Restorative, hydrating and energising: Iftar meals can be about all things nourishing and calming, rather than being overwhelming and indulgent. With Ramadan about to be underway soon, it is time to prepare not just for the day-long fast but also for the Iftar meal eaten at the end of each day.
As you stock up on pantry essentials, be mindful of the ingredients you accumulate so you will have a ready supply of foods that energise, hydrate and comfort you without becoming overwhelming for the stomach.
Dates With Warm Milk
Soothing, naturally sweet and utterly nourishing, having a couple of dates is tradition while breaking Iftar. Warm milk goes well with the rich flavour of dates so pair the two as a comforting way to end the daily fast. The sweetness of the dates cuts through the creaminess of warmed up milk, in a fine balance of flavours and textures.
Have this glass of milk with dates mashed in, or served on the side in the evening. A quick replenishment of potassium and fibre after a day-long fast, the combination will rapidly restore energy without making you feel heavy.
Read More: Ramadan 2024: 6 Vegetarian Dishes For Iftaar
Masoor Or Moong Soup
Lentil soups made from masoor or moong are filled with protein while being extremely light on the stomach. They can be soothing for the gut when eaten as a meal after fasting for the whole day. A warm bowl of lentil soup seasoned lightly with salt and pepper is hydrating and easy to digest, making it delicious and comforting at the same time without becoming too heavy. Avoid adding too many spices, cream or condiments to the soup. Keep it perfectly cooked and simply seasoned to ensure it remains light and cosy.
Fruit And Nut Platter
It has for long been a tradition to eat fruits in the evening, particularly after a meal. But fruits are also among some excellent foods for beginning Iftar and filling the gut up with essential juices and fibres that promote good digestion. Make a fruit platter by chopping some seasonally available produce including apples, papayas and guavas as well as by layering the plate with citruses like oranges, sweet limes, grapes and figs.
Sprinkle assorted nuts including almonds, cashews and pistachios on the fruits. This healthy and nourishing plate will restore freshness and will be quite rejuvenating. A pinch of chaat masala and a little sprinkling of lime juice is all that is needed to finish off this comforting and energetic platter.
Mildly Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers
For those who prefer a rich protein element in their Iftar meal, warm, grilled chicken skewers can be a light treat. Chicken can be marinated in mild condiments and seasonings like salt, pepper, some lime juice, coriander paste and mint. Grill the skewers lightly in the oven or on a pan and serve with a fresh yoghurt-based dip. Lightly filling but easy to consume after fasting, grilled chicken skewers can keep you feeling satiated without inducing sluggishness.
Light Pulao
Prepare a light pulao, filled with some essential vegetables like carrots, beans and cauliflower that will bring a fibrous richness to the rice dish. The pulao can be flavoured with red chilli powder, some hing, cumin and coriander powders and whole spices such as bay leaves, pepper and star anise. The aromas of the spices and the mild tasting notes of the condiments will bring a complex, flavourful effect into this Iftar offering served with a dollop of ghee. Pulao is also very easy to digest, making it a comforting close to a long day of fasting and worship.