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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed my Muslims all over the world as a month of prayer, self-reflection, fasting and devotion to worship. This year, Ramadan began on April 23 and will last until May 23. For many vegans and vegetarians, avoiding the animal protein-heavy dishes during Ramadan can be difficult, but there are plenty of 100% plant-based Ramadan recipes that will no doubt be enjoyed by even the omnivores out there or anyone who is looking for a healthy nutritious meal. Here are some of our favourite vegan recipes, for suhoor, iftar and dessert. Ramadan Mubarak!
Energising Vegan Suhoor
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are so easy to prepare the night before is perfect for suhoor / sehri, which happens so early in the day before dawn. All you need are oats, plant-based milk of choice and your favourite toppings – nuts, fruit, compote – and stick it in the fridge overnight. Adding some protein and healthy fat-rich ingredients such as chia seeds and nut butters will make it extra filling. Check out this simple recipe from Nora Cooks.
Breakfast Bars
Another great suhoor idea are breakfast bars, which can again be prepped the day before. Most recipes call for oats, nuts, dried fruit and a natural sweetener such as maple syrup and are super easy to whip up but delicious and healthy. Try this easy cinnamon-packed breakfast oat bar recipe from Nutritiously.
Banana & Date Smoothie
If you aren’t keen on pre-preparing meals, banana-date smoothies are really easy to whip up in no time. This recipe from Hurry The Food Up calls for dates, bananas, your favourite plant-based milk, cinnamon and flax seeds to up the protein, fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids help you last the whole day.
Chickpea Omelette
In the mood for something more elaborate? Try making a filling chickpea-based vegan omelette with chickpea flour, diced veggies of choice and you can even melt some plant-based cheese on top to make it extra yum. Use The Hidden Veggies’ recipe for some inspiration.
Iftar Mains
Falafel & Vegan Yogurt Dip
Classic warm Middle Eastern falafels – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – are great as a main or a side dish to open fast. Try this recipe from Simple Vegan Blog that uses only a handful of ingredients, can be baked or fried depending on preference, and served with a delicious vegan yogurt sauce.
Mujadara
Mujadara is a traditional dish made with just three plant-based ingredients – lentils, rice and onions. Inexpensive, easy but totally delicious and is ideal for an entree. Plus, it’s packed with healthy plant-based protein! Check out Feel Good Foodie’s super simple recipe.
Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Fattoush salad is made from homemade pita chips, salad leaves, chopped cucumbers and tomatoes along with fresh mint, parsley and sumac. It’s refreshing, healthy and perfect on the table for everyone to share. Alpha Foodie’s recipe comes with a pomegranate and molasses-based salad dressing and is completely meat-free and dairy-free.
Stuffed Grape Leaves
Stuffed grape leaves usually contain meat, but there are vegan versions out there such as Eating Well’s meat-free take, which uses chickpeas, parsley and bulgur in a delicious lemon-garlic sauce. These are perfect next to olives, hummus and pita bread.
Vegan Makloubeh
Makloubeh (pronounced ma’loubeh in the Levant where it originally came from, which translates to “upside-down”) is one of the most popular dishes that traditionally contains rice, meat and fried vegetables. But there are vegan versions of the dish, such as One Arab Vegan’s recipe that is full of vibrant veggies and is super healthy.
Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Stew
A vegan loaded stew with cauliflowers, carrots, tomatoes and chickpeas with a Mediterranean spice blend is perfect for iftar. This hearty recipe from The Mediterranean Dish pairs perfectly with couscous, brown rice, pita or even some crusty bread.
Desserts
Almond Milk Rice Pudding
So creamy and lightly sweet, almond milk rice pudding is the ultimate healthy dessert to end your meal. It can be served hot or cold and customised to your liking. For inspiration, check out Connoisseurus Vegan’s dairy-free rice pudding recipe, which you can alter with different toppings and flavours.
Date Cookies
For something that will definitely satisfy your sweet cravings, try Running On Real Food’s vegan date tahini cookies, which only requires three ingredients – oats, dates and tahini. Nothing else. All you have to do is blend, bake until golden and enjoy!
Vegan Sfouf
Sfouf is a traditional Lebanese semolina and almond cake that contains turmeric, which gives its gorgeous golden yellow colour. It’s vegan-friendly, light and fluffy, and pairs well with a coffee. Check out this recipe from One Green Planet.
Golden Turmeric Latte
While not technically a dessert, a rich and creamy golden turmeric latte acts well as a substitute. It packs amazing health benefits – it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and a mood-booster – and takes only a few minutes to make. Follow this recipe by Mindful Avocado.
Lead image courtesy of Dreamstime.
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