Ramadan is a month when you can feel the divine light entering your soul and giving you inner cleansing.  Every Muslim strives to make the most out of this holy month and collect as many blessings as they can. We make extra efforts on our prayers because why would one let go of the opportunity to get the reward doubled.

Not only prayers, but Ramadan is a month when every kitchen smells amazing, and there’s a new dish every day on the table. But, with so much of the food extravaganza, do not forget that we are required to eat a healthy and balanced meal every day to keep ourselves healthy throughout the fasting month.

Let us tell you some of the delicious yet healthy Ramadan recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you healthy.

Lamb Kebab with Couscous

Ramadan requires some healthy meals to be added in both suhoor and iftar; what’s better than a protein-filled yet delectable lamb kebabs. The oh-so-yummy flavour of this super delicious meal comes from a blend of many spices that are easy to find in your kitchen. Let us show you can make these famous kebabs at your home.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper
• 1 teaspoon roasted ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 clove chopped and smashes garlic
• 1 lemon Juice and zest
• 1 ½ pounds lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt as required
• 1 ½ cups couscous
• ¼ cup whole milk yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint

Preparation

• Whisk 1/4 cup oil, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, lemon juice, and zest and pepper to make lamb marinade. Cover the prepared marinade over lamb pieces. Cover it with plastic wrap, and ad leave it in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
• Heat the broiler with aluminium foil. Boil two cups of water and salt in it a separate pan. In a heatproof bowl, stir couscous with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour half boiled water in it, stir, leave for five minutes, add the remaining water, and then cover again.
• Thread lamb meat into skewers and save the leftover marinade in a separate bowl. For rare medium, cook broil the lamb for at least four minutes. Then add the remaining marinade and broil for one more minute; whisk in yoghurt.
• Using a fork, fluff the couscous and place it on a serving platter. Place the skewers on the top and serve it bread or plain.

Pan-Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

This is another protein-rich and energy-filled recipe to provide you with energy the whole day. The goodness of vegetables and the juices of chicken makes it a favourite iftar recipe.

Ingredients

2 pounds potatoes, into 3/4-inch pieces

1 large coarsely chopped onion,

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 minced garlic cloves,

1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

1 teaspoon dried and crushed rosemary,

3/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2-1/4 pounds)

6 cups fresh baby spinach

Preparation

First things first, preheat your oven to 45 degrees. In a large bowl, add potatoes, onions, garlic, ½ teaspoon rosemary, ½ teaspoon pepper, ¾ tablespoon salt, and give it a nice mix. Transfer in a baking pan coated with baking spray.

Mix paprika salt with rosemary and pepper in a separate bowl. Cover the chicken with the mixture and place it on the pan with vegetables. Roast at 170-175 degrees for at least 30 minutes.

Take out in a serving dish.

Greek Salad

Ramadan is not for eating heavy meals and filling your empty tummies with loads of fried items. A balanced diet will help you keep healthy in Ramadan and focus more on ibadah. That’s why salads should be a must on the table, whether suhoor or iftar. Greek salad is one of the healthy and filling salads that would keep you stay active and fresh.

Ingredients

• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 thinly sliced cucumber
• 1 cup halved olives
• ¾ cup crumbled feta
• For dressing
• 2 tablespoon red vinegar
• Juice of half lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil

Preparation

• Put tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta and fold everything together.
• In another small bowl, add all the ingredients and mix it all up.
• Drizzle the prepared dressing over salad.