South African Ramadan Recipes Full of Comfort & Tradition

Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and community bonding. In South Africa, this Islamic holy month is also a time for delicious traditional food to nourish both body and soul. As the sun sets and the fast is broken, families and friends gather together to share meals and make memories. In this article, we’ll explore five mouth-watering South African Ramadan recipes that are full of comfort and tradition.

These recipes have been passed down through generations and are an integral part of South African cuisine. They not only satisfy our taste buds but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to our heritage. From the savory flavors of slow-cooked meat to the sweetness of traditional desserts, these meals are a testament to the rich cultural diversity of South Africa. Whether you’re a Muslim or just looking to try some new and exciting recipes, these South African Ramadan dishes are sure to impress.

Chicken Akhni

Chicken Akhni is a hearty and flavorful dish that originated in India but has become a staple in South African cuisine. This rich and aromatic stew is typically made with succulent chicken, fragrant spices, and tender vegetables. The slow-cooked meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and infuses the flavors of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon into every bite. Akhni is often served with fluffy basmati rice or fresh naan bread, making it a perfect meal for breaking the fast on a warm Ramadan evening.

Ingredients

– 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric
– 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup of basmati rice
– 2 cups of water
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the rice and water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and chicken are cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Beef Samoosas

Beef Samoosas are a classic South African snack during Ramadan. These crispy fried pastries are filled with spiced beef, onions, and potatoes, making them a perfect treat to satisfy our cravings. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. To make Beef Samoosas, you’ll need to prepare the filling first, which involves cooking the beef and vegetables in a flavorful spice blend.

Ingredients

– 250g beef mince
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of potatoes, diced
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon of curry powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1 teaspoon of coriander
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons of water
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Combine the beef, onion, garlic, potatoes, oil, curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin circle.
4. Place a tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle and fold the dough over to form a triangle.
5. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork and brush with a little water.
6. Fry the Samoosas in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Dhal & Roti

Dhal & Roti is a staple dish in South African cuisine, particularly during Ramadan. The combination of creamy lentil curry and fluffy flatbread is a match made in heaven. Dhal, a type of lentil stew, is often served with a side of steaming hot roti, which is simply made from whole wheat flour and water. This simple yet satisfying meal is a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of South African cooks.

Ingredients (Dhal)

– 1 cup of split red lentils
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 4 cups of water
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredients (Roti)

– 2 cups of whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 cup of lukewarm water

Instructions

1. Combine the lentils, oil, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper in a large pot. Mix well to combine.
2. Add the water to the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid has thickened.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Roti

1. Combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add the water to the bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin circle.
5. Cook the roti in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.

Masala Steak Sandwiches

Masala Steak Sandwiches are a creative twist on traditional steak sandwiches. Instead of using plain bread, this recipe uses homemade masala bread, which is infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. The marinated steak is then grilled to perfection and served on top of the flavorful bread, making for a truly unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 cup of lukewarm water
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Ingredients (Steak)

– 4 steaks (about 1 inch thick)
– 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Masala Bread

1. Combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add the water to the bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin circle.
5. Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and fry the bread until golden brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.

Steak

1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, garam masala powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Add the steak to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. Serve on top of masala bread.

Koeksisters

Koeksisters are a classic South African dessert that originated in the 17th century. These crispy fried dough sticks are coated in a sweet syrup and often served at special occasions, including Ramadan. The combination of crunchy texture and sweet flavor is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 cup of lukewarm water
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– 1 cup of syrup (available in grocery stores)
– Chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add the water to the bowl and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll out each piece into a thin rope.
5. Fry the koeksisters in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove the koeksisters from the oil and immerse in the syrup for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts or sprinkles (if using).