Ramadan Recipes to Freeze Ahead & Save Time

Ramadan is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and delicious food. As we prepare for the holy month, many of us look for ways to make our lives easier, especially when it comes to cooking. Freezing ahead can be a great solution to save time and effort. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a stash of delicious and nutritious meals ready to go. In this article, we’ll explore five simple and flavorful Ramadan recipes that you can freeze ahead and enjoy during the month. These recipes are perfect for busy families and individuals who want to save time without sacrificing flavor.

From savory spring rolls to spicy keema curry, these recipes are sure to become your new favorites. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and take a look at the recipes!

Chicken Spring Rolls

Chicken Spring Rolls are a classic Ramadan favorite that can be easily made at home. These flavorful rolls are filled with shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory spices, all wrapped in a thin layer of dough. Perfect for snacking or as a light meal, Chicken Spring Rolls are a great addition to any Ramadan spread. When frozen, they can be easily reheated in the oven or deep fryer for a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

Ingredients

– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section or at Asian markets)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, shredded
– 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1 cup finely chopped carrots
– 1 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped cabbage, carrots, cilantro, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, add a few of the spring rolls to the pan and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
7. Remove the spring rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Repeat with the remaining spring rolls.

Beef Keema Curry

Beef Keema Curry is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold Ramadan evening. This rich and spicy curry is made with ground beef, a blend of warming spices, and a generous amount of tender onions. The best part? It freezes beautifully, making it a great meal to prep ahead. When reheated, the curry is just as flavorful as when it was first made, with the meat tender and the sauce rich and thick.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons tomato puree
– 2 cups beef broth
– Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, curry powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef mixture to the saucepan and cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the tomato puree and beef broth to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the curry for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Transfer the curry to a freezer-safe container and let it cool completely before freezing.

Lentil & Vegetable Stew

Lentil & Vegetable Stew is a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This hearty stew is made with red lentils, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a blend of warming spices. When frozen, it’s a great meal to reheat and serve with some crusty bread or over rice.

Ingredients

– 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup sliced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Add diced carrots and potatoes and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add sliced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in cumin, curry powder, and turmeric.
8. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir to combine.
9. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Transfer the stew to a freezer-safe container and let it cool completely before freezing.

Stuffed Parathas

Stuffed Parathas are a delicious and flaky flatbread that is perfect for a weekend brunch or breakfast. These sweet and savory pastries are filled with a generous amount of spiced potatoes, peas, and onions, all wrapped in a delicate layer of dough. When frozen, they can be easily reheated in the oven or toaster for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1/2 cup ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 cup lukewarm water
– Filling ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and mashed
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Add ghee or vegetable oil to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Gradually add the lukewarm water to the bowl and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes soft and pliable.
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
7. Roll out each portion into a ball and flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
8. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each disk.
9. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal the paratha.
10. Brush the tops of the parathas with melted ghee or oil.
11. Place the parathas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
12. Transfer the parathas to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Spiced Chicken Samosas

Spiced Chicken Samosas are a delicious and addictive snack that is perfect for a Ramadan buffet or party. These crispy and savory pastries are filled with a generous amount of spiced chicken, peas, and onions, all wrapped in a delicate layer of dough. When frozen, they can be easily reheated in the oven for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Ingredients

– 1 package of samosa wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section or at Indian markets)
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, frozen peas, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Lay a samosa wrapper on a flat surface and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder.
4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, add a few of the samosas to the pan and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
7. Remove the samosas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Repeat with the remaining samosas.
9. Transfer the samosas to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.