This Ramazan, make Iftaari and Sehri more special with these food items

The auspicious month of Ramazan is almost here. Along with prayers and greetings, the food is the speciality of this celebration of one month. For every Sehri and Ifthar, it is but necessary to set a table full of delectable dishes. Here a few food items from around the world that you can add to your Ramadan thali to make it more exotic.

Dates

The consumption of dates usually precedes Iftar. During Ramadan, it is said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast with dates and camel milk. Fibres, sugars, slow carbs, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 are abundant in dates.

Fattoush

Nutrition is an integral part of Ramadan, and the fresh vegetables in this famous Lebanese salad are very healthy. Many would fry leftover pita scraps in a little olive oil for added flavour and out it this salad and that's never a bad idea. Pita bread tossed with any in-season vegetables certainly make for a fulfilling and healthy meal.

Also read | Ramzan: A month of Faith, Fast & Feast

Fresh Fruit Salad

Nothing is more reasonable than a fresh fruit salad after a whole day of fasting. Hydrating, sweet and refreshing fresh fruits are a must at any Ramadan table. Fresh fruit may be enjoyed during the morning meal of Sehri or evening iftar.

Afghani Bolani

This Afghanistani contemporary of Indian paratha is typically loaded with potatoes, onions, and herbs, either baked or fried. It can be eaten for Sehri or Iftar. Baking would be a better choice as eating fried food after a full of fasting could be bad for the stomach.

Ingredients

For the dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 1/4 cups water

For the filling

• 1 1/2 pounds potatoes
• 2 cups, packed sliced green onion
• 2 cups, packed cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
•  Additional oil for shallow frying

Preparing the dough

Combine flour, salt, and oil in the bowl of a food processor or can dough with your hands.
Wrap in plastic and let rest about 20 minutes.

Preparing the filling

• Wash potatoes, prick with a fork, and microwave until soft.
• Remove the skins of the potato and coarsely mash with a fork.
• Roughly chop the cilantro.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil.
• Sauté green pepper for 1 minute.
• Add green onion and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and stir in chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
• Gently stir in the potatoes.

To form the Baloni

• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll into balls.
• Divide the filling into 8 equal portions.
• Roll out a ball of dough
• Put a portion of filling on the top half of the circle, leaving a half inch border around the edges.
• Fold the bottom half up over the top half and seal the edges, pressing firmly all around the edge to seal it shut.
• Repeat the same
• Lastly either you can bake the Baloni aor shallow fry accordingly.

Shorba

Shorba is a famous lentil soup from the Middle East. This nutritional mix of vegetables and protein, also known as Arabic lentil soup, is ideal for easing the stomach into breaking the Ramadan fast before indulging in heavier dishes.

Jallab

After just one sip, you'll be hooked on this refreshing drink popular in Lebanon and the Middle East. It's created with dates, rose water, grape molasses, and pine nuts are sprinkled on top.

Ingredients

• 2-3 cups Water enough to fill your glass
• 2 tablespoons date molasses
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• 1 teaspoon honey optional, for extra sweetness
• Ice
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts toasted, optional

Instructions
In a tall glass, add water, date molasses, rose water and honey if using and give it a good stir
Fill with ice and top with pine nuts and serve immediately.

Ful Medammes

This fava bean puree known as Ful Medammes can be found on Ramadan tables around North Africa and the Middle East. It has a texture similar to hummus and is flavoured with garlic, olive oil, and tahini.