About Us
About Esajee's Store 1901. Esajee & sons were established in Rawalpindi, during the British rule of the Indian sub-continent. 1965. Esajee & Sons became Esajee & Co. and became one of the first food retail stores in Islamabad, Pakistan. 1980. Esajee & Co ventured into the imported gourmet food market and expanded its product line to include personal care and gift items appealing to the affluent. September, 2001. A second retail store was opened in the niche market of Gulberg, Lahore. January, 2007. Esajee Solutions was established to deploy and market open-source software technology solutions for the retail and trade industry to put the company on a technology-driven transformational path. December, 2009. A third retail store opened in the upscale neighborhood of the Defense Housing Authority in Lahore. March, 2019. A fifth retail outlet opened in the famous Civic Center of Phase IV, Bahria Town, Rawalpindi. August, 2019. A sixth retail outlet opened in the upscale area of DHA Phase V, Lahore. Over the years. Esajee's has become a name synonymous with quality, variety, and fine customer service. Mistaken denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and we will give you a complete account of the system expound.
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7 Quick Iftar Meal Ideas for a Delicious Ramadan
Ramadan is a special time for getting closer to family and focusing on what's important. But, with everyone being so busy, making meals for Iftar can feel like a lot of work. That's why we've put together 7 quick meal ideas for you. These recipes are easy and tasty, perfect for making your Ramadan meals something to look forward to without spending too much time cooking. This way, you can have more time for prayers, family, and taking care of yourself.
In this blog, you'll discover super easy recipes for Iftar that are perfect for a hassle-free Ramadan.
QUICK MEAL IDEAS FOR IFTAR
1. Chickpea Salad
This refreshing salad combines the heartiness of chickpeas with the crispness of fresh vegetables, all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. It's the perfect light start to an Iftar meal, offering both nutrition and hydration.
Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Recipe:
Rinse canned chickpeas and chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions.
Mix all the vegetables and chickpeas in a bowl.
Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley.
2. Lentil Soup
A warm and comforting soup, rich in flavors and packed with protein from lentils. It's a soothing dish to break your fast, easy to digest, and can be made in a large batch ahead of time.
Ingredients: Dates, nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), cream cheese, and honey.
Recipe:
Sauté chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add lentils, cumin, coriander, and vegetable broth. Simmer until lentils are tender.
Blend partially for a creamy texture, if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Stuffed Dates
Dates are a traditional food to break the fast during Ramadan. Elevate them by stuffing them with nuts or cream cheese and a drizzle of honey for a quick, nutritious, and energy-boosting sweet treat.
Ingredients: Dates, nuts (such as almonds or walnuts), cream cheese, and honey.
Recipe:
Slice dates on one side and remove pits.
Stuff with your choice of nuts or a small amount of cream cheese.
Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness, if desired.
4. Chicken Biryani
An aromatic and flavorful dish, chicken biryani is a festive meal in one pot. It combines spiced chicken with fluffy rice, making for a satisfying and complete Iftar meal.
Ingredients: Chicken pieces, basmati rice, onions, tomatoes, yogurt, garlic, ginger, biryani spices, saffron, and cilantro.
Recipe:
Marinate chicken pieces in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and spices.
Fry onions until golden, add tomatoes, and the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender.
Layer partially cooked basmati rice over the chicken. Add saffron (optional) for color and aroma. Cover and cook on low heat until rice is done.
Garnish with fried onions, chopped cilantro, and serve.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry
A quick and colorful dish, this vegetable stir-fry is versatile and healthy. Serve it over rice or noodles for a light yet fulfilling Iftar option that packs in a variety of nutrients.
Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Recipe:
Chop a variety of vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and ginger, then toss in the vegetables. Stir-fry quickly on high heat.
Season with soy sauce and a splash of sesame oil before serving. Serve over rice or noodles.
6. Beef Koftas
These flavorful meatballs or patties are mixed with herbs and spices, then grilled or pan-fried. Beef koftas can be served with pita bread and a side of yogurt sauce for a delicious, protein-rich meal.
Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, parsley, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Recipe:
Mix ground beef with finely chopped onions, parsley, garlic, and spices.
Form into small patties or oval shapes.
Grill or pan-fry until cooked through. Serve with pita bread and yogurt sauce.
7. Fruit Chaat
Fruit chaat is a tangy and sweet fruit salad that's especially refreshing during Ramadan. The chaat masala adds a unique flavor that elevates the natural sweetness of the fruits, making it a perfect dish to hydrate and refresh after a day of fasting.
Ingredients: A mix of fruits (apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, mango), chaat masala, lemon juice, and optional mint leaves.
Recipe:
Chop a selection of fruits into bite-sized pieces.
Mix in a large bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with chaat masala.
Chill before serving to enhance the flavors. Garnish with mint leaves, if desired.
Speed Up Your Iftar Prep with Esajee
Get all the ingredients you need for these delicious Iftar dishes directly from Esajee! With our wide selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can ensure every meal is not just a feast for the senses but also a testament to convenience and quality. That's why our shelves are stocked with a wide array of high-quality, halal-certified ingredients, ready-to-cook meals, and all the essentials you need to create nutritious and delicious Iftar dishes with ease.
Streamline your Iftar prep this Ramadan by choosing Esajee, where every ingredient contributes to a meal that’s both satisfying and effortlessly prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What's the ideal meal to break your fast with during Iftar?
The best meal for Iftar starts with hydration and a quick energy boost, traditionally from dates and water. A balanced follow-up should include complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and vegetables for sustained energy and nutrition. Eating slowly and choosing easily digestible foods is also essential after a day of fasting.
Q2: What are common dishes found on an Iftar dinner table?
An Iftar dinner usually begins with dates and water, followed by soups, salads, and main courses featuring rice and meats like chicken or lamb. Sides could include samosas or stuffed grape leaves, with desserts like baklava to conclude the meal.
Q3: Can I include vegetarian dishes in my Iftar dinner?
Yes, vegetarian dishes like vegetable soups, salads, and stuffed grape leaves are great additions to an Iftar dinner and can provide a variety of nutrients.
Q4: What are some quick Iftar dishes for busy days?
For busy days, quick Iftar options include dates and water for breaking the fast, pre-made soups, and simple salads or sandwiches made with grilled chicken or vegetables.
