What to Eat When Breaking Your Ramadan Fast

Ramadan, the Muslim high holy month, begins on April 12th. It’s a month of family togetherness as well as charity and spirituality. The tradition during Ramadan is to fast from sunrise to sunset, and then break the fast with dates, in keeping with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Dates are typically served at Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast each day, but they’re not the only thing served at this meal. Incidentally, Iftar is not the only meal of the day during Ramadan. Suhoor, a pre-dawn meal, is eaten to provide energy to carry the faithful through the long day of fasting.

• Dates are a great choice for breaking a fast. They’re high in sugar, fiber, minerals, phytonutrients, and vitamin C, and they contain potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of protein and fat. They’re easy to digest, help readjust the body’s glucose levels, and can satisfy the sensation of hunger and prevent overeating.

• Dates are a popular food in the Middle East, and are featured in some delicious recipes:

o Moroccan Stuffed Dates
o Makrout with Dates and Honey
o Lamb or Beef Tagine with Dates

• What is traditionally eaten during Iftar? Iftar is a social event- a large feast shared with family and friends. It’s traditional to break the fast with a sip of water and some dates, then proceed to the meal. The components of the meal vary between countries, but include fruit juices, drinks based on milk and fruit, and water. Fruit is often eaten, and soup is traditional, typically a meat broth with lentils, beans, and pasta or grains. Plan to eat a balance of starchy foods, produce, dairy products, and protein-rich foods.

• What are the best foods for Suhoor? For this meal, you’ll want to have plenty of fluid-rich foods, as well as starchy foods to help provide energy for the long day of fasting. Oats, especially when made with milk or water, are a good choice, and can be topped with dried fruit, nuts, or seeds. You might eat high-fiber breakfast cereal, starchy foods like rice or couscous, or bread, particularly pita bread or chapattis, perhaps with nut butters or soft cheese. Yogurt is also a good choice at Suhoor because it provides nutrients and fluid.
Whether you’re cooking a feast to break your fast, or just need everyday groceries, you’ll find everything you need at NetCost Market, including some Halal products. For over 20 years, we’ve helped our customers save time and money while offering them the world of food all in one place. We’re a local supermarket with a global reach, providing a selection of everyday food products as well as culinary delights from around the world. It’s our goal to provide authentic, high-quality food products from local farmers as well as global suppliers. When you shop with NetCost Market, you’ll find a gratifying shopping experience that even includes online shopping and home grocery delivery.