Keep these Ramadan healthy cooking options in mind when deciding what to cook for buka puasa!
The blessed month of Ramadan is upon us once again, which means the hunt for healthy Ramadan recipes has begun. With the dreaded COVID 19 still peeking its dreary head here and there, it's more important than ever for us to be well-prepared for fasting with a variety of healthy and delicious options, whilst not forgetting to make the most of this blessed month.
One of the main day-to-day pillars advocated in Islam is to practice kindness with your fellow humans. While abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts, and anger are the main elements of fasting that we most often hear about, performing prayers, reading the Quran, and giving back to charity are also heavily encouraged during this holy month. The act of fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience, break bad habits, and a chance to get closer to God through prayers and self-observance.
During this month, mosques around the world host iftar, or break-fast sessions after Tarawih prayers, sometimes nightly for those that join the congregational prayers, as well as for the poor and needy. Known as the month of self-restraint and a time to reset from past mistakes, Ramadan gives those who fast the option to reconsider their everyday choices and make them more appreciative of everything they have access to.
When it comes to fasting from sun-up to sundown, one thing to always keep in mind is making sure you eat the best type of food that will keep your body running and performing well throughout the long days of Ramadan. What to cook for buka puasa may be a daunting decision to make especially when you’re on the verge of gobbling everything that appears in front of you, but a quick reminder that a little patience goes a long way.
So, if you're on the hunt for healthy Ramadan recipes to keep you satiated after a long day of fasting, these 10 healthy yet delicious recipes will ensure you never run out of ideas and stay nourished throughout this holy month.
Sup Tulang
Short on time and running out of ideas of what to cook? Here comes the loved-by-all and hated-by-none soup to the rescue. This simple sup tulang recipe only takes 20 minutes to cook and is made with a variety of flavourful spices, carrots, and potatoes - perfect for a satisfying buka puasa meal with steamed rice.
One Pan Chicken Briyani
The go-to Iftar meal for many, it’s hard to go wrong with briyani. Well, a protein-packed meal featuring succulent chicken, soft basmati rice, and aromatic spices - who can say no? This one-pan dish only requires a total of 50 minutes to prep and cook, making sure your meal is ready just in time to break your fast.
Terung Berlada
Image: Che Nom
The side dish that never fails to impress. Why not spend a quick 20 minutes in the kitchen preparing this dish for a truly satisfying dinner with a spicy kick?
P.S. This dish would be the perfect accompaniment to the sup tulang (see above!)
Kangkung Belacan/Kangkung Goreng Thai
Image: The Woks of Life
Another fan-favourite side dish that is hard to beat. Often found in local eateries in Malaysia and Indonesia, this quick, savoury, and satisfying stir-fry not only tastes great but makes every meal memorable with the unforgettable and delicious lingering scent it leaves behind.
Ayam Masak Kurma
Chicken and potatoes braised until tender before being added to a creamy coconut-based gravy; sounds like something from a dream right? Well, be prepared for vivid and delicious dreams after making this delicious spiced Ayam Kurma recipe, which only takes 10 minutes to prep and only half an hour to cook!
Bubur Lambuk Ayam
The one dish that you can find throughout the month of Ramadan when either heading to the food bazaar or visiting mosques for Tarawih prayers is bubur lambuk. This creamy and flavourful rice-based porridge stands out with the addition of coconut milk, making it a hearty and filling meal for buka puasa.
Fettucine Alfredo
Image: Moribyan
One thing we know for sure is that it’s hard to go wrong with pasta. It may be deceivingly simple and uncomplicated, but this cheese-based pasta dish never disappoints with its delicious and satisfying flavour. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to prep and cook!
Creamy Butter Chicken
Image: Moribyan
Go to any North Indian restaurant and you won’t be surprised to find that the most popular dish is Butter Chicken. One might assume it’s difficult to make with its flavourful gravy and tender chicken, but that isn’t true in this case. A quick 30 minutes will give you an incredibly delicious dish that will leave a good impression with every bite.
Kepala Ikan Merah Asam Pedas Melaka
Ready for a spice kick? Often found in Melaka, this sour and spicy (don’t mind the literal translation) broth is best served with rice and can be cooked with your choice of protein. Ready for a second helping? 😛
Sambal Udang
Our last recipe is about to pack a punch! Made with shrimp paste, whole lotta shallots, and fresh and juicy prawns, this local favourite looks and tastes complicated but deceives with its simplicity.
So, are you ready to try them out yourself? Get your hands on a Cosmo Pan, which, in case we forgot to tell you, would be the perfect vessel to cook all 10 of these recipes. We kid you not!
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