HEALTHY SEHR AND IFFTAR IN RAMADAN

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset to purify the body and soul and focus on prayer and spiritual reflection. It is also a time for increased charity, good deeds, and spending time with family and friends. The month of Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting period and is a joyous celebration for Muslims.

There are several greetings that Muslims commonly use during the month of Ramadan, including:

Ramadan Mubarak: This general greeting means "Blessed Ramadan". It's a way of wishing someone a happy and blessed Ramadan.

Ramadan Kareem: This greeting means "Generous Ramadan". It's a way of wishing someone a generous and bountiful Ramadan.

Ramadan Sa'id: This greeting means "Happy Ramadan". It's a way of wishing someone a happy and joyful Ramadan.

Ramadan Wishes: This is a more general way of expressing wishes for Ramadan. You can say, "Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan."

These greetings are often accompanied by acts of kindness, such as sharing food or donating to charity, as Ramadan is a time for increased generosity and good deeds.

Etiquette of Ramadan for non-Muslims

If you are a non-Muslim and want to show respect for Ramadan and the Muslims observing it, there are some etiquette guidelines that you can follow:

Be mindful of your eating and drinking in public: Muslims fasting during the day will likely be very hungry and thirsty, so it's respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in front of them. If you must eat or drink, try to do so privately.

Learn about Ramadan: Educate yourself about the meaning and significance of Ramadan, its rituals and customs, and why Muslims observe it. This can help you understand and appreciate their practices.

Be patient and understanding: fasting Muslims may feel tired or irritable during the day, so be patient and understanding. Avoid scheduling important meetings or events during fasting hours, as it may be difficult for Muslims to focus entirely.

Use appropriate greetings: You can greet your Muslim friends or colleagues with "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem" to show respect for the holy month.

Show support and solidarity: You can show support and solidarity with Muslims during Ramadan by participating in interfaith events or initiatives, volunteering at food banks or charity organizations, or simply by wishing your Muslim friends a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

By following these etiquette guidelines, you can show respect and support for Muslims observing Ramadan, and help foster a spirit of understanding and goodwill between different communities.

Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, prayer, and fasting observed by Muslims worldwide. During this time, people fast from dawn until sunset, breaking their fast at sunset with an evening meal called iftar. Similarly, the pre-dawn meal is called sehr. Here are some delicious food ideas for sehr and iftar during Ramadan:

Oatmeal with nuts and fruits: This is a wholesome and filling meal that energizes you throughout the day.

Eggs: Boiled, fried, or scrambled eggs are a great source of protein and can be paired with bread or other carbs for a balanced meal.

Smoothies: A fruit and yogurt smoothie can be refreshing and nutritious for sehr.

Dates: Dates are a traditional food for breaking the fast and are a good energy source. It is also loved in Sehr due to its high nutritional values

Whole-grain bread with cheese or nut 

butter: This simple and quick meal provides a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats.

Lentil soup: This is a typical dish in many Muslim cultures and is a hearty and nutritious way to break the fast.

Grilled meat or fish: A protein-rich main dish that can be paired with a salad or other sides.

Vegetarian dishes: A variety of vegetable-based dishes can be made for iftar, such as stuffed eggplant, spinach, feta pie, or lentil and vegetable stew.

Samosas: These savory pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables are a popular iftar snack.

Fruit salad: A refreshing and light option for those who want something sweet after the day of fasting.

Remember to stay hydrated during Ramadan by drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic fluids between iftar and sehr. Also, balance your meals by including a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to satisfy you throughout the day.

Rinse the lentils and set them aside.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.

Add the minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Add the lentils to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.

Enjoy your delicious lentil soup!

Combine the flour, vegetable oil, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add enough water to make a stiff dough. Knead for a few minutes, cover, and set aside.

In a pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the cumin and coriander seeds and let them splutter.

Add the mashed potatoes and peas, and mix well. Add the garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the mixture is heated through.

Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles.

Cut the circles in half and form each half into a cone. Fill the cone with the potato-pea mixture and seal the top edges with water.

Heat oil in a deep-frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the samosas and fry until golden brown and crispy.

Serve hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce.

Enjoy your crispy samosas!

Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a wok or large skillet. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts to the wok and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Add the chopped scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the wok. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.

Remove the wok from the heat and let the vegetable filling cool to room temperature.

Take a spring roll wrapper and place it on a flat surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the vegetable filling onto the center of the wrapper.

Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold the sides inward. Roll the wrapper up tightly to enclose the filling completely.

Repeat with the remaining spring roll wrappers and vegetable filling.

Heat oil in a deep-frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the spring rolls and fry until golden brown and crispy.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, sweet chili, or soy sauce.

Enjoy your delicious vegetable spring rolls during Ramadan!

Wash and dice all the fruits and place them in a large mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and lime juice.

Pour the honey-lime mixture over the fruit and gently toss until all the fruit is coated.

Chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve cold, and enjoy!

You can add other fruits of your choice, such as kiwi, grapes, and oranges, to this fruit salad recipe.