat them with some thick batter and fry until golden. You can serve it with some rice or roti.
07. Persian Tamarind-Stuffed Fish
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Besides various kinds of meat prepared in different styles, the Ramadan table is served with fish as well. This luxurious whole fish is flavored with tamarind and fragrant berries.
08. Pakora
This meal is featured in India and is made with a combination of veggies, meat, and seafood. Frequently it serves with some Indian cheese (paneer). You can either enjoy it as crispy fritters or as a curry.
09. Kheer
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This is considered one of the major yet nutritious meals in this fasting season. Kheer or Indian rice pudding is mainly made with rice, coconut milk, and cardamoms.
10. Kolak
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The Kolak which is made from palm sugar, coconut milk, bananas, and pandanus (leaves of a tropical tree) is a sweet treat that Muslims in Indonesia use to break the Ramadan fast.
11. Persian Rice
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This is another popular yet delicious treat to have in the fasting period of the year. Persian rice is quite popular among people in Iran. Yet rice is a staple food in many Muslim and Asian households, most of the recipes include rice as a main ingredient.
12. Mutton Biryani
Have you ever completed Ramadan period without enjoying a super delicious and aromatic plate of biryani? Most of you say NO. Yes, biryani is an iconic dish among almost every Muslim. Iftar meal is incomplete without Biryani! This will be prepared in every household as Biryani is a one-pot of flavors and aromas, combining long grain rice with succulent meat and a host of spices. On top of that, it is a festive treat with lots of nutrition. There is a vast range of Biryani types existing. Some of them are Mutton Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Beef Biryani, Vegetable Biryani, etc. Among many kinds of Biryanis around the world, Mutton Biryani is served with salamis the most popular kind of Biryani on the Ramadan table. There are lots of kinds of Ramadan mutton biryanis, available including Classic Mutton Biryani, Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani, Mutton Goli Biryani, Mutton Mandi Biryani and Awadhi Biryani.