Baklava Boukage
Baklava Boukage is a delightful pastry; a variation of classic baklava—simpler to prepare yet equally delicious. Try this easy recipe and be delighted with the result.
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Rice Pudding
This is Rice Pudding like you’ve never tasted before: A delicate and refreshing twist on a classic dessert, this Chilled Rose-Scented Rice Pudding is infused with the subtle floral notes of rose water and boasts a silky, creamy texture.
Ramadan Sohoor
Ramadan Sohoor : The nutritious meal that sustains those fasting through Ramadan
Ramadan Sohoor is one of the most important meals for those fasting during Ramadan.
Eaten just before sunrise, it provides essential nourishment and energy to sustain those Fasting throughout the day.
This pre-dawn meal helps prepare the body and mind for the fast ahead, ensuring better endurance and well-being.”
Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the most significant and sacred months in the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting- fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam – while fostering spirituality, self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy.
The Essence of Fasting
Fasting during Ramadan takes place from sunrise to sunset. During these hours, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. Beyond physical restraint, fasting encourages mindfulness, patience, and self-reflection.
Ramadan is a Month of Celebration and Giving
Ramadan is a time of joy and unity. Streets are adorned with colorful festoon lights, creating a festive atmosphere that brings families and communities together.
Preparing for the Fast: The Importance of Ramadan Sohoor
Before the fasting day begins, families wake early for Sohoor, a nutritious pre-dawn meal designed to sustain them throughout the day. A well-balanced Sohoor includes high-protein and healthy fat-rich foods for lasting energy, while avoiding excessive salt to prevent thirst and minimizing sugar to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Traditional Egyptian Ramadan Sohoor
In Egypt, Sohoor resembles a mezze-style breakfast, consisting of a variety of delicious and nourishing dishes. A typical Egyptian Sohoor includes:
- Ful Medames (Stewed Fava Beans)
- Taameya (Falafel)
- Boiled Eggs or Shakshuka
- Cheese
- Flatbreads
- Salata Baladi (Herb Salad)
- Hummus
- Pickles
- Olives
- Yoghurt
- Fresh Fruit
- Dates
- Nuts
Try some of our Featured Recipes
To help you prepare a traditional Egyptian Sohoor, our featured recipes include:
Falafel the most popular street food in Egypt
Tasty pickles
All eaten with delicious, warm flatbreads.
Whether you’re observing Ramadan or simply exploring Middle Eastern cuisine, these dishes offer a taste of tradition and nourishment. May this Holy month bring peace, reflection, and togetherness to all who celebrate.
Ramadan Sweet Treats
Ramadan Sweet Treats are very much part of the Ramadan celebrations. In Egypt, the arrival of Ramadan brings not only a spiritual atmosphere but also the irresistible aroma of sweet treats wafting through homes and bustling streets. In the evenings, street vendors line the roads …
Home-made Yoghurt
Making homemade yogurt is easier than you might think and requires just a few ingredients. Not only is it a cost-effective alternative to store-bought varieties, but it also allows you to control the ingredients, flavours, and consistency to suit your taste.
Ramadan Iftar Drinks
Ramadan Iftar drinks are so special. After a long day of fasting, a refreshing cold drink feels like a true blessing. While water is essential for quenching thirst, offering something a little extra adds a special touch.
As previously mentioned, Ramadan is an incredibly significant celebration in Egypt and the Islamic world.
Fasting begins before daybreak and continues until sunset, during which no food or drink is consumed. So, the drink served at Iftar is trully cherished.
Ramadan Iftar Drinks are Cherished
Here are some popular drinks often enjoyed as Ramadan Iftar drinks:
- Date Milkshake – A rich and naturally sweet treat made by blending soft dates with milk, sometimes with a dash of cinnamon or vanilla for added flavor. It’s packed with natural sugars, making it an excellent source of energy after fasting.
- Date Juice – A simple yet nourishing energy boost prepared by soaking dates in water and blending them into a smooth, naturally sweet drink. Some versions include a hint of cardamom or nutmeg for an aromatic twist.
- Lemon Yoghurt Drink – A refreshing and tangy delight, this drink combines yoghurt, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of honey or sugar for balance. It aids digestion and provides a cooling effect, making it perfect for breaking the fast.
- Apricot Drink (Amardeen) – A traditional, velvety fruit drink made from dried apricot sheets dissolved in water, then blended into a smooth, slightly thick beverage. It is often sweetened with sugar and infused with orange blossom water for a fragrant touch. Amardeen is a Ramadan staple, known for its refreshing and energizing properties.
- Dried Fruit Compote (Khoshaf) – A naturally sweet and nutritious option made by soaking dried fruits such as figs, apricots, prunes, and raisins in water, sometimes with nuts for added texture. The fruits soften and release their flavors, creating a mildly sweet and nourishing drink.
- Mango Smoothie – A tropical and revitalizing favourite made with ripe mangoes, blended with milk or yoghurt for a creamy consistency. Some variations include a hint of cardamom or a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavour.
- Sobia – A creamy coconut-based drink, loved for its unique flavor and texture. Made by blending coconut milk with rice flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, this drink is thick, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Some variations include a hint of cinnamon for extra warmth and depth.
These beverages not only help rehydrate after fasting but also bring comfort and joy to iftar, making them cherished staples of Ramadan celebrations.
Iftar Meals for Ramadan
Iftar meals for Ramadan need to be both easy to prepare in advance and guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Check out these fantastic recipes.
Sobia
Sobia – A creamy coconut-based drink, loved for its unique flavor and texture. Made by blending coconut milk with rice flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla.
Dried Fruit Compote Drink
Dried Fruit Compote Drink (known as Khoshaf)
Dried fruit compote drink, known in the Middle East as Khoshaf, is often enjoyed during Ramadan as a nutritious and naturally sweet way to break the fast. It requires no cooking, as the dried fruits are soaked until plump and juicy, creating a naturally sweet and flavourful drink.
Ingredients:
(Serves 4-6 people)
Dried Fruits :
- ½ cup dried apricots (chopped into halves or quarters)
- ½ cup dried figs (chopped into halves or quarters)
- ½ cup dried prunes (chopped into halves or quarters)
- ½ cup golden raisins or sultanas
- ½ cup dried dates (pitted and chopped)
Liquid & Flavoring:
- 1 litre cold water or orange juice (for soaking)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dried Fruits:
- Wash the dried fruits (apricots, figs, prunes, dates, and raisins) under running water to remove any residue.
- Chop the apricots, figs, and prunes into bite-sized pieces if they are too large.
- Soak the Fruits:
- Place all the dried fruits in a large jug.
- Pour in 2-3 cups of water or fresh orange juice until the fruits are fully submerged.
- Stir in honey or sugar if additional sweetness is needed.
- Cover and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the fruits to absorb the liquid and plump up.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Before serving, add the remaining water or orange juice and give the khoshaf a good stir.
- Check the sweetness level of the khoshaf and adjust accordingly with sugar or honey.
- Serve chilled in tall glasses, with a straw and a spoon.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy khoshaf on its own as a refreshing drink.
- Alternatively prepare it with 2-3 cups of liquid and serve it as a dessert with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for extra richness.
- Drizzle a bit of honey or date syrup for more sweetness.
- Pair it with fresh fruits like bananas or oranges for additional freshness.
Khoshaf is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect energy booster. Enjoy!
Barbequed Leg of Lamb
Barbecued Leg of Lamb This recipe for Barbequed Leg of Lamb is phenomenal; perfect for a special barbecue or as an exciting alternative to the traditional Sunday roast. The blend of aromatic spices and the tenderising yoghurt marinade results in melt-in-the-mouth lamb with deep, smoky …