Ramadan not only fosters an awareness of spirituality but also promotes the tradition of feeding others. At the sound of Azaan-e-Maghreb, you’ll observe people distributing dates and water from bus stops. As you approach the time to break your fast, neighbors send over a platter of iftar delicacies. Ramadan is made special by people throwing iftar parties and inviting guests over. Many look forward to a great iftar party after fasting from food for the entire day. If you’re sociable, you could not only wish to hold a nice iftar party for your friends and family but also get invited to other iftar activities. But, not everyone has the means to shell out a lot of money for elegant food. Creating a budget-friendly Iftar meal requires careful planning and smart choices when it comes to ingredients and recipes.
Tips for low-cost Iftar:
• Make a list of the dishes you want to make and the ingredients you’ll need. Look for sales and discounts at your local grocery stores.
• Choose recipes that use ingredients that are readily available and affordable. Avoid complex recipes that require expensive ingredients or tools.
• Buying in bulk can be more cost-effective. Consider purchasing staples like rice, pasta, and lentils in larger quantities.
• Use seasonal ingredients that are readily available and affordable. For example, during Ramadan, dates are often cheaper than other times of the year.
• Ethnic grocery stores often have lower prices on spices, herbs, and other ingredients commonly used in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine.
• Cooking at home is typically more affordable than eating out. Plus, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes.
• Meat is typically more expensive than plant-based options. Consider making lentil soup, chickpea curry, or vegetable stir-fry for a budget-friendly Iftar meal.
• Plan your meals carefully to avoid waste. Use leftovers to make new dishes, or freeze them for later use.
Budget-friendly Iftar meals:
Now let’s talk about some budget-friendly Iftar meals:
Lentil soup:
Lentil soup is a staple in many cultures and is a healthy and filling iftar option. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to make.
Chickpea salad:
Chickpeas are a great source of protein and can be used in many different recipes. A simple chickpea salad with some vegetables and a light dressing is a quick and easy iftar option.
Rice and beans:
Rice and beans are a classic budget-friendly meal that’s also filling and nutritious. You can add some spices or herbs to give it more flavor.
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Samosas:
These fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and other vegetables are a popular iftar snack.
Vegetable curry:
A vegetable curry is a great way to get in some veggies and protein. You can use any vegetables you have on hand and serve them with some rice or bread.
Egg salad sandwich:
Hard-boiled eggs are a good source of protein and can be used in many different recipes. An egg salad sandwich is an easy and budget-friendly iftar option.
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Fattoush salad:
A crunchy salad made with toasted pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy dressing.
Stuffed grape leaves:
A vegetarian dish made with grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices.
Vegetable pakoras:
These fried fritters made with chickpea flour and mixed vegetables are a popular iftar snack.
Biryani:
This flavorful rice dish made with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat or chicken is a filling iftar meal.
Roasted chicken:
A whole roasted chicken can be an economical and delicious iftar main dish, and any leftovers can be used for other meals.
Hummus and pita:
A simple yet satisfying iftar snack, hummus, and pita are easy to make and can be served with a variety of toppings.
Shakshuka:
A simple and flavorful egg dish made with tomatoes, peppers, and spices, shakshuka is a popular iftar dish in many Middle Eastern and North African countries.
There are many sweet dishes too that you can make on a low budget. Here are a few ideas:
Rice Pudding:
Rice pudding is a simple and inexpensive dessert that is easy to make. You’ll need rice, milk, sugar, and a few spices. Cook the rice in the milk, then add sugar and your choice of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom). Let it cool and enjoy.
Banana Bread:
Overripe bananas are perfect for making banana bread. You’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, salt, and of course, ripe bananas. Mix everything and bake in the oven for a delicious and budget-friendly dessert.
Fruit Salad:
Fruit salad is a healthy and affordable dessert that can be customized to your liking. Choose your favorite fruits and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Mix them and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls:
These no-bake treats are simple to make and require only a few ingredients. Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Roll into balls and dip into melted chocolate. Let them cool and enjoy!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies:
Oatmeal raisin cookies are a classic dessert that is budget-friendly and easy to make. You’ll need oats, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and raisins. Mix everything and bake in the oven for a sweet and satisfying treat.
