Vegan Iftar Dishes to Try This Ramadan

Introduction

 

During Ramadan people find spiritual time to focus on religious devotion while building bonds with their community. Sunset marks the beginning of the families’ and friends’ time to reunite for lifestyle-breaking feasts which include nourishing and mouthwatering food choices. Most people now choose plant-based dietary alternatives during their Iftar meals because these options provide healthy and satisfying alternatives to traditional meat and dairy-heavy spreads. This Ramadan you can find our selection of spectacular vegan iftar dishes which combine delightfulness with health-supporting attributes.

The best wellness center in Dubai, Home of Wellness recognizes conscious eating as fundamental for complete health achievement. Plant-based meals provide both physical nutrition to your body as well as spiritual alignment with the principles of mindful living. If you are a vegan seeking plant-based Iftar options or want to eat more vegetarian during this period the following recipes will give you delicious options for nutrition and plenty of energy.

Vegan Iftar Dishes

 

Changing to vegan food provides numerous advantages for your health. Plants supply meals that contain three distinct nutrients: fiber, vitamins and antioxidants to sustain energy and build digestive health and wellness. Vegan meals require less digestion work which makes the post-Iftar physical activities and religious worships more relaxed to carry out.

Dubai maintains an active vegan cafe culture where various eateries and restaurants present delightful and healthful meals for customers. The choice of consuming vegan Iftar dishes either by home preparation or through cafes offers a health-oriented and satisfying experience.

Lentil and Chickpea Soup

Middle Eastern people love lentil soup as their comforting protein-packed food that serves well as the first meal to end fasting. Low in calories yet high in nutrition value are chickpeas which turn the dish into a heart-warming satisfying bowl. The soup combination of cumin and coriander and turmeric provides a flavorful taste which maintains stomach comfort during festive fasting days. Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. A pot containing olive oil should reach heat before adding onions and garlic to sauté until they become soft.
2. Add lentils, chickpeas, and spices. Stir for a few minutes.
3. Add vegetable broth to the pot then heat it to boiling temperature.
4. The mixture needs to cook at a simmer for 20 to 25 minutes till the lentils become soft.
5. You can mix the ingredients to create a smooth texture yet keeping some chunks results in authentic rustic flavor.

Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma)

The miniature rolls contain rice along with herbs and spices which make them both revitalizing and meaty.Ingredients:

• 1 jar grape leaves, rinsed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients of rice with pine nuts, raisins, lemon juice and spices in a mixing bowl.
2. Position the grape leaves one by one then add tiny portions of filling to each.
3. Use a tight roll formation for each grape leaf before placing them into a pot.
4. Place the water over the leaves until the liquid reaches the top layer of ingredients while simmering the mixture for thirty minutes.
5. The dish should be served with either tahini or lemon wedges.

Falafel with Hummus

Iftar works perfectly with the combination of roasted falafel and creamy hummus as the classic vegan snack. Many people enjoy eating falafel served with vegetables and pita bread because it is expertly made of chickpeas and spices along with herbs. The outcome is a filling protein-packed food. Ingredients for Falafel:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. All ingredients should be combined in the food processor until they achieve a coarse consistency.
2. Roll the mixture into small patties while placing them in the refrigerator for half an hour before cooking.
3. Fry the items in heated oil until they become golden brown.
4. The patties go well with hummus served alongside fresh vegetables for a delicious combination.

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

The leaves of quinoa tabbouleh make an exceptional nutritional salad that enhances every Iftar dinner lineup. This dish carries a neat blend of fresh herbs combined with tomatoes while using zesty lemon dressing to create a pleasant lifting experience for your taste buds. Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mint leaves, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients within a mixture bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Toss well and serve chilled.

Coconut Date Energy Balls

Coconut date energy balls make an ideal choice for people who want natural sweetness combined with energy boost for their dessert. Dates serve as the perfect Iftar dessert because they contain fiber along with a controlled delivery of energy. Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates, pitted
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Using a food processor, blend all the mixture ingredients together.
2. Form tiny balls with the mixture and cover them with coconut shreds.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

With all the nourishment and benefits fasting brings, you can enhance your Ramadan by adding scrumptious vegan iftar dishes, whether you make them at home or try out the endless options in Dubai. You can rest assured that these dishes will not only help you during your fasts, but will also make the experience more enjoyable.

At Home of Wellness, we believe that eating mindfully is a fundamental feature of a balanced life. Eating plant based foods not only nourishes your physical body, it also elevates your spiritual practice and helps create a more sustainable planet. Have a wonderful and healthy Ramadan!