Six (6) ‘Meal’ Ideas for Suhoor

I think it is a terrific idea to plan your meals during Ramadan – not only does it help with stocking your pantry, it ensures you have healthy, nourishing meals planned.

If I hadn’t spoken with Hauwa of Casa Kuluwaz though, I wouldn’t have understood the need to plan.

Of the two ‘meals’,Iftar is much ‘celebrated’. Most people go all out to ‘feast’.

I like the idea of Suhoor, the start of the day’s fast – fortification for the hours ahead. Think of it as ‘breakfast’ – the most important meal of the day, setting you up for success, considering Iftar isn’t for a few hours yet, especially if you’re in the distant reaches where daylight is longer.

The word that strikes me when I think of the meals is ‘balance’. You need a bit of everything to set you on your way.

I like the formulaic approach: Complex carbohydrates + Protein + Healthy Fats + Fruit & Vegetables + Dairy + Water.

Avoid salty foods which can dehydrate you and heavy, fried foods.

Here are six (6) sets of breakfast ideas & recipes for Suhoor.

Oatmeal

There are a hundred ways to have oatmeal – here are ten of them. Swirl some homemade date caramel (recipe coming soon) into your bowl for a mix of  sweet and nourishing. 

Truth is, you don’t have to limit yourself to oatmeal – make porridge out of rice, quinoa, millet and other whole grains.

{Oatmeal Recipes}

Smoothies

Smoothies are some of the easiest things to rustle up – I think of them as ‘kitchen sink recipes’.

Add some oats, dates and yogurt to bulk things up if you like.

Here are a few suggestions to get you on your way. I love the addition of ginger in almost all my smoothies – it adds a hint of spice and draws out the sweetness of the other fruits and vegetables.

• Pawpaw, carrots, passion fruit
• Pawpaw, pineapple, watermelon
• Pawpaw with lime zest
• Strawberries with lemon zest
• Lettuce, mango, apple, cucumber and ginger
• Carrots, ginger and orange zest
• Mango, spinach, pineapple, lemon juice and fresh coconut milk

{A smoothie recipe}

Sandwiches

Serve up a nourishing sandwich of toast, spread with date caramel or peanut butter. Top with slices of banana, apples of pear. 

Don’t forget produce and ingredients that are rich in Omega 3 & 6 – avocados, sardines and mackerel (can be mashed into delightful butters).

{Sandwich Recipes, From Club to Plantain}

Pancakes and Waffles

Add some oats to your pancake/ waffle batter and serve with eggs, meats, cheeses and fruit.

Don’t forget the ‘croffle‘ is part of this group of amazing ‘set-me-up-for-the-day’.

{Pancake & Waffle Recipes}

Fruit Bowls & Parfaits

Add oats or granola, to some yogurt and you’re in heaven. Parfaits are also a delight, don’t leave them out.

{Fruit Bowls & Parfaits}

Eggs

From boiled, to poached, fried and baked, eggs are an amazing way to fill up.

Add vegetables for bulk and serve with pita crisps, toast or bread for bulk.

{Egg Recipes}

I hope you enjoy the suggestions. 

Stay well xxx[wpurp-searchable-recipe]Six ‘Meal’ Ideas for Suhoor – – – [/wpurp-searchable-recipe]