Ramzan Spread

Iftar is a meal taken just before sunset, to break the fast. Traditionally, Muslims eat three dates in adherence to the Prophet Mohammad as he preached and practiced the same.

Dates are followed by a sumptuous healthy meal, which traditionally consists of choley or kaale chane, pakode, dahi <g data-gr-id="103">vade</g>, fruit salad, samosas and sandwiches followed by light drinks like Roohafza, shikanji or fruit juice.

The <g data-gr-id="111">roze</g>-daar (faster) strives to eat as healthy as possible for sehri or suhoor. The meal before the fast, eaten in the morning. The sehri should be very healthy as for a 14-15 hour fast, the body needs energy all day long. So, eat right as so is his will. For many people, iftar quite naturally translates into <g data-gr-id="110">sumptuous</g> meal. But, some prefer to keep it simple and light. Saad Mohammad, a foodie from Zakirnagar says, “biryani is a must in the gap of iftar and Tarawee”. For him, an essential iftar meal is incomplete without delicious chunks of Chicken or Mutton.

Whereas, Aiman Sartaj of Old Delhi believes in keeping it light for iftar by including boiled chana, fruit salad and lemonade in her meal. Being a weight-conscious girl, she avoids eating the traditional khajla and phaini for sehri as the gracious use of ghee bothers her. What is the ‘right food’? What is an ideal Ramzan meal like? What do we eat for iftar? What to have for <g data-gr-id="107">sehri</g>? Well, here are some of the easily available tasty and healthy items that can be in your perfect meal.

Flavored lassi – To quench parched throats, with a flavorful drink, Lassi is the drink to have in summers. Available in many flavors, it can really refresh you.

Sandalwood Sherbet – Giving a subtle woody aroma, this sherbet has a great cooling effect. <g data-gr-id="69">Its</g> a great choice as an iftar drink.

Pineaple raita – It is a yogurt based serving in which pieces of pineapple and pomegranate are added, as they are healthy and tasty. Raita, due to the ease in digestion it gives can be part of sehri as well.

Chicken <g data-gr-id="74">shammi</g> kebab – A lavish iftar spread is incomplete without a non-vegetarian dish. Chicken tikka serves the purpose of keeping it light and flavourful, which can either be fried or baked.

Chicken kebabs, fried or baked, make for the perfect ingredient for a lavish iftar spread, as it is light and flavorful, especially for a non-veg dish.

Whole wheat naan – A naan made of <g data-gr-id="80"><g data-gr-id="76">wholewheat</g></g> <g data-gr-id="77">floor</g> is a good choice to make part of your Iftar meal. <g data-gr-id="79">Its</g> very nutritious and served best with daal <g data-gr-id="78">makhni</g> or any other curry based dish.

Biryani – Biryani is an integral part of Iftar spread not only in India but in several other countries. Healthier than white, brown rice is better in terms of both nutritional and other health benefits. Adding chickpeas, carrot, beans, paneer or even chicken to brown rice makes it a healthy meal.

<g data-gr-id="88">Seviyan</g> Kheer – Vermicelli kheer is a healthy and <g data-gr-id="85">low fat</g> dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Almonds and cashews can be included in the <g data-gr-id="84">kheer,</g> if a little bit of natural fat doesn’t bother you. Do not forget, it tastes best when served chilled.

Mango Mousse – This light, mango flavored creamy mousse is sure to delight you after the fast.

Happy Fasting & Feasting!