Weekly Menu

Healthy iftar options

During the month of Ramadan, we tend to lose out on our required intake of calories by fasting throughout the day. And while that has to be compensated for, a common misconception for making up for the lost calories is by overloading the body with various fried foods, as they are a rich source of calories.

According to Nutritionist Shahida Karim, BIRDEM, the food options that are also rich in calories and a healthier alternative to fried foods are sweets and fruit juices. These are also rich in saccharides and are easy to digest. Foods that are deep fried tend to take a toll on the digestive organs, especially when taken on an empty stomach, which is why most people complain of various problems during Ramadan, such as gastric and heart burn, which often occurs due to indigestion.

We tend to take various kinds of fried foods, such as piyaju, beguni, pakora, which are favourites this time of the year, all in one meal. However, a healthier option would be to plan an iftar menu with only one of the above each day. Another Ramadan favourite is the halim, which contains everything from pulses and grains to meat. Simply having a bowl of halim along with a fruit and juice is in itself, a very healthy iftar.

Goals for this Ramadan

Eat, drink and be moderate
Once the muadhin calls for the Maghrib prayers, we feast on iftar like gluttons unleashed. It often goes overboard, contrary to the spirit of Ramadan.

Give a taka a day
Let's open our hearts and dig a little deeper in our wallets this year. Even soiled two taka note a day adds up. Whatever you can give, it's the intention that counts.

Call/email your relatives
Strengthening ties with family members and keeping in touch with friends is part of our way of life and an act Allah is very pleased with. This Ramadan, call family and friends or at least email them.

Forgive and forget
Still got a festering wound from the quarrel with your friend last year? Let go of the anger and pain this Ramadan and forgive those who have hurt you. Forgiving someone is not only good for the body, but it's also great for the soul.

Happy Ramadan!
By Zubaida Munni

Farzana's recipe

Naan Shwarma Rolls
Ingredients:
For naan:
2 cups flour
½ tsp yeast
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp baking powder
1 tbsp powder milk
1 tbsp oil
1 egg
½ cup lukewarm water
For filling:
½ cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 cucumber, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
2 to 3 tbsp mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:
To make naan, in a bowl, mix together yeast, sugar, salt, baking powder and milk. Add half the water, then lightly beat the mixture. Then add the egg and oil. Finally, add flour and knead well, to make semi soft dough. Cover, and leave in warm, dry place for 1 hour. Once dough has turned light and fluffy, divide into balls, roll into roti form, and bake in moderately hot oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the naan rises.
To make filling, mix together all the ingredients in a bowl. Take spoonfuls and place on cooled naan. Roll and fix in place with toothpick. Serve.