Flavor-Packed Ramadan Beef Recipes to Try This Ramadan for Iftar
Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection, fasting, and family bonding. As the days get longer and the iftar tables get more elaborate, our cravings for delicious food grow stronger too. And nothing says comfort food like a hearty beef dish, made with love and care to break our fasts. In this article, we’ll explore 7 flavorful beef recipes perfect for iftar, sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your loved ones. From crispy samosas to slow-cooked nihari, these dishes will become your go-to options for the holy month.
To make iftar more enjoyable, we’ll focus on traditional and modern recipes that are easy to make, yet full of flavor. These beef dishes are inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, South Asia, and other parts of the world. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the recipes that will make your Ramadan a culinary success.
Beef Keema Samosas
Beef keema samosas are a popular Pakistani appetizer that pairs perfectly with a cold glass of lassi on a warm iftar evening. These crispy fried or baked pastries are filled with spicy beef keema, which is made by cooking ground beef with a blend of spices, onions, and ginger. The mixture is then mixed with some grated paneer and a dash of cilantro, adding a creamy and fresh twist to the classic dish.
Ingredients
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1-inch ginger, grated
* 1 tablespoon cumin powder
* 1 tablespoon coriander powder
* 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt, to taste
* 1 cup grated paneer
* 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
* 2 cups all-purpose flour, for dough
* Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
To make the keema mixture, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then, add onions, ginger, and garlic. Cook until the onions turn golden brown. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the spices and mix well. Let the mixture cool before mixing in the paneer and cilantro. To assemble the samosas, divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles. Place a tablespoon of the keema mixture in the center and fold the dough over, sealing the edges with a fork. Brush the samosas with egg wash and fry or bake until crispy. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or raita.
Spicy Beef Cutlets
Beef cutlets are a classic appetizer that can be easily elevated with a spicy twist. These juicy cutlets are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, then coated in a spicy breading and pan-fried to a golden brown. The result is a dish that’s both crispy and tender, with a flavor that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
* 1 pound beef mince
* 1/2 cup plain yogurt
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 1 egg, beaten
* Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
To make the marinade, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the beef and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and beaten egg. Remove the beef from the marinade and coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the meat to help them stick. Place the coated beef on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Beef Seekh Kebabs
Beef seekh kebabs are a classic Pakistani BBQ favorite that’s perfect for iftar gatherings. These flavorful kebabs are made by marinating thinly sliced beef in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, then grilling or cooking them over an open flame. The result is a dish that’s both tender and flavorful, with a char that adds a nice smoky flavor.
Ingredients
* 1 pound thinly sliced beef
* 1/2 cup plain yogurt
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
To make the marinade, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced beef and mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Thread the marinated beef onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. Brush the kebabs with oil and grill or cook over an open flame until cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite salad or raita.
Beef Kofta Curry
Beef kofta curry is a hearty and flavorful curry that’s perfect for a cold iftar evening. These meatballs are made by mixing ground beef with a blend of spices, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then shaping them into balls and cooking them in a rich and spicy curry sauce.
Ingredients
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cumin powder
* 1 tablespoon coriander powder
* 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 eggs
* 1 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 tablespoon tomato puree
* 1 cup curry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
To make the kofta mixture, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the spices and mix well. Let the mixture cool before mixing in the eggs, breadcrumbs, and salt. Shape the mixture into small balls and set aside. To make the curry sauce, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the tomato puree and curry sauce and cook until the sauce thickens. Add the koftas and cook until they’re browned on all sides. Serve hot with basmati rice and naan bread.
Beef Stuffed Paratha Rolls
Beef stuffed paratha rolls are a creative and delicious twist on a classic favorite. These flaky paratha rolls are filled with a mixture of spiced ground beef, onions, and cilantro, then served hot with a dollop of yogurt or raita.
Ingredients
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 large onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cumin powder
* 1 tablespoon coriander powder
* 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 4 large parathas
* Yogurt or raita, for serving
Instructions
To make the filling, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the spices and mix well. Let the mixture cool before mixing in the cilantro. To assemble the rolls, place a tablespoon of the filling on one half of each paratha, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the paratha over the filling and seal the edges with a fork. Brush the rolls with oil and cook in a non-stick pan until the parathas are golden brown. Serve hot with yogurt or raita.
Beef Spring Rolls
Beef spring rolls are a delicate and crispy delight that’s perfect for a light iftar snack. These thin rolls are filled with a mixture of ground beef, shredded cabbage, and bean sprouts, then served hot with a sweet and sour sauce.
Ingredients
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 cup shredded cabbage
* 1 cup bean sprouts
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 4 large spring roll wrappers
* Sweet and sour sauce, for serving
Instructions
To make the filling, combine the ground beef, shredded cabbage, and bean sprouts in a bowl. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper, and mix well. To assemble the rolls, place a tablespoon of the filling on one end of each spring roll wrapper. Brush the edges with water and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Brush the rolls with oil and deep-fry until crispy and golden brown. Serve hot with sweet and sour sauce.
Slow-Cooked Beef Nihari
Slow-cooked beef nihari is a hearty and flavorful curry that’s perfect for a cold iftar evening. This traditional Pakistani curry is made by cooking beef in a rich and spicy curry sauce, with potatoes and eggplant adding creaminess and texture.
Ingredients
* 1 pound beef shanks or pot roast
* 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
* 2 large eggplants, diced
* 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
* 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
* 1 tablespoon coriander powder
* 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups curry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
To make the nihari, heat ghee or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then, add the diced beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the potatoes and eggplant and cook for a few minutes. Add the curry sauce, coriander powder, garam masala, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
