We’re all extra busy these days; work doesn’t stop in Ramadan! If anything, we have the same amount of work, with less working hours. That’s why sometimes, we find ourselves frantically trying to cook Iftar in such a short time. Here are 5 go-to recipes for when you’re short on time.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
This delicious casserole is both delicious and quick to make.
Ingredients:
3 carrots
2 potatoes
1/2 cup peas
1/2 cup green beans
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon butter
1/3 cup cooking cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cut up the vegetables and steam them. It will take around 15 minutes for all of them to be half-way done. As the vegetables steam, melt the butter in a pot and fry the garlic. Pour milk over garlic and butter and keep on medium-high heat. When it starts to simmer, add the cream and stir for a minute or two. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Take the vegetables off the steamer and place in a casserole, add salt and pepper and toss. Then, add the milk and cream mix and top with cheese. Bake for an extra 10 minutes.
Creamy Chicken Breasts with Scallions and Garlic
This chicken dish is so delicious you won’t believe it took so little to make it!
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, de-boned and cut into 1cm thick slices.
2 cloves garlic, sliced
3 scallions, chopped
salt and pepper
Olive oil
Directions:
Drizzle a pan with olive oil and put over high heat. Season chicken breasts and place in the pan when it is hot, turn over each side and then bring down to medium-low heat and allow to cook for 15 minutes. Toss the garlic and scallions over the chicken and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Broccoli and Parmesan One Pot Pasta
The best thing about this pasta is that you can add whatever you want to it. Some spinach, mushrooms, green beans or artichoke would go very nicely. You can even add some chicken or salmon!
Ingredients:
1 bag fusili pasta
4 broccoli heads
2 cloves garlic
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Mince the garlic and fry it in a generous amount of olive oil over high heat. Before they turn golden add the pasta and stir for a few seconds before adding water. Add enough water to submerge the pasta, but not too much so it would completely cover it. Season and wait for it to boil. Once it boils, bring the heat down to medium, add the broccoli and cover. Once done, add Parmesan cheese and serve.
Roast Salmon with Herbs
This delicious roast salmon takes 15 minutes only believe it or not. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients:
1 salmon steak
1 sprig rosemary
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon honey
Olive oil
1/2 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
rub the salmon steak with the olive oil, honey and lemon and season with salt and pepper. Place it on tinfoil and keep the garlic and rosemary with it. Wrap the salmon well and place it in a pre-heated oven for 12 to 15 minutes tops.
Ultimate Iftar Sandwich
If you’re really in a rush, or are traveling and need to have Iftar on the road for example, have this filling sandwich that would only take 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
Whole grain toast
Smoked turkey/smoked salmon
Honey mustard
Avocado, sliced
Tomato, sliced
1 hard boiled egg
Brie cheese
Method:
Toast the bread and then layer all the ingredients to make your sandwich. Serve with a side of salad and/or fries.
