5 Delicious Meals to Brighten Up your Iftar

As much as it’s mind-blowing to realize, Ramadhan is officially upon us. Although we might not feel a significant change ever since the pandemic hits around March 2020, enthusiasm and optimism must be something that we hold during this joyous month. Because not only it offers us a chance to be a better person, Ramadhan is also one of the best moments to rekindle our relationships with the loved ones.

One thing that can’t be left out from Ramadhan is the tradition of enjoying an evening meal, known as Iftar. In Indonesia, gathering up with friends, families, and relatives while having an Iftar is something that is perfectly common. Many of us might have faced some difficulties on arranging Iftar schedules, because there were way too many invitations at on point.

Since food plays a significant role on Iftar, this month’s article will be all about meal recommendation to brighten up your get-together. So, sit back and enjoy!

   1. Pizza

Did you know that the existence of Pizza can be traced back to as late as 10^th century? Back then, the word pitta which meant ‘fermented pastry’ was found in an ancient Greek text in the town of Gaeta, Central Italy. Since then, Pizza has become one of the most beloved food not only in its home, but also foreign country like Indonesia. The combination of carbohydrate, protein, fats, and calcium on Pizza can serve as a quite filling meal during Iftar as well! So, you wouldn’t feel the need to consume a larger portion of dinner at night.

   2. Spring Roll

Gỏi cuốn or Vietnamese Spring Roll is perhaps one of the most beloved snacks for many food enthusiasts. Combining the freshness of vegetables, sweet and saltiness of prawn, and tasty dipping sauce, this food is perfect to be enjoyed on many different occasions. Especially around Iftar, when we’re advised to consume lighter meal to ensure the well-being of our digestive system. Not only that, Spring Roll is also one of the easiest snack you can make at home! All you need to do is preparing some rice papers, vegetables, prawn or any meat of choices, and light seasoning for your filling.

   3. Laksa

Popular around Southeast Asia, Laksa is perhaps one of the best comfort foods around the rainy season in Indonesia. Originated in Malaysia around the 15^th century, Laksa is a spicy fish soup which often served along with noodles, vermicelli, or rice. With the nutritious and delicious nature of this dish, you can definitely add Laksa onto the list of your ultimate Iftar. Similar with Spring Roll, Laksa is also one of the dishes that you can easily make at home. Just make sure you have figure out which version of Laksa to prepare for your evening meal.

   4. Rawon

There’s nothing better than the image of a bowl of Rawon, steaming hot rice, sambal, salted egg, and prawn crackers at your dinner table during Iftar. Because it’s impossible for anyone not to be tempted by this heavenly combo every so often. Originated in Surabaya, West Java, Rawon is basically a beef soup with an exciting twist on it. The colour of its broth is almost always black, since Keluak is used as one of the main spices apart from garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, and chili. The richness of Rawon’s flavor is said to be something you could never find in any Indonesian dishes.

   5. Fried Rice

For many Indonesians, there is no such thing as ‘wrong time’ to enjoy a delicious plate of Nasi Goreng or Fried Rice. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish will always remain as people’s favourite due to its perfect mixture of simplicity and familiarity. For many people grow up with mom’s creation of Fried Rice and Sunny Side-Up. Since this dish can be quite filling to be consumed around Iftar, make sure you don’t over-indulge on the snacks department beforehand.