Easy Ramadan Recipes for 23 Days of Fasting

As Ramadan approaches, it's crucial to plan some satisfying and simple meals to keep your spirits and strength up during the holy month. Here are some easy vegetarian recipes to try over the next 23 days, inspired by traditional Gulf Arab cuisine and convenient ingredients that can typically be found at home.

Tashreeb Broth-Soaked Bread (Bahraini Version)

Description: This dish is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for Ramadan. It consists of tomato broth and a flavorful stew, served with bread soaked in the broth.

Ingredients

2 medium tomatoes, skinned and roughly chopped frac18; tsp chili powder 1 garlic clove, minced Pinch of salt to taste

Stew Ingredients

1.5 tbsp vegetable oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed frac14; inch ginger, finely chopped frac12; tsp cumin frac12; tsp curry powder frac18; tsp turmeric 1 dried luacute;mi (Basra or Omani luacute;mi), or 1 tbsp lime juice if unavailable 1 lb squash, cubed Packet of wafer bread, or substitute khocirc;bez/pita bread

For the Garnish

1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp cilantro/coriander, chopped frac18; tsp dried luacute;mi powder Black pepper to taste

Directions

Puree the tomatoes in a blender and strain the mixture into a pan, discarding any solids. Note: This ensures a smoother broth. Stir in the chili powder, garlic, and salt. Cook over a low flame for 20 minutes, then set aside. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are soft. Stir in the garlic and ginger for 1 minute. Stir in the cumin, curry powder, turmeric, daqous, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes. Pour 1 1/8 cups of boiling water into the pan and add the squash. Allow the squash to simmer until it is al dente. While the squash cooks, sauté the garnish ingredients in oil until they are soft. Tear the wafer or flat bread into medium-sized pieces and pour the juice from the stew over the bread. Add the cooked squash, luacute;mi juice, and garnish. Mix well to ensure the bread is thoroughly soaked in the flavorful broth.

Tips:

A long simmer for the base broth ensures a rich flavor. The texture of the stew can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less cooking time to the squash. Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste preference.

Meat Samosas with Chicken Liver and Heart

Description: If you prefer meat dishes during Ramadan, samosas filled with minced meat and liver/heart is a perfect option. This recipe is easy and customizable for vegetarians as well.

Ingredients for Minced Meat Mix

1 big onion - diced (medium to add a small one) 1 kg of minced meat 1 tbsp butter or ghee or olive oil 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp 7 spices

Ingredients for Chicken Liver Heart Rice

1 medium onion - diced 1 green bell pepper - diced Garlic paste (optional) 2 cups of rice 1 tbsp butter or ghee or olive oil 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 2 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp vinegar and water for rinsing the liver (optional)

Directions

For the minced meat samosas, heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Sauté the onions until golden but not fully cooked. Add the minced meat and stir until grey but not fully cooked. In medium heat, add all the spices and let them blend well. Prepare the samosas as desired. For the rice, rinse the liver in vinegar and water if using. Chop the liver and heart into desired sizes. Sauté the onions, bell pepper, liver, and heart with the spices in oil until cooked. Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook it in a pan with the required amount of water. Add salt, black pepper, and the remaining spices. Let it simmer until the rice is cooked in low heat. For serving, mix yogurt, diced cucumber, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add salt to taste and serve alongside the rice and liver heart mixture.

These recipes are not only simple to prepare but also rich in flavor, making them perfect for the festive month of Ramadan. Whether you prefer vegetarian or meat dishes, these meals will keep you energized and satisfied during your fasts.