Essential Ramadan Cooking Recipes to Make This Ramadan Special
Ramadan is a special time for Muslims around the world to come together with their loved ones and break their fast with delicious meals. During this blessed month, cooking nourishing and flavorful dishes that bring joy to those we share iftar with is a wonderful way to show our love and care. In this article, we will explore seven essential Ramadan cooking recipes that can make your Ramadan festivities even more special.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these simple and mouth-watering recipes can be easily made to feed your family and friends during iftar. From classic chicken and beef dishes to hearty lentil and vegetable recipes, we have got you covered with a variety of options to suit every taste and dietary preference. So, let’s dive into these essential Ramadan cooking recipes that will definitely make this Ramadan special!
Chicken Curry
A classic and flavorful Indian dish, Chicken Curry is a staple in many Muslim homes during Ramadan. It’s a simple yet mouth-watering recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with an aromatic blend of spices, herbs, and creamy coconut milk.
Ingredients
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
* 2 medium onions, finely chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
* 1 cup coconut milk
* Salt, to taste
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instruction
To make the chicken curry, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onions are lightly browned. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and coconut milk, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Lentil Daal
A popular Indian dish made with red or green lentils, lentil daal is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for iftar time. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs.
Ingredients
* 1 cup split red or green lentils, rinsed and drained
* 2 medium onions, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon curry powder
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 cups water or vegetable broth
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instruction
To make the lentil daal, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onions are lightly browned. Add the cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add the lentils and water or broth, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are cooked and tender. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Vegetable Stir Fry
A quick and easy recipe perfect for iftar time, Vegetable Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be made with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies and is sure to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients
* 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt, to taste
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instruction
To make the Vegetable Stir Fry, heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until they’re tender-crisp. Add the soy sauce and cumin, and stir well. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Beef Pulao
A flavorful and aromatic basmati rice recipe, Beef Pulao is a popular Indian dish that’s perfect for special occasions. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests with its rich and savory flavors.
Ingredients
* 1 cup basmati rice
* 2 cups beef broth or water
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon garam masala
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Salt, to taste
* 1 pound beef, cut into small pieces
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instruction
To make the Beef Pulao, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onions are lightly browned. Add the cumin, garam masala, and cinnamon and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add the beef and cook until it’s browned on all sides. Add the rice and beef broth or water, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Masala Rice
A flavorful and aromatic basmati rice recipe, Masala Rice is a simple yet mouth-watering side dish perfect for iftar time. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs.
Ingredients
* 1 cup basmati rice
* 2 cups water or vegetable broth
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon garam masala
* Salt, to taste
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instruction
To make the Masala Rice, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onions are lightly browned. Add the cumin and garam masala and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add the rice and water or broth, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Chickpea Curry
A creamy and flavorful Indian dish, Chickpea Curry is a popular recipe that’s perfect for iftar time. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs.
Ingredients
* 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 2 medium onions, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 cup coconut milk
* Salt, to taste
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instruction
To make the Chickpea Curry, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onions are lightly browned. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add the chickpeas and coconut milk, and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Mixed Vegetable Curry
A flavorful and nutritious Indian dish, Mixed Vegetable Curry is a popular recipe that’s perfect for iftar time. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Ingredients
* 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 cup coconut milk
* Salt, to taste
* Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instruction
To make the Mixed Vegetable Curry, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until the onions are lightly browned. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir for 1-2 minutes. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until they’re tender-crisp. Add the coconut milk and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro.
By following these simple and mouth-watering recipes, you’ll be able to create delicious and memorable dishes for your Ramadan gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire you to create something special for your loved ones during this blessed month. So, go ahead and get cooking with these 7 essential Ramadan cooking recipes and make this Ramadan special!
