by Sarah Mir · Updated August 23, 2023
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Work smarter, not harder. That's my mantra for the year and it applies most of all to what I do in the kitchen. If you, like me, are looking for ways to simplify cooking in Ramadan then this Ramadan Prep guide is for you.
Table of Contents
- What is Ramadan?
- Why do I need to Prep for Ramadan?
- Ramadan Tip One: Double Up
- Ramdan Prep Tip Two: Batch Cook a Salan/ Curry Paste
- Ramadan Prep Tip Three: Think about Iftar less and Sehri/Suhoor more
- Sehri prep ideas
- Grocery store finds
- Pakistani Recipes to Prep for Ramzan
- Pakistani Iftar Recipes to Make Ahead
- Pakistani Ramadan Mains to Make Ahead
- Ramadan Desserts: Freezer Friendly Treats to Prep Ahead
What is Ramadan?
If you are not familiar with it then Ramadan is a blessed month for Muslims world over, a time when we fast from sunrise to sunset in a testament to our faith and it's principles of compassion, discipline, and spirituality. Although the focus of the month is what happens between Suhoor (the pre sunrise meal) and Iftar (the post sunset meal), nourishing our bodies in a thoughtful manner becomes extra important.
Why do I need to Prep for Ramadan?
Prepping for Ramadan allows you to take some of the work and guess work out of cooking and meal planning. Whether you are putting a DIY Pakora mix in your pantry, stocking your freezer with Shami Kababs, or freezing daals in advance, these actions allow you to have more time focus on your spiritual needs during the holy month.
Ramadan is also typically when many of us open our homes to our loved ones. There is something so special about breaking our fast with others and prepping in advance means you are more prepared for those evenings.
Below you will find the 3 Ramadan Prep tips I live by followed by the Pakistani Ramadan recipes you can start prepping now to make Ramadan easier.
Jump To Ramadan Prep Recipes
Ramadan Tip One: Double Up
Whatever you are cooking in the lead up to Ramadan, if you can freeze it, double it.
Making daal? Double the quantity and freeze half. Tadka/Baghaar after you defrost and reheat stove top. Marinating chicken? Double up and put half in the freezer. Making ten times the quantity for something can be truly exhausting. Making 2 pounds of tamatar gosht instead of one? That's not so bad.
Ramdan Prep Tip Two: Batch Cook a Salan/ Curry Paste
I know - you're confused, didn't I just say to only double up? Salan Masala or Curry Paste is where I make an exception. Getting a beautiful silky masala for a salan or pulao/biryani takes time and patience. So before Ramadan I take a page out of my mothers book, grab the mandolin/food processor for rapid slicing and make a huge batch of my Instant Pot Salan Masala.
Ramadan Prep Tip Three: Think about Iftar less and Sehri/Suhoor more
We tend to focus on what we will open our fast with. It's infinitely exciting to think about hot samosas, tangy dahi baray, and that blessed garam jalebi, but pause for a second.
Whereas our iftar replenishes us it is Sehri that will sustain us. If you have limited time for Ramadan prep use it wisely.
Sehri or Suhoor for me is a meal. It's not a light breakfast, it's not stuffed parathas galore. It is a meal that is meant to sustain me over the course of the day.
Sehri prep ideas
- shami kabab
- the chicken patties for herbed chicken burgers
- chana chaat
- raisha gosht meat for wraps
Grocery store finds
- Edamame
- Greek Yoghurt
- Nuts
- Hydralyte
- Smoked Salmon + Whole Grain Bagels
- Granola Bars
- Quiche
Pakistani Recipes to Prep for Ramzan
Here are some beloved Pakistani Ramadan recipes for you to prepare in advance!
Pakistani Iftar Recipes to Make Ahead
Whether you serve it separately or all together it's nice to have some 'fun' sides/appetizers ready to go! Look below for a mix of traditional Pakistani Iftar recipes and some fun flavorful additions!
Homemade Pakora Mix
Customizable Pakora Mix recipe that you can prep in advance to make as many or as few as you'd like over the course of the month!
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Authentic Shami Kabab
Shami Kabab made with beef boti for that perfect texture!
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Cheese Samosas
You can't have just one (or even two!) of these well loved family favourites!
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Dahi Baray
Soft flavorful Maash ki Daal ke Dahi Baray are a must make for Ramadan! Prep the baray (fritters) in advance to simplify your Iftar!
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Kala Channa or Kalay Channay
Kalay Channay + Dahi Baray = Love. That is some Ramzan and Iftar math right there. Prep the channay in advance and just defrost and heat this Ramadan!
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Southwest Rolls
Mix it up this Ramzan by prepping and freezing these rolls with a zesty and cheesy black beans and pepper filling.
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Imli ki Chutney
No dates no problem - this simple recipe uses brown sugar and spices to make an Imli ki Chutney that has that khatta-mirchi-meetha trifecta! Drizzle it over your chaat or your dahi baray
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Box Patties
These crispy delicate squares with a creamy light filling are the perfect attitude to your Iftar menu this year! Prep them now to enjoy later
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Bun Kabab
There are few things more satisfying than biting into a Bun Kabab with it's addictive balance of crunch and spice. Prep these easy vegetarian patties now to turn into Bun Kababs this Ramzan
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Chicken Balls
These crunchy fried chicken balls are a must prep for busy mamas - my kids love having these at iftar time!
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Kachay Qeemay or Galawat ke Kabab
These smooth smoky kababs take me right back to my grandmothers kitchen. They are easy to make and so good!
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A family staple, these chilli and corn cutlets have a little extra oomph from some shredded cheese. Deceptively simple, they are always a hit at iftars or tea time!
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Vegetable Noodle Spring Rolls
Another fun addition to your iftar table, these vegetable noodle spring rolls have a fun mix of texture and flavours - perfect for mixing it up.
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Chaat Masala is an integral Pakistani spice mix and this homemade version has this iconic chatpata flavour, takes minutes to put together and is preservative free!
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Pakistani Ramadan Mains to Make Ahead
Iftar isn't the only thing you can make ahead of time - check out these ideas for Ramzan recipes you can make in advance for a simpler more delicious Ramadan!
Raisha Gosht or Bhuna Gosht
Whether I make this one for Ramzan dawats or family meals at home, this meat dish is ALWAYS a huge hit! Turn it into paratha rolls/ wraps for sehri or add it to a bun with some crunchy onions, lettuce, and chutney for another fun twist!
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Stovetop Lemon Chicken Roast
A clean, light, tasty recipe that was one of the first I learnt how to make. Many decades later (shhh, no need to ask how many) it remains a favourite. Marinate and freeze for a busy day or your next Iftar dawat!
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Beef Biryani
Prep the masala for this super simple clean tasting Beef Biryani in advance and freeze! You won't regret it!
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Instant Pot Desi Roast Chicken
A desi style roast chicken that is fall of the bone tender thanks to the Instant Pot! Marinate and freeze!
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with a Kick
Another freezer friendly marinade. Defrost, air fry and serve with some fries for a fun meal!
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Pakistani Beef Keema or Qeema
Fantastically freezer friendly and adaptable - prep the qeema base without the potatoes and freeze. Turn it into Aloo Qeema or Qeema Chawal or add in some Green Peppers for a fun mix!
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Herbed Chicken Burgers
It blows my mind (in the best way possible) just how many Flour & Spice friends prep these every Ramzan! Quick, healthy, flavorful, these Chicken Burger Patties have sold me on Chicken Burgers!
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Chanay ki Daal....
... actually, all the daals really - boil and freeze and add baghaar or tarka when you defrost, heat and serve.
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Pasanday
I feel like Pasanday are a little out of fashion and I don't know why. Make these even once and you will question that too. When it's time to eat simply defrost and heat stove top. So good with hot roti but also amazing with moong ki daal and rice!
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Chicken Keema
Everyone needs a simple easy chicken keema recipe and this one is mine. That methi at that end takes the basic and makes it magic. Prep and freeze!
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Tamatar Gosht
Spicy, masalalicious beef cubes with a double whammy of tomatoes that I can never resist!
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Ramadan Desserts: Freezer Friendly Treats to Prep Ahead
Perfect for hosting, satisfying cravings or that post iftar chai!
Kulfi with Magic Crunch
It isn't Ramzan if I haven't made Kulfi. At least once in the month this Kulfi makes it way to our Iftar table. Bonus points for serving it with something warm like these fritters!
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Bread Kheer
Yes, yes I said bread - don't knock it until you've tried it! Also please don't complain to me if you finish it faster than you thought possible!
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Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Cake
Creamy rich ice cream cake perfect for dinner parties!
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Chanay ki Daal ka Halwa
Serve me some warm chanay ki daal ka halwa and you and I are best friends for life. This freezer friendly halwa makes any dinner feel so so special! Prep ahead for Ramzan or even Eid!
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Caramel Crunch Ice Cream
This decadent ice cream takes me right back to my eating ice cream in a car days - also enjoyed by people who didn't spend their childhood eating Caramel Crunch Ice Cream in the car.
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Marble Cake
This oil based cake hits the spot every time. Like all plain cakes you can prep it in advance, wrap well, and freeze for upto three months. Want more simple cake inspo? Check out my Chai Cakes collection! Just remember to freeze the cakes unfrosted for optimal results
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Coconut Macaroons
I may or may not have eaten these sweet Coconut Macaroons straight from the freezer more than once. SO SO good.
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Double Chocolate Cookies
This chocolate lovers absolute favourite cookies are often in my freezer ready to bake for a late night Ramadan catch up session with friends!
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Coffee Toffee Ice Cream
Make it. Freeze it. Devour it. All three steps are deliciously easy.
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Happy Cooking! I hope these Ramdan prep tips and prep ahead recipes simplify your life and allow you to have a happy, blessed Ramadan!
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4.96 from 41 votes
Pakora Mix & How to Make Pakoras
an all purpose pakora mix that you can premix and keep!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani
Author: Sarah Mir
Ingredients
- 4 cups besan
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp chilli powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ajwain (optional)
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
Combine all the dry ingredients in a clean air tight jar, they will easily last two weeks or more.
To make pakoras - take out some of the dry mix.
For plain pakoras put ¾ the amount of water to the dry mix and fry on medium heat till golden and for vegetable ones start with half a cup water to 1 cup mix and adjust if needed.
Tip: Draining your pakoras on a wire rack (versus paper towel) will lead to a crispier pakora!
Notes
This recipe is a base - it is not particularly spicy and you can get creative and add your flavour mix ins of choice when making the pakoras - green chillies, kasuri methi, onions, potatoes, sliced boiled eggs, spinach, chillies, etc.
If you like your food to have less salt then dial back the salt by ¼ tbsp
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Main DishesPakistani RecipesSide DishesRamadan
