The holy month of Ramadan is approaching. month of goodness and forgiveness, As it approaches, many preparations begin. From investing it in worship and fasting, To preparing for the various Ramadan feasts, What are the food dishes in the holy month of Ramadan? How can we divide our meals within the day during Ramadan? In this article, we will tell you about the primary meals and dishes in the holy month of Ramadan. We will also talk about the most famous Ramadan food dishes in Arab countries. So stay with us.

Holy month of Ramadan

• Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, It is characterized by fasting from sunrise to sunset.
• People refrain from eating and drinking during fasting hours. With the aim of learning patience, compassion and gratitude, Where we remember to control ourselves and refine our creation, We remember the people who suffer from poverty and hunger.
• There are many reasons why we want to fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is a great way to cleanse and detoxify the body while building resistance against cravings. By preventing food cravings, It’s wonderful what fasting can do for your willpower and discipline, my dear.
• In addition to that, Abstaining from food and snacks throughout the day makes breaking fast more exciting and delicious than any other food. Eating after a long abstinence will give a feeling of comfort and hydration.
• As we all know, my dear, Food is an important and essential part of Ramadan traditions. Where family and friends gather to share and enjoy the two main meals of Ramadan: Iftar at sunset and Suhoor before the call to dawn.

Food dishes in the holy month of Ramadan:

The forms and types of food dishes and meals vary in the holy month of Ramadan. During the period between iftar and suhoor, Muslims eat food to obtain enough energy to sustain life and carry out the usual daily tasks. And do not forget the importance of sharing food with those in need. It is an important and essential aspect during the holy month of Ramadan.

And now we will talk about the basic food dishes in the holy month of Ramadan, From breaking the fast to suhoor, Through juices and sweets, So let’s get started:

Breaking the fast in the holy month of Ramadan

• Breaking the fast in Ramadan is the first thing we eat at the Maghrib call to prayer. It is preferred here, my dear, that you start by eating from one to 3 dates with a glass of water. Following the example of our Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him), Who used to break the fast with 3 dates and a cup of water.
• Nutritionally, dates are an excellent source of fiber, natural sugar, iron and magnesium. It helps restore blood sugar after long hours of fasting. There is no doubt about the importance of dates, my dear. Undoubtedly, it is delicious food that gives everyone a sweet taste that is loved.

Soup in the holy month of Ramadan

• After breaking the fast with dates and water, It is preferable to start eating with a plate of soup, Soups are very healthy options to start breakfast with. Because it refills body fluids and warms the stomach, Thus preparing them to receive other foods.
• Among the most common types of soups that are usually served for breakfast in the holy month of Ramadan: Lentil soup, vegetable soup, chicken soup, and vermicelli soup. And mushroom soup.
• The most common of these soups is lentil soup. Is lentil soup your favorite too?

The main dish in the holy month of Ramadan

Here we will start talking about the various dishes that we eat at breaking fast (Iftar). After starting with the soup, We will start eating delicious dishes, meat of all kinds, to rice and legume meals, passing through meals of stuffing and pastries, And let’s not forget the famous Maarouk or the famous Ramadan bread. But is this healthy and proper?

beginning and before starting any dish, We must start by eating a plate of green salad that contains many types of nutritious vegetables.

As fresh vegetables are essential at breaking fast, Because it is a very important source of fiber, vitamins and minerals needed after a long day without food. It also helps reduce bloating and constipation. They are two common problems among fasting people.

And then we can start with the main dishes, whatever they are. Its beauty appears when shared with family, friends and loved ones. But in order to maintain good health, avoid gaining weight and fat, and protect against pressure and diabetes, We must pay attention to the amount we eat. not to overeat, This will not be the last time we will eat food.

Iftar tips in the holy month of Ramadan:

Here are some tips that will help you make your fast and iftar right:

1. cook with less fat, Avoid eating large amounts of foods that contain fat. Do not abstain from it, my dear, but do not overload it with satiety and fatigue!
2. eat slowly and quietly, Chew the bite well before swallowing it. Eating quickly after being deprived of it for a whole day can lead to indigestion and other problems in your stomach and digestive system.
3. When food starts with soup, This will lighten the load on your stomach and prepare it for the upcoming food intake.
4. Do not forget about the fresh vegetable dish that will help the digestion process, the feeling of satiety, and the lack of satiety.
5. It is best to avoid salty and spicy foods that increase thirst. And reduce spices and prepared foods as much as possible, my dear.

Foods that should be avoided for breaking fast in the holy month of Ramadan

1. Soft drinks:

Avoid drinking processed soft drinks, which are usually high in sugar. Which increases the risk of overweight and obesity.

It can also cause bloating and gas. Which leads to indigestion.

It does not contain any beneficial nutrients. It’s just sugar with flavor and gases. It won’t do your body any good.

2. Foods high in sugar:

Avoid foods high in sugar, such as sweets and chocolate. Because it contains very little nutritional value and is rich in calories. It contributes to your weight gain. It can also lead to health problems if you eat it every day.

3. Fried foods:

Avoid fatty and fried foods such as fried dumplings, fried samosas and pastries. Because it is saturated with fats that are stored in your body as adipose tissue.

Eating fatty foods after long hours of fasting causes acidity and indigestion. Therefore, eat these foods in order to avoid bloating and satiety.

Juices in the holy month of Ramadan

• Many refreshing juices in the holy month of Ramadan such as jellab, qamar el din and tamarind are commonly served before or during eating. This is to replace lost fluids during the day.
• But we note here, my dear, that these juices and drinks contain large amounts of sugar. So you should take it in moderation. Also, you should not drink too much juice. Because this will make you feel full and tired before eating the nutritious food that is full of nutrients necessary for you after a long period of fasting.
• It is very important to drink 8 glasses of water to hydrate the body. Here, it must be distributed well in small quantities between breakfast and suhoor to avoid bloating.

Sweets in the holy month of Ramadan

• The most important and essential section for everyone in the holy month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is famous for a variety of sweets that are prepared and consumed during this month to satisfy the cravings for sweets after Iftar. Varieties vary between baklava, kunafa, and Arabic sweets filled with syrup and nuts.
• Dried fruits such as apricots, figs, raisins, and prunes are also commonly eaten after breaking fast. They are healthy options that are rich in fiber and nutrients and are more beneficial than ready-made desserts that are full of calories.
• Therefore, we invite you, my dear, to balance eating Ramadan sweets. Eat whatever you want, but with control and discipline. one piece gives you the delicious taste, But 10 pieces will increase your fat and make you feel sluggish and bloated. Therefore, we ask you to pay attention and not to overdo it with sweets. Eat healthy alternatives such as dates and dried fruits.

Note: You can download the Ramadan Desserts Guide at the bottom of the page

What do we eat between breaking fast and suhoor in the holy month of Ramadan?

two hours after breaking fast, You can eat a light and nutritious snack, Either fruits, nuts or sweets, but in small and balanced quantities. You can also drink coffee, tea, or any drink you prefer during this period.

And do not forget to drink frequent water, Cup every hour.

Suhoor in the holy month of Ramadan

• Suhoor is the meal before dawn. where it is eaten before the call to prayer, One of the traditions of Ramadan is the presence of the “Al-Masaharati”, who roams the streets with his drum and his voice shouting, He invites people to wake up and eat the pre-dawn meal before the call to prayer. This ancient tradition dates back to the Ottoman era and is still practiced to this day in most Arab countries.
• A healthy suhoor is important to provide enough energy for those fasting and help them endure up to 15 hours.
• There is a variety of delicious foods for Suhoor such as manakish, eggs, omelette, dairy products such as labneh, cheese, foul medames, fruits, vegetables and more.
• However, we note, my dear, that you pay close attention to the contents of the suhoor meal. We do not want salty or spicy food that will make us very thirsty the next day. So choose the ingredients of the suhoor meal that are free of fat, salts and spices.
• Also, watch out for caffeinated beverages. because it will hinder your sleep after finishing the suhoor meal, It will also make you thirsty and need to drink water the next day.

The best ingredients for the suhoor meal in the holy month of Ramadan:

• Protein rich foods:

Not only does it help you feel fuller for longer, But it can be prepared in many ways to suit your tastes. One of the most famous examples is eggs, which are rich in protein and other nutrients

• Fiber rich food:

Soluble fiber turns into a gel in the stomach and slows digestion. Which helps you lower cholesterol and blood sugar, Thus, maintaining your activity throughout the fasting period.

One of the most famous examples: is oatmeal, which is rich in fiber that your body needs during suhoor.

• Foods rich in calcium and vitamins:

The most important of which is milk, as it contains a good amount of calcium. In addition to its watery texture, which will help hydrate your body and help it cope with thirst during the fasting day.

Do not forget, my dear, the importance of drinking water during suhoor. This is to keep the body hydrated during the day.

The most popular food dishes in Ramadan

Ramadan dishes vary according to the country. Ramadan Arabic dishes are among the most famous and delicious dishes around the world. Do you agree, my dear?

We will review together some of the famous dishes in some Arab countries, Dishes that decorate the Ramadan table every year:

Lentil Soup

• Like we said before, my dear, It is good to start with a bowl of soup. One of the most important soups is lentil soup, as it is a light, nutritious and easy-to-digest dish. It helps to start the digestion process slowly and avoid burdening the body with something too heavy after several hours of fasting.
• Enjoy a lentil soup made with crushed red lentils. Which is easy to cook and break down in the body.
• You can add vegetables to it and decorate it with parsley and grilled bread. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice. And make sure not to use too many spices!

Biryani

• No celebration is complete without having biryani at some point in time. It is popular in both South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
• It is a delicious, flavorful, well-seasoned dish that is easy to prepare with your favorite vegetables and meat.
• Biryani is traditionally served during Ramadan and during Eid celebrations. Are you a fan of this delicious dish?

Musakhan

• It is a traditional Palestinian dish that is hearty, filling, delicious and loved by both children and adults alike.
• Musakhan is made with caramelized red onions, sumac and tender chicken wrapped in bread.
• This dish can be prepared in many ways as long as the main ingredients are present. As a result, you will get an unparalleled flavor.

Shami kebab

• It is a dish in the form of minced meat pie similar to kofta.
• It makes a wonderful side dish on the breakfast table. It is eaten with soup or stew or wrapped in a little bread.

Harira

• Another great and light dish for breakfast before moving on to the main meal. It is a soup-like dish.
• It is a traditional Moroccan dish. It combines nutritious chickpeas and lentils with some meat, pasta or rice.
• This soup got its name from the word silk. It has a silky and creamy texture, as its ingredients suggest.

Levantine fatteh

• It is one of the popular foods that are very popular in the holy month of Ramadan. And it has two types: Fatteh with oil and fatteh with ghee.
• The fatteh consists of toasted bread and boiled chickpeas. And a mixture of yogurt, tahini, crushed chickpeas, lemon and salt (called Bedouin).

Samosas

• It is a traditional Asian dish that adorns most iftar tables in Muslim families around the world. Although there are many variations on the recipe, However, the basic recipe remains the same.
• Most people in the Middle East use ready-made samosas rolls to stuff them with a variety of fillings.
• Our most popular fillings include ground beef, cheese, potatoes, peas, and more. What is your favorite type of stuffing, my dear?
• And to make it more healthy, We advise you to grill them in the oven or air fryer instead of frying them in large amounts of oil. Eat it does not change its delicious taste.

Baklava

• Any special occasion calls for this delicious dessert!
• Baklava is popular all over the Middle East. It is one of the special sweets served during Ramadan and Eid. It is usually shared with guests and loved ones.
• It is a crunchy layer of slices on the outside and warm and nutty on the inside. You can add the amount of syrup and nuts that you use to make baklava in the amount you want, Watch out for an exaggerated amount.

Liqmat al qadi / alawaama

• This is a famous Emirati type of sweet. But there are some differences almost everywhere in the Islamic world.
• They are fried dough balls flavored with saffron and drizzled with syrup.
• It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is completely addictive because it is delicious, small in size and easy to eat. Are you a fan of this type of sweet?

Dates, walnut and pistachio maamoul

Who does not know the delicious maamoul stuffed with dates, walnuts or pistachios? It is the delicious sweet that is served on most occasions and holidays.

Healthy and Easy-to-Prepare Ramadan Desserts Booklet

In conclusion, We wish you health and wellness, May the month of Ramadan be a month of goodness, blessing and mercy. May your fasting be good for your body. With your attention to the quality and quantity of your food intake during the fasting period, Do not overeat and choose healthy and nutritious options.

Written by: Marah Mohamad

Sources:

thenationalnews

food-heritage

chefin