It’s the 2nd week of Ramadan already and we’re sure you’re all juggling your priorities with efficiency even with the fast. But preparing for suhur every evening, and then for an elaborate iftar sure does get tough right? If you’ve been trying to make the switch towards vegetarianism or just want some change in your diet, it need not be hard. Vegan meals are not only easy to cook, but also delicious. We present you with time-saving traditional and tasty vegan iftar recipes for Ramadan 2022. First things first, let’s answer an important question:
Is Ramadan vegan?
Ramadan is a month-long observance of fasting and prayer. It does not endorse any dietary idea in particular. There are two important meals that Ramzan circles around: The early morning suhur and the evening iftar. Besides these meals. the entire day is dedicated to fasting known as fard. While most people prefer nourishing food such as dates and nuts. light proteins, and so on for suhur, we’ve enlisted some easy iftar recipes that can easily be passed for vegan in their traditional forms.
What do you serve at an Iftar?
An entire day of getting by on one meal can take a toll on one’s energy. So, iftar is time to re-energize your body with all the vital nutrients. While, Arabic iftar meals are rich and meat-based such as madrouba and biryani, food items such as hummus, baba ghanoush, etc. that have been making it to dinner tables since the time of the nomads are local, vegan, and full of nutrition. Fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, healthy fats with clarified butter, nuts and dates, and protein are all essential to a balanced meal.
Related Article: Three Easy Iftar Dessert Recipes To Try At Home
So, here are some easy vegan iftar recipes for your to try throughout the month.
Traditional Iftar Recipes with A Twist
You don’t have to depend on exotic ingredients or fancy restaurants in Dubai for vegan food. Iftar has traditionally always been an assortment of meat as well as plant-based food items. You can easily substitute animal-based produce and tweak it to create a dish to your liking. Here are some quick recipes that will take you by surprise:
1. Quick Hummus
The staple hummus is easy to make and packed in plant-based protein. Here’s a fool-proof recipe for hummus that you can prepare in under 10 minutes:
- 2 cups of boiled chickpea
- 1 tbsp of tahini (sesame paste in olive oil)
- A clove of garlic -minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
- a pinch of cumin
- Paprika powder (optional)
Whip them all together, and Voila! your hummus is ready. Enjoy with some fresh carrots for a gluten-free meal or with pita bread. You can even try variations such as pink hummus with boiled beetroot. Stock up on fresh ingredients from your local Carrefour. Head to their Ramadan sale and enjoy up to 40% off on fresh food + 15% off with the Carrefour promo code.
2. Basic Baba Ghanoush
The eggplant or aubergine is a versatile vegetable that you can depend on. There are many versions of the good old mashed brinjal such as the Indian baigan ka bharta, Moroccan Zaalouk, or the epic Levantine baba ghanoush. Here’s a formulaic recipe that you can quickly put together and adjust for every kind of variation. You’re going to need:
- 1 roasted eggplant
- A clove of garlic -minced
- Salt
- Cumin
- Lemon Juice
Now, once you’ve mixed the above ingredients together, you can divert into different variations. Add tahini and olive oil for Baba ghanoush, add roasted tomatoes for Zaalouk, or make a spicy baigan bharta with onions, green chilies, and some mustard oil. Invest in fresh food and get the best instant grocery delivery from noon grocery. Use the code TODAY46 and enjoy AED 30 off on your online grocery delivery. Shop on noon grocery
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3. Easy Tabbouleh Salad
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The best thing about salads is that they’re hearty without being heavy on the tummy. Tabbouleh is a traditional Middle Eastern salad that you can stir up easily with plant-based produce. The base consists of chopped parsley, mint, onions, tomatoes, and bulgur. You can season it with salt and lemon juice. Customize your salads using as many or as few ingredients as you like. Some staple options are semolina, quinoa, couscous, tofu, lettuce, pomegranate, dates, and so on. Variations such as Fattoush, and raita are also great veg sehri ideas to try this month.
Related Article: Holistic Ramadan Health Tips To Care For Your Body, Mind, And Spirit
But remember, the secret to a good salad relies on the ingredients. Using only the freshest vegetables and fruits for your vegan iftar meal is what will make the difference. Get fresh food at fresh discounts only on Noon grocery.
4. Vegan Pilaf with Cauliflower Rice
Rice is a staple across Asian nations. Whether it’s Chinese fried rice or some gobsmacking biryani, we’re all united in the joy of eating this carbohydrate. Although rice is essentially vegetarian, cooking it can be a tad time-consuming, right? Even if you put let it simply steam in the rice cooker, it takes around 20 minutes max. So here’s a quick and easy alternative: cauliflower rice!
Of course, it’s plenty available in the supermarket nowadays, but you even need to go through that hassle. Here’s a unique pulao recipe that will save you time:
| Ingredient List | Method |
|---|---|
| 1 medium cauliflower | Cut, wash, and Blitz the cauliflower into coarse kernels |
| 2 Tbsp. oil | Heat oil in a deep dish and splutter the whole spices |
| Whole spices: Cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, fennel, cloves | Once aromatic, add in the cauliflower rice and stir for a few minutes |
| 1/2 cup Carrots- Julienned | Season with a pinch of salt |
| 1/2 cup peas | Tumble in your veggies at this point and stir |
| A pinch of saffron( optional) or Rose water | Add 1/2 a cup of water, cover, and let it simmer |
| Sliced onions- deep-fried | In a small bowl, mix saffron with a few drops of water. (optional) |
| Dry fruits and nuts - cashew, almonds, sultanas, prunes, dates | Uncover the lid, add in the zafran water or rose water |
| Salt to taste | Top with fried onions and dry fruits to finish |
5. Sweet Vermicelli in Oatmilk
Vermicelli is a staple in Islamic households. Doesn’t the taste of sweet vermicelli or sewaiyan usher in a nostalgic joy? You don’t have to give up on this classic iftar dish just because it’s not dairy-free. You can always make the switch and try plant-based milk such as oat, almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. While all of these are easily available at hypermarkets and departmental stores, we recommend trying locally-available sources such as coconuts. You can also experiment with date syrup.
Also Checkout: Best Premium Quality Dates To Serve During Ramadan
Book Budget-Friendly Iftar Buffets
These are some lightning-fast recipes that you can try when you’re working on a tight schedule. On days when you want to ditch the kitchen entirely, you’ve got quality restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi that you can enjoy during Ramadan. Many of them have vegan-themed menus that you’ll surely enjoy if your preference is such. Book your table at the best restaurants in the Middle East with Groupon. Use Groupon coupon code WELCOME15 to save 15% on your booking.
