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The holy month of Ramadan has begun, where Muslims observe a fast during the day from the crack of dawn until the sun sets in the evening, abstaining from food and drink every day for a whole month. And in the evenings, with prayers to be performed and bodies demanding rest from a long day's work, people may want to spend less time cooking the iftar meal. While many prefer to purchase fruits, snacks, biryani, etc., others might opt to make easy recipes at home, especially if guests are coming over.
When prayers conclude at sunset, the day ends and people gather with their friends and families to break their fast and share a meal. This feast is called Iftar and it features an elaborate spread. The meal provides the nourishment the body needs after breaking the fast. And the spread ranges from fruit platters and curries to biryanis, kababs, snacks and more.
Having observed a fast for a whole day, you may want to spend less time cooking in the kitchen. Selecting easy recipes that can be done in under 30 minutes each may be ideal for Iftar, especially on working weekdays.
Here is a list of recipes you can try in under 30 minutes:
- Vegetable Pakora
To begin your iftar meal, start with a vegetable pakora, which are the crispy fritters that are made by deep-frying vegetables like cauliflower, onions, potatoes, and spinach that are dipped in a besan batter that includes a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, chilli powder, and garam masala. The fried and hot pakoras can be served with mint-coriander chutney or tamarind sauce. These fritters are quick snacks to include onto your iftar platter as they can be prepared within half an hour.
- Kababs
This is an iftar delicacy that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. You can enjoy the kababs either skewered or grilled and roasted. From seekh kababs made with mince meat and spices to chicken or paneer tikka, they offer a nourishing and protein-rich option for ending your fast for the day. You can pair the kababs with salads, chutneys, bread, or flatbreads like naan, etc.
- One-Pot Chicken Biryani
One-pot chicken biryani can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is ideal to make your iftar palate delicious. This protein-rich dish makes it a perfect one to break your fast. This dish is made by marinating chicken pieces in yoghurt and blend of spices. Then onions, garlic and ginger are sautéed in a large pot to which marinated chicken is added and cooked until brown. Layer the chicken with basmati rice along with saffron-infused water and cook until the rice is tender. Garnish with fried onions and fresh coriander leaves.
- Mutton Kheema Masala
This traditional dish is made from minced mutton, which is cooked by combining it with spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, etc., onions, garlic, and tomatoes in under 30 minutes. This is surely one of the easiest recipes you can make for iftar. The hearty minced meat dish is served with paratha, rice, dinner rolls, or roti.
- Egg Paratha
Among the many stuffed parathas like aloo, gobi, matar parathas, and more, anda or egg paratha, is a popular stuffed flatbread in North India. It includes wheat flour dough, a mixture of eggs whipped with seasonings like chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt and pepper, and chopped vegetables like onions, cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes.
On a greased hot griddle, pour the egg mixture and cover it with a pre-cooked plain paratha. Flip them side-to-side and cook the paratha well. All this can be done in under 30 minutes. Later, add the chopped vegetables and make rolls from this paratha, or serve it with mutton kheema, chicken korma and other gravies on the side.
- Sheer Kurma
Sheer kurma is an Indian sweet dish that is popular in South Asia and the Middle East countries. It is a rich and creamy pudding that is made by simmering vermicelli in sweetened milk infused with aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and rose water. To enhance the texture and flavour, dates, dried fruits, and nuts like chilgoza are also added. This easy recipe is the perfect one to end your iftar meal on a sweet note.
- Watermelon Sharbat
Watermelon sharbat is a refreshing beverage made by blending watermelon cubes with other ingredients like rose syrup, mint, lemon juice or sometimes sabja seeds. It's quick and easy to make with the basic ingredients available in most kitchens. In Delhi, a version of watermelon sharbat called ‘mohabbat ka sharbat’ is popularly savoured by people near Jama Masjid during the hot months of Ramadan. Mohabbat ka sharbat means 'drink of love'. This version of watermelon sharbat is made by blending watermelon with rose syrup and adding milk, sugar, ice cubes and rose petals.
