Thursday 9 May 2019

ACTING MANAGING EDITORMohammed Salim Mohamed

DESIGNSajad Sahir

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDr. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi

With the whole c o u n t r y shifting into a mood of tran-quillity and

reflection, offers and discounts beckon customers this Ramadan. Leading supermarkets, hyper-markets, automobile dealers, retailers, hotels and restaurants have lined up appealing packages to attract customers during the Holy month.

Car dealers are leading the pack, when it comes to doling out offers. Their catchy advertise-ments are greeting customers by saying that they can save a good amount by buying cars during the month. The dealers are offering freebies such as free reg-istration and insurance for vehicle for one year, extended warranty, and free road-side assistance. To make it easier to own a car, they have also announced flexibility in payments. Some car makers are giving option of zero percent down payment for buying a car while other schemes allow to pay some part of the down payment in phases.

Additionally, the customers will also be offered gift vouchers and lucky draw coupons. Ramadan is a crucial month for car makers as customers con-sider it auspicious to buy cars during the holy month. “Ramadan is an important month for us because the sale is highest in this month compared to other months during the year,” a leading car dealer said.

Retailers are not far behind in attracting customers. Most of the retailers have started Ramadan related campaigns under which they are offering various items on reduced prices.

It is also a good time for those looking to buy electronic items as showrooms are offering zero percent interest on instalments and free extended warranty on TVs, speakers, mobile phones, home appliances and more.

Hotels in Qatar have lined up several events and activities for their customers during Ramadan. Hotels are offering a wide array

of delicacies catering to all and chefs are busy preparing Iftar and Suhoor meals competing to offer the best.

The extensive Ramadan buffet will feature exceptional international, local and tradi-tional dishes as well as freshly baked breads, grilled meat and live cooking stations which will leave diners lost for choice. Iftar commences at dusk and Ramadan nights will be extended into the early hours of dawn. Many star hotels offer a tradi-tional warm welcome and a myriad of sumptuous traditional Arabic dining options available throughout the Holy month. Some restaurants transform into a wonderful venue to indulge in an authentic Iftar experience with buffet deliciously prepared and tastefully served.

The buffet features an assortment of authentic Ori-ental delicacies and Ramadan specialities complement with popular Ramadan beverages and a variety of Arabic desserts. International selections of salads, seafood and desserts are also available.

The buffet includes hot and cold appetisers, a wide range of salads, live cooking, main hot courses, bread, sweets, dates, juices and all types of Arabian coffee with a distinctive Ramadan ambience. For those with a sweet tooth, relish in an extensive selection of Arabic sweets including Kounafa, Baklawa, Maamoul, Sahlab, Othmaliah, Aish Al Saraya and Umm Ali.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry also announced its discounted consumer goods ini-tiative on more than 500 products. The initiative, which is being launched in cooperation with major shopping malls, came into effect from April 25 and will remain applicable until the end of the Holy month.

According to the list issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 503 items will be sold at reduced prices across the country during Ramadan.

The initiative comes within

the framework of the Ministry’s efforts over the past years to meet citizens and residents’ needs of consumer goods at reduced prices during the Holy month, when spending on food commodities traditionally increases.

Baladna Food Industries, Qatar’s largest producer of fresh dairy, recently launched a brand-new product line of six unique juices. The 100 percent natural summer fresh juices, with no added sugar, are already available in Orange, Apple, Pineapple, Fruit Mix, Tropical Mix, and Pomegranate mix flavours. The launch of the juices has come in time for the holy month of Ramadan and the summer season.

Banks too have unveiled new schemes giving cash back offers. Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has announced a new finance cam-paign for the holy month of Ramadan and summer. The bank has said that customers applying for personal finance will enjoy a cash bonus of one percent of the total financing amount. Hotels have also begun to announce about their special Ramadan tents and iftar buffet offers. Offers include special discount for booking iftar and suhours. There are also discounts on fitness and wellness club membership.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has announced the launch of its finance promotion to meet the growing needs of the cus-tomers upon the arrival of the Holy month of Ramadan. New and existing customers who apply for a personal or car finance will benefit from a cash bonus of 1 percent of the total financing amount. The new campaign is part of the bank’s commitment to reward loyal customers and offers up to QR20,000 of cash bonus.

Also, as part of its annual Ramadan campaigns, Barwa Bank has announced a suite of customer loyalty reward schemes. Among its largest cus-tomer-centric initiatives is a

Leading hypermarkets, retailers and hotels line up offersOffers, discounts galore this Ramadan

limited-time Ramadan offer available to all Barwa Bank credit card holders, rewarding their domestic and overseas pur-chases transacted through these cards during the Holy Month with the chance to win loyalty

points. Upon each local purchase made through their credit cards, the bank’s loyal customers will get the opportunity to partake in a nationwide draw, offering 25 winners monthly a prize of 20,000 loyalty points each, and

a grand prize of 1,000,000 loyalty points.

Moreover, the credit card holders will also benefit from a wide array of exclusive discounts in hotels and Ramadan tents across Qatar.

PICS: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA

02 THURSDAY 9 MAY 2019

Mandarin Oriental, Doha is delighted to behosting guests during the Holy Month of Ramadan for the very first time. The

hotel is a modern interpretation of a tra-ditional Qatari home and have wel-comed guests with its enriching stories behind its design and legendary oriental hospitality since opening in March 2019.

Ramadan is a time to reflect, to give, to be thankful, and rekindle with family and friends. Iftar and Sohour at Man-darin Oriental, Doha embodies this spirit by bringing families together and helping them create memorable moments for both adults and children.

Guests can expect to embark on a culinary journey inspired by food from destinations along the ancient Silk Route. Children will delight to story-telling adventures in a venue filled with animal characters such as Leo the lion from the savannah of Africa or Vani the monkey from the jungles of Mexico.

Iftar and Sohour will be hosted at the Almas Ballroom, which has a sep-arate entrance adjacent to the hotel’s main entrance. Guests will be trans-ported on a journey to exotic destina-tions along the Silk Route, which stretches from the Far East to Europe.

A feast of authentic dishes such as Jap-anese sushi, sashimi and robatayaki, Arabic mezze and grilled meat, sizzling hot Tandoor oven dishes and exotic tasting curries from India, delicate dim sums and

work fried dishes from China and South East Asia, with a selection of tempting des-serts and more… will be prepared by our chefs to create a lively and buzzing ambiance reminiscent of the market place in Asia, Middle East and Europe.

The storytelling adventures is an exclusive partnership with Papinee, world renowned storytelling company and retailer, which brings families together and help parents develop a closer bond with their children through its animated characters and the art of storytelling. Animal character story-telling sets, such as Leo the lion or Vani the monkey… etc, will be available for purchase with a portion of the sales donated to a local charity.

To further promote the spirit of giving and bringing family together, Mandarin Oriental, Doha is offering complimentary Iftar and Sohour for children up to 11 years old, for bookings made before 1 May 2019. Each paying

couple will be eligible for up to a maximum of four complimentary Iftar or Sohour meals for their children, addi-tional children will be charged accordingly.

IFTAR (6pm to 8pm) prices are QAR245 for adults and QAR135 for children.

SOHOUR (from 9pm to 2am) prices are QAR280 for adults and QAR160 for children.

Restaurant Operational Hours During Ramadan

IZU Restaurant – 6:30am to midnight

Mandarin and Baraha Lounges – Sunset to midnight

Gelato – Sunset to midnight

ABOUT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA

Mandarin Oriental, Doha is an intimate and stylish urban retreat located in the centre of Msheireb Downtown

Doha, the new lifestyle and cultural heart of the city. The hotel blends chic and con-temporary design with touches of Qatari heritage, bringing new levels of luxury to Qatar. Guests can expect an inviting ambiance, exquisite décor and bespoke service, where traditional Middle Eastern charm meets Mandarin Oriental’s leg-endary hospitality.

Iftar and Sohour at Mandarin Oriental, DohaA time to give, to be thankful and to rekindle with the family during the Holy month

03THURSDAY 9 MAY 2019

Ramadan is the month of mercy and forgiveness. With the advent of the Holy month, while we find joy in dis-cussing the spiritual, mental and physical benefits of fasting, we should

also make health a priority and pay better attention to dietary recommendations during the month. To start reaping the health benefits of fasting while rein-forcing our ability for obedience and work, here are a few general tips on health to be followed.

FIRST TIP: Break your fast with dates and eat after prayer

Eating dates has been recommended since the days of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After long hours of fasting, the stomach is not yet ready to digest fatty meals that can overburden the digestive system. Dates are quickly and easily absorbed through the stomach lining. They contain the simple sugars glucose and fructose that do not require a complicated process to be digested as is the case with carbohydrates and fats. Let your stomach rest during prayers, in preparation for food consumption.

SECOND TIP: Make healthy choices and avoid overeating

Ramadan spreads offering a variety of deli-cacies from soups and appetizers to several entrees are the norm for many people. However, we should remember that a simple yet complete meal that contains all the nutrients a body needs will be sufficient to break a fast; otherwise the body will store excess calories as fat. Be aware that serving several dishes at Iftar increases people’s appetite to indulge in more food. They might start with the main dishes and forget our Prophet’s (PBUH) wisdom to break the fast with just a few dates, in preparation for a gentle reintroduction of food after many hours of fasting.

THIRD TIP: Don’t skip Suhoor Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Eat Suhoor,

for in Suhoor there is blessing”.Suhoor is the “energy-producing meal”. It ful-

fills the fasting person’s nutritional needs and helps him complete his fast. Many people overlook the merit and importance of this meal as recommended by our Prophet (PBUH) and indulge at night in fatty

meals that have negative effects on health such as digestive disorders and weight gain due to excess calories stored by the body as fat.

FOURTH TIP: Follow the three-meal rule The dietary rule is to eat three meals a day

and it should not be different during Ramadan. Suhoor refers to the breakfast meal consumed in the morning, Iftar is the equivalent of dinner and a light meal between the two will serve as supper. This helps regulate body functions and to fulfill its dietary needs with three meals that balance carbohydrates, proteins, dairy products, fruit and vegetables. Do not forget to drink plenty of water.

FIFTH TIP: Consume plenty of vegetables and fruit

Changes in dietary habits during Ramadan cause many people to engage in the unhealthy behavior of consuming less fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are important and rank high on priority lists. Rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, they provide the body with the required nutrients, contribute to a feeling of fullness, and aid bowel regulation. Whether raw or cooked, it is advisable to spread the recommended servings (at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day) over the three meals.

SIXTH TIP: Reduce your intake of sweets Sweets in general, and Ramadan desserts in

particular, are high in fat, sugar and calories. Dry cakes (cream free), rice pudding, and Mahal-labiya can be consumed in moderation, but great restraint should be shown when eating Arabic sweets, such as Ktaev, Baklava, Kunafa and Luqaimat dumplings, as they contain large amounts of syrup and ghee.

SEVENTH TIP: Drink sufficient amounts of water Water is the beverage of choice. Drinking water

between Iftar and Suhoor reduces the risk of dehy-dration, especially when fasting during hot summer days. Therefore, each day drink between 2-3 liters (8–12 cups) of liquid, preferably water, from Iftar to Suhoor. Liquids include natural juices, milk, laban, soups and others. Reduce the consumption of caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and car-bonated drinks. Ministry of Public Health

Mercure Hotel sits in the heart of the bustling business district of Doha and is located next to Msheireb Metro Station. Valet Parking Available.

Special lighting at The Pearl-Qatar. UDC has decorated the island to reflect the authentic essence and beauty of the Holy month.

Some tips to reap benefits of fasting

04 THURSDAY 9 MAY 2019

Giving good news to resi-dents for the Holy month, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced on April 25 its discounted

consumer goods initiative on more than 500 products.

The initiative, which is being launched in cooperation with major shopping malls, will remain appli-cable until the end of the Holy month. According to the list issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 503 items will be sold at reduced prices across the country during Ramadan.

The initiative comes within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts over the past years to meet citizens and res-idents’ needs of consumer goods at reduced prices during the Holy month, when spending on food commodities traditionally increases.

The initiative covers basic com-modities consumed during Ramadan, such as flour, sugar, rice, pasta, Harees,

oil, milk, and other food and non-food items whose consumption increases during the Holy month.

As per the list, Baladna UHT milk full fat - 1 litre will be available at QR5, Al Waha fresh chicken - 800gm at QR13.25, Doux frozen whole chicken – 1 kg at QR11 and Punjab Garden basmati rice - 5kg pack will be sold at QR29. New prices of Yara Sunflower oil - 1.8 litre will be QR11.75 and QFM hareesh - 2kg will cost QR6.25 and QFM flour number 1 - 5kg will be available at QR16.

Al Waha eggs 30pcs will be available at QR13, Rayyan Water 6x1.5 litre at QR6.25, QFM Flour 5kg pack at QR16 and Kuwait Flour for all purpose 5kg pack will cost at QR21. Kohinoor eve-ryday Basmati rice 5kg pack will cost QR29, Best Choice Tomato Ketchup 335gm will be priced at QR2, Delicio Ketchup 500gm at QR6.25, Nezo salt 1kg pack at QR2.25, Pearl Dishwash 1 liter bottle at QR7 and Al Douha salt 1kg pack will cost QR1.5.

The Ministry has been communi-cating and coordinating with suppliers to identify commodities that witness increased demand during the Holy

month in a bid to offer these goods at the most appropriate prices.

The list of discounted consumer goods has been circulated to all major

shopping malls in the country, and is accessible to consumers through the Ministry’s website and social network pages.

W Doha Hotel & Resi-dences is trans-forming the Great Room yet again for another year of the

infamous Ramadan Tent for the Holy Month of Ramadan. W Doha will bring a new and fresh vibe to the tent for guests to relish in the traditions and experience the rich flavors and sounds of the Holy Month. The Iftar package will be available from sunset to 8:15pm at QAR 255 per person, and Sohourfrom 9:15pm to 2am at QAR 295 per person, both of which will require prior booking to get the best seat in the house!

Food enthusiasts will be taken through a bold and an unforgettable culinary journey of a lavish buffet set up of a variety of cuisines taking them around the world all while enjoying the Ramadan vibes with friends and family. With 12 live stations featuring Japanese, Italian, Indian, Arabic, Turkish, Asian, European and a host of other cuisines, to the even richer beverages and a vast array of decadent sweets that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

W Doha guests and food lovers can

enjoy many of the hotel’s other hotspots like WAHM- the hotel’s poolside lounge which will bring unforgettable moments of Ramadan to its covered outdoor terrace. An ala carte + suhoor set menu will be served from 8PM until 2AM daily during the holy month.

Guests can book a private iftar at the venue by directly reserving with the hotel.

Make sure to get your Ramadan bookings early whether family or cor-porate, it’s never too early to save a seat for the perfect Iftar or Suhour! To

reserve, call 44535015 or Email: dohwhevents@marriott.com

For non-fasting guests, W Doha will continue offering its selection of unique restaurants during Ramadan with Market by Jean-Georges serving its breakfast from 6am-11am, a la carte and express lunch from 12PM-4PM as well as supper club and a la carte dinner from 5PM to 11:30PM. Spice Market and La Spiga by Paper Moon will also open their doors for the popular express lunch, dinner throughout the month. In addition, W Café’s selection of delicious baked goods, cupcakes and quick bites will be available from 6am-11pmdaily.

ABOUT W DOHA HOTEL & RESIDENCES

Casual glamour meets urban energy at W Doha Hotel & Residences. Find insider access to the hottest shopping, buzzing nightlife and full array of res-taurants and lounges located in the hotel. W Doha features 289 rooms and suites each with iconic design.

Experience creative cuisine at Spice

Market and Market by chef Jean-Georges, La Spiga by Paper Moon or try the W Café for mouth-watering snacks. The hotel invites you to mingle at one of the three clubs & lounges, the Living Room, Wahm and Crystal, the sleekest spots in town, or kick back and re-energise at the Spa or the WET poolside.

Finally, get some business done and connect with the world in the Wired Business Centre or meeting rooms. Should guests need to leave the hotel, they can discover historical culture at the Museum of Islamic Arts in the Cor-niche, or take in the sounds and spices of Souq Waqif, both only minutes away from W Doha, with the help of the hotel’s own W Insiders. Too much choice? Rest assured the W brand’s sig-nature Whatever/Whenever service philosophy, will be able to offer you whatever you want – day or night!

Find W Doha on Social Media:Instagram: @WDohaTwitter: @WDohaFacebook: @WDohaSnaphat:@W.Doha

Streets and roundabouts in Katara illuminated for Ramadan. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT / THE PENINSULA

W Doha’s ‘Ramadan Tent’ offers fresh vibe

Prices of over 500 items reduced for Holy month

The initiative, which is being launched in cooperation with major shopping malls, will remain applicable until the end of the Holy month. According to the list issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 503 items will be sold at reduced prices across the country during Ramadan.

05THURSDAY 9 MAY 2019

Ramadan is an oppor-tunity to stop bad habits that negatively affect our health and adopt healthier and nutritious diets. Fasting

relieves and strengthens the digestive system while increasing its efficiency, and helps adjust triglyceride levels in the blood. Despite this, many have reversed the rule. With the abundance and easy preparation of food, people often break their fast with lavish feasts rich in a variety of dishes, sweets and fried food, leading to an increase in triglycerides and cholesterol, and perhaps diabetes and weight gain which is the opposite of what the fasting person is trying to achieve.

What is required is a balanced and nutritional meal in terms of quantity and quality, rather than being deprived of food and sweets.

THE IDEAL MEAL PLAN

Main rules:� Break your fast with dates.� Incorporate soups and salads into

your food plan.� Stay away from fried and fatty food

as much as possible and substitute frying with baking or grilling.

� Avoid eating sweets every day during Ramadan and restrict them to special occasions (such as dining out or inviting guests to the Iftar meal).

IFTAR MEAL:

FIRST: Eat three dates with one cup of water.

SECOND: Have soup every day. Avoid creamy and fatty soups and replace them with vegetables, lentils, barley, or chicken soups (cream free).

THIRD: APPETIZERSEating appetizers after soup will

prepare your stomach to begin the digestion process. Therefore, it is rec-ommended to choose appetizers that are rich in vegetables such as fatoush, green salad and taboule sprinkled with a hint of lemon or vinegar without any added salt.

FOURTH: THE MAIN DISHIt is preferable that Ramadan tables

feature one main dish, as food variety and indulgence generally lead to overeating. Food for the Iftar meal should include carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, etc. and protein found in red meat, chicken or fish.LATE NIGHT SNACK (GHABGHA):

Food served at this meal is a bal-ancing act and will depend on the per-son’s food intake at the other three meals. For instance, if the person had a heavy Iftar, the Ghabgha meal should be light, contrary to the practice of

indulging in sumptuous meals, late at night, with main dishes, fried foods, and sweets, then going to bed directly after eating which can lead to health problems. For example:

� You can eat foods containing carbohydrates (whole wheat bread, rice, pasta, etc.) and change the protein source such as opting for a vegetable protein (fava beans, chick peas, lentils, etc.)

� Include a salad to ensure that the body’s requirements for fiber, vitamins, and minerals are met.

� Avoid serving fried foods and sweets at this meal and remember to drink sufficient amounts of water to ensure an adequate supply of the body’s requirements for liquids.

SUHOOR MEAL:

The best time to eat Suhoor is half an

hour before the Adhan. You can break your fast with something light such as:

�� Whole grain bread with labneh plus a piece of fruit

�� Cereals with fresh milk plus dried fruits

� Stay away from sweets that can increase your feeling of hunger a few hours after you start your fast. Also, avoid salty foods because they trigger thirst.

FOODS THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED

Individuals who choose to fast in Ramadan are urged to pay close attention to their diet, as the disruption of their regular diet and eating patterns during the month could cause some discomfort and heighten food sensitivities, specifi-cally when eating certain types of foods high in sugar or fat. It is generally advisable to avoid, or at least limit, some types of foods during Ramadan, such as:

� Fried and fatty foods, such as fried potato and samosa. These foods contain a high percentage of the daily recom-mended fat and sodium intake, so eating them frequently may increase the impact of fatigue and exhaustion caused by fasting in Ramadan.

� Foods that contain high amounts of salt, such as pickles. Sodium can dehy-drate the body and impact its ability to absorb fluids.

� Foods that contain large amounts of sugar. These foods are often high in calories but poor in nutritional value. While these foods provide the body with instant energy, the energy is generally short lived.

� Foods that contain chocolate or any other source of caffeine. Caffeine is a diu-retic and can cause the body to lose fluids, salts and other important minerals needed during the day.

Ministry of Public Health

A balanced and healthy Ramadan diet

Dates considered a blessed fruit are especially consumed during the Holy Month of Ramadan. It is not only a custom to have dates during this Holy month, but also a delightful

and delicious fruit to eat. Dates, considered an essential item for breaking the fast, are being sold at almost all markets and with discount offers.

Hypermarkets, retail shops and sweet shops in the country have launched attractive offers on dates to meet growing demand during the Holy month. Iftar is a time of replenishment for Muslims, but eating and having sweet beverages and foods can actually cause the blood sugar to decrease even further, causing more fatigue.

Dates might be one of the most beneficial fruits for humans. According to modern med-icine, dates have 10 element which are crucial for humans to stay healthy and fit. The sugar in dates is fructose as opposed to glucose, and does not make people fat.

Vitamin B6 soothes the nerves and is abundant in dates. Physicians advise the elderly and those with stress to eat three dates in the morning, afternoon and evening. Dates also contain magnesium, which strengthens muscles and is good for pregnant women and to prevent cancer.

Dates are also highly nutritious. In 100 grams of dates, there are 1.5 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbohydrates and 225 calories. This is why they are beneficial for those who work in jobs requiring either physical or mental effort or suffer from exhaustion or weakness due to illness. Dates are also good for anemia, tuberculosis and bone problems thanks to their

levels of phosphorus, calcium and iron.It is recommended to start Iftar by eating 2-3

dates, as it provides the body with sugar, helping restore low blood sugar after fasting all day. One of the most common reasons for headaches or dizziness during Ramadan is low blood sugar, which is why eating dates is very beneficial at the start of Iftar.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Provide vitality: Being rich in calories and sugar, as well as being easily digested and absorbed, they provide you with an immediate source of energy

Rich in essential nutrients: Dates contain 6 vitamins and 15 minerals and are especially rich in calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium and potassium.

Full of fibre: This facilitates digestion and moderates bowl function, helping prevent constipation

Heart healthy: They have only traces of fat, are cholesterol free and can be consumed by all members of your family

DID YOU KNOW?

You need to consume about 2-4 servings of fruits per day. 2-3 pieces of dates are considered as one fruit serving and contain about 70 calories!

Another way to add dates to your balanced diet is to incorporate them into your sweet recipes, this way you will replace some of the sugar as dates are naturally sweet and tasty.

Dates: The most beneficial fruit

06 THURSDAY 9 MAY 2019

Try and share these recipes this Ramadan

Mutton CutletsNo Ramadan meal is complete without some

delicious mutton. An all time favourite, mutton cutlets tops the list of the best Ramadan snack recipes.

INGREDIENTS:Mutton – ¼ kg- cooked and mincedOne tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder¼ Tsp Turmeric powder¼ Tsp Everest Garam masala powder¼ Tsp of ground black pepper powder½ Tsp of freshly ground Ginger garlic pasteTwo Green chillies – finely choppedOne large Onion – finely choppedOne cup of BreadcrumbsOne eggOne sprig of fresh Curry leavesOne Tsp Coriander leaves- finely choppedOne medium size potatoFour cups of Vegetable oil for fryingSalt to tasteOne cup of Water

HOW TO MAKE:In a small wok, heat one Tbsp of oil. Saute onion

with some salt until it turns soft. Add the ginger garlic paste and chillies and sauté for another minute. Next, add all other spices and fry for another minute. Now add the minced mutton and cook for five minutes. Add the mashed potatoes, and cook for another minute.

Sprinkle salt to taste, and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool, before making small patties. Beat an egg with a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

First dip each mutton patty into the egg mixture. Next roll it in the breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the cutlets till they turn golden brown.

Serve hot with sauce or chutney.

Potato FrittersINGREDIENTS:Two large potatoes1 cup of besan1 cup of rice flourOne teaspoon red chilli powderA pinch of turmeric powderSalt to taste

One sprig of finely chopped curry leaves

HOW TO MAKE:Wash and peel the potatoes. Slice the potatoes

with even thickness, preferably using a processor or hand held slicer. Mix all other ingredients in a bowl. Add water and combine to form a thin paste without lumps. If the paste becomes too watery, add a little more rice flour. Heat oil in a wok on medium flame. Dip the slices in the batter, so that they are fully coated. Drop into hot oil and fry till both sides turn golden brown.

Serve piping hot off the flame, with tomato sauce and a cup of tea.

Chana ChaatThis is a quick and tangy dish that will appease

your taste buds. The Channa Chaat masala is perhaps one of the easiest Indian recipes for Ramadan that you can try out. If you have some chana left over, this dish becomes all the easier to put together.

INGREDIENTS:Two cups boiled Kabuli ChanaOne cup of finely chopped onion and tomatoesTwo small green chillies, finely chopped1/2 tsp of roasted cumin seed powder1/4 tsp of red chilli powder or pepper powder1/2 tsp of Everest Chaat masala1/2 tsp of amchur powderBlack salt to tasteTwo tsp of freshly extracted lime juiceFour pieces of papdis crushedA sprig of coriander, finely chopped for

garnishing

HOW TO MAKE:Pour the pressure-cooked chana in a large

bowl. To this bowl, add the finely chopped tomatoes, chillies, and onion. Next, add all the dry spices to the bowl and toss the contents. Add black pepper and toss again. Now, drizzle the lime-juice to lend a tangy flavor to the chat. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Top it with crushed papdis and serve.

Pakoras:INGREDIENTS:1 ½ cups of gram flour 1 ½ quartersTwo large OnionsFour to five sprigs of fresh coriander

Six sprigs of fresh Mint leavesThree Green chilliesRed chilli 1 Tbsp finely choppedOne tablespoon of cuminA pinch of baking soda ½ tsp

HOW TO MAKE:In a medium sized bowl, mix all the ingredients

except the onions. Add water and combine to make a thick paste. Add the finely chopped onions and mix well. In a frying pan, heat oil on a medium flame. Drop small balls of the mixture and fry evenly on all sides. Serve with tomato sauce.

Onion RingsThe conventional onion rings can be made

spicier by adding a few spices to the batter that will add flavor to this popular iftar snack.

INGREDIENTS:One Big onion – cut into thin rings¼ Tbsp black pepper powderOil for fryingFor the batter½ cup gram flour¼ Tsp of fresh ginger paste¼ Tsp of Fennel seed powder¼ Tbsp of red chilli flakesSalt to taste¼ cup water- to make a thick batter

HOW TO MAKE:Make a thick batter using all the ingredients

mentioned above. Heat some oil in a frying pan. Dip the onion rings, ensuring they are covered in batter. Deep fry until crisp and brown Garnish with cucumber and carrots and serve with chutney.

Eggplant ChipsTry this simple yet interesting snack recipe

when you run out of ideas to make a Ramadan meal interesting. This chips is easy to make and is sure to whet your appetite after a long fast.

INGREDIENTS:One large eggplant sliced into thin stripsTwo tbsps of olive or vegetable oilA cup of fresh bread crumbsTwo tbsp grated Parmesan cheese1/2 tsp dried oreganoOne clove garlic – finely choppedSalt to tastePepper to taste – preferably freshly ground

black pepperTwo sprigs of parsley, finely chopped

HOW TO MAKE:Preheat your oven to 200 degree Celsius. Cut

thin strips of the eggplant and drizzle some olive oil on them. In another bowl, combine all other ingredients. Use this mixture to coat the eggplant strips. Lay down the eggplant strips coated in batter on a baking plate and cover them with more crumbs. Bake for half an hour or until they turn crisp and crunchy.

Shrimp BiryaniINGREDIENTS2 cups basmati rice or 400 g2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 medium onion or 250 g, finely sliced2 medium onion or 250 g, finely chopped500 g shrimp, peeled, raw, de-shelled & de-veined2 tablespoons tomato paste4 cloves garlic, crushed1 cup fresh dill or 50 g, finely chopped3 tablespoons curry powder2 cinnamon sticks5 whole cardamom pods3 cubes chicken stock bouillon vube or 30 g½ cup water or 125 ml, hot2 cups coriander leaves or 100 g, roughly chopped6 cups water or 1½ litres2 tablespoons ghee1 tablespoon saffron, powderPinch of saltPinch of ground pepper

HOW TO MAKE Wash and Soak rice in cold water and set aside

for 30 min. In a large pot, heat vegetable oil, fry sliced onions till golden brown, remove and set aside. In the same pot on medium high heat fry chopped onions till golden, add shrimp and sauté till pink (about 4-5 minutes), add tomato paste, Garlic, Dill, Spices, Cinnamon sticks, Cardamom pods, Chicken stock, and Water and bring to a simmer. Add chopped fresh coriander leaves and remove from pot and set aside.

In the same pot, bring to boil 1.5 litres of water, place rice and cook until rice is ¾ cooked. Drain rice in a colander and discard excess water.

Melt Ghee on the bottom of the same pot; add a layer of strained rice, followed by a layer of shrimp and onion mixture and a sprinkle of Saffron powder. Follow this step until all the rice and shrimp sauce is used.

Steam rice and shrimp on med-low heat until rice is fully cooked (about 20 minute). Gently fluff cooked rice ensuring even distribution of rice and shrimp. Serve on a large plate, and garnished with fried sliced onions.

Soup, a traditional dish at Iftar, adds variety to every table during the Holy month of Ramdan. With its many different types and flavours, it’s

not only a delicious tradition, but also offers many health benefits.

Starting with soup at Iftar will replenish the fluids lost in your body while fasting during the day. It also prepares your digestive system for the rest of the meal and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. In addition, soup is a rich source of vitamins, min-erals and other nutrients which are essential for the body, especially during Ramadan as it stays for a long period of the day without food.

The benefits of soup include:�� Warmth and flexibility:

Starting your Iftar meal with soup warms the stomach after a long day and helps in preventing bloating or any stomach discomfort

��Rich in fluids: Soups are rich in water, which is hydrating for body cells and beneficial for a healthy glowing complexion

�� A healthy nutritious dish: Soups are healthy dishes made from nutritious ingredients such as vege-tables, meat, chicken, legumes and rice. The healthy way in which soups are prepared help preserve all their nutritional value in the cooking water and maintain its richness in vitamins, minerals and proteins

�� Full of healthy fibres: Its richness in fibre (such as vegetable and legume soups) helps regulate the function of your digestive system and reduce bloating and constipation

� A rich taste: Rich in flavour for you and your family, it is easy to chew and swallow, and a great meal for kids and the elderly.

��Feeling of satiety: Soups offer a feeling of fullness and this will allow you to control your meal portions and eat smaller quantities at Iftar.

EXAMPLES OF HEALTHY SOUPS:

LENTIL SOUP: rich in proteins and iron

VEGETABLE SOUP: rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals

CHICKEN AND RICE SOUP: rich in proteins, iron and carbohydrates

So go ahead, give yourself and your family a nutritious dish during Ramadan, with a healthy variety of soups each and every day!

Delicious benefits of soup

Fasting in Arabic is called “Sawm” which literally means ‘to be at rest’. Fasting in the month of Ramadan

(the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar) is one of the Five Pillars upon which the “house” of Islam is built. During this month, every able-bodied Muslim, is required to fast, eve-ryday from dawn until dusk. Listed below are 12 reasons to fast.

1. DEVELOP CHARACTER

Fasting is an institution for the improvement of moral and spiritual character of human being. The purpose of the fast is to help develop self-restraint, self-purification, God-con-sciousness, compassion, the spirit of caring and sharing, the love of humanity and the love of God. Fasting is a universal custom and is advocated by all the religions of the world, with more restrictions in some than in others. The Islamic Fast, as opposed to mere starvation or self-denial, is an act of worship and obedience to God, thanks-giving, forgiveness, spiritual training, and self-examination.

2. SELF REFLECTION

Ramadan gives us a break and provides us with a rare opportunity to think about our own selves, our future, and our families. It is a time to give our selves a mental break and to temporarily forget about the hundreds of worries and stresses we are constantly bombarded with. In hectic times, such as ours, and in places like the West, this valuable time to think about our lives, on individual basis, is a luxury and is desperately needed. It is a unique month of self-analysis, and of taking stock of one’s moral and spiritual ‘assets and liabilities’.

3. DEVELOP COMPASSION

Fasting inculcates in us patience, unselfishness, and grat-itude. When we fast we feel the pains of deprivation and hunger, and learn how to endure it patiently. The meaning of this powerful experience in a social and humanitarian context is that we are much quicker than anybody else in sympathizing with the oppressed and needy around the world, and responding to their needs.

4. DEVELOP ADAPTABILITY

Fasting in Ramadan enables us to master the art of mature adaptability and Time-Man-agement. We can easily

understand this point when we realize that fasting makes people change the entire course of their daily life. When they make the change, they naturally adapt themselves to a new system and schedule, and move along to satisfy the rules. This, in the long run, develops in them a wise sense of adaptability and self-created power to overcome the unpredictable hardships of life! A person who values con-structive adaptability, time-man-agement, and courage will appreciate the effects of Fasting in this respect as well.

5. CULTIVATES LOVE

It cultivates in us the principle of sincere Love, because when we observe Fasting, we do it out of deep love for God. And a person, who loves God, truly is a person who knows what love is and why everyone on this Earth should be loved and treated justly, for the sake of God.

6. ELEVATES THE SPIRIT

Fasting elevates the human spirit and increases our awareness of God. It strengthens our will-power as we learn to rise above our lower desires. The institution of fasting is both unique and a shared experience in human history. From the very beginning of time, humans have struggled to master their physical and psychological selves: their bodies and their emotions. Hunger is one the most powerful urges that we experience. Many abuse this urge. Thus, when a person purposefully denies something to their own self that it craves, they are elevating their mind above their body, and their reason and will above their passion. The person who can rule their desires and make them work, as they like, has attained true moral excellence.

7. DEVELOPS CLARITY OF MIND

With the clarity of mind and absence of distractions, also comes a greater focus. In the month of Ramadan, many Muslims try to avoid watching TV, listening to music, and some other leisure activities, which spares them more time and energy to be spent on more pro-ductive activities such as intense study of Islam, voluntary prayers, social and humanitarian causes, and a quality time with the family, to name a few. It is a reminder of our duty to God, our purpose and higher values in life, as God Himself describes the purpose of fasting as follows, “O you who Believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was

prescribed for those before you, so that you may develop con-sciousness of God” (Quran 2:183).

8. DEVELOPS HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Fasting has numerous, sci-entifically proven, benefits for our physical health and mental well-being. The time, length and nature of the Islamic Fast all con-tribute to its overall positive effect. One of the medical ben-efits is a much-needed rest to the digestive system. The reduced food intake during the day allows the body to concentrate on getting rid of harmful dietary toxins accumulated as natural by-products of food digestion throughout the year.

9. MORAL TRAINING

The month of Ramadan is a month of intense moral training. Since we know that Fasting is a special duty prescribed by God, we learn that any sins may spoil our record of fasting with God, so we go through great lengths making sure we are on our best behavior. Many people who experience fasting in this month, feel the impact that this intense training has on their habits, and realize the power of this trans-formative tool designed to make us better human beings — the ultimate goal of any spiritual exercise. The entire Ramadan atmosphere provides the driving force for this positive change.

10. CONSCIOUSNESS OF LIFE & DEATH

It makes us realize the reality of life and death. Fasting makes

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12 reasons to fast this Holy month

us realize how dependent our lives are on things that we often take for granted, such as food and water. It makes us think about our dependence on God and God’s mercy and justice. Moreover, it reminds us of the life after death, which itself has a great impact on our character and our world-view.

11. CONNECTION TO THE QURAN

Ramadan is a blessed month for a special reason: It is actually the month in which God first revealed His final message and

guidance for mankind to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This message has been perfectly preserved in the Holy Qur’an. Therefore, Muslims try to do an intense study of the Quran in this month especially, and evaluate their lives according to the standards and guidance contained in it.

12. A TIME TO CELEBRATE

After the month of Ramadan is over, Muslims celebrate one of the two most important holidays in the Islamic year: Eid-Ul-Fitr. It is a day to thank God for the

blessing and training that He provides us with throughout the month of Ramadan.

In a nutshell, even though the real purpose of the dynamic insti-tution of Fasting is to discipline our soul and moral behavior, and to develop sympathy for the less for-tunate, it is a multi-functional and a comprehensive tool of change in various spheres of our lives, including: social and economic, intellectual and humanitarian, spiritual and physical, private and public, personal and common, inner and outer — all in one!

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Maintaining fluid levels plays an important role is staying healthy during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Water is one of the most important

components of the human body representing between 60 to 70 percent of the human body weight. Water plays an important role in the vital performance of many body systems and organs.

Water maintains the balance of electrolytes within the body and it is necessary for absorption of many nutrients as water also provides a suitable environment for a lot of chemical reactions within the body. According to the new recommendations by the United States-based Institute of Medicine, men and women should drink 3.7 liters and 2.7 liters of water respectively per day.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids, especially

water because of the long period of fasting and high temperatures. Water, juices and soups, as well as vegetables and fruits, are good sources of fluids for the body. However, a fasting person should drink extra water because water con-tains no calories and could compensate for the body’s fluids lost due to fasting.

Other calorie-rich drinks can cause weight gain and stimulant drinks such as coffee and tea can increase fluid loss because they are diuretics. Some vegetables such as watercress and fruits like watermelon known for their high content of water are recommended as a rich source of liquids.

Eating meals high in salt and hot spices may increase thirst and the body’s need for water, therefore eating such foods are not recommended at Suhoor as they may cause extreme thirst during fasting. It is also preferred to drink lukewarm water instead of cold water especially at breakfast as this aids digestion. In order to encourage drinking more water, lemon slices or mint can be added to give water a sweet flavor and increase the desire to drink. Water is the dynamo of life and without it the body may not perform some vital functions efficiently.

Stay hydrated