The holy month of Ramadan has just started this year. During this period, Muslims follow a very strict fast during the daytime. With a few exceptions, between sunrise and sunset, they are not allowed to eat or drink anything, not even water.
However, they have 2 meals a day, one before sunrise and one after sunset. The morning meal, called suhoor, consists of more nutritious food, like fruits (for hydrating effect) or breads and other fibre rich dishes to provide energy for the day ahead. The evening meal, called iftar, is also referred to as the breaking of the fast and consists of several courses, from soups to consistent main courses to indulgent desserts.
Regardless of the time of the day, Muslims have strict laws concerning the food they are allowed to eat, especially in respect of animal products. Permitted foods (halal) consist of lamb, beef, goat and chicken, only when the proper killing ritual is followed and Allah’s name is invoked at the time of the animal’s slaughter. Fish, eggs and dairy are also considered halal as long as they are kept separate from meat during preparation. On the other side, any pork-based products, as well as alcohol, are always forbidden (haram).
Without any further ado, here are 10 traditional Ramadan dishes:
1. Dates
Traditionally, dates are the first food to break the fast with and they are often eaten in odd numbers, like the Prophet Muhammad is said to have done. They are served simply dried or stuffed with nuts, almond butter or cucumbers, or even rolled in coconut.
2. Shorba
Shorba, also known as Arabic lentil soup, is a blend of vegetables and spices and is considered a way to “ease the stomach into breaking the Ramadan fast before indulging in heavier dishes”.
3. Haleem
Haleem is a stew made with mutton meat, but sometimes also chicken, lentils and pounded wheat, heavily spiced with cumin, turmeric, cardamon and saffron.
4. Sambusa
The sambusa is similar to the Indian samosa. The pastry triangles, filled with meat, lentils, vegetable or fish, can be baked or deep fried and dipped in chutney.
5. Kebab
Kebabs are popular for the evening meals. They can be made either of ground meat, like seekh kebabs, or simply meat sliced into cubes and grilled on skewers.
6. Fattoush
Fattoush is a fresh vegetable salad, served with crisp pita bread. The recipes vary, but most commonly it is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh parsley, radishes and pomegranate.
7. Jallab
Jallab is a type of fruit syrup made from carob, dates, grape molasses and rose water, served with pine nuts.
8. Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus tea, also called Karkadeh, can be served hot or cold and many Muslim families only drink it during Ramadan, believing its flavour is similar to that of a mulled wine.
9. Baklava
The baklava is an indulgent dessert, made from layers of filo dough pastry and nuts, soaked in honey syrup. It is usually served during the last day of Ramadan, at the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
10. Fresh fruit salad
Fresh fruits are eaten during both morning and evening meal, as they are sweet, hydrating and refreshing.
