TEHRAN – As the sun sets over cities and towns, millions of Muslims across the country eagerly anticipate the call to prayer, signaling the end of their day-long fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Iftar, the meat that breaks the fast, is not just a time to refuel, but an opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate the spirit of togetherness, spirituality and gratitude, lifestyle magazine Living in Tehran wrote on its website.
The importance of Ramadan goes beyond fasting; it is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and strengthening the bonds within the Muslim community. As a result, iftar gatherings more than just a meal; they are a social event that encourages empathy and solidarity. The sharing of food during iftar is an essential aspect of this as it serves to remind everyone of the blessings they have and the importance of helping those less fortunate.
The cuisine of Iran is as diverse and varied as the nation itself, with each region boasting its own culinary specialties. However, there are several dishes and ingredients that are enjoyed across the country during iftar. Some of the traditional Iranian foods that you can expect to find on the iftar table are: 1. Dates and nuts: It is a tradition in Iran as in many Muslim countries to break the fast with dates and water. This practice is said to be based on Prophet Muhammad’s own iftar habits. Consuming dates not only provide an instant energy boost, but they are also rich in nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios are also common during iftar as they are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. 2. Ash Reshteh: This hearty soup is made with Persian noodles, various types of beans, lentils and fresh herbs like parsley, coriander, and spinach. The soup is then garnished with caramelized onions, mint and dollop of kashk (a type of whey). Ash Reshteh is a popular dish during Ramadan as it is both nutritious and filling. 3. Sholeh Zard: This sweet saffron rice pudding is a traditional dessert enjoyed during iftar. Made with rice, sugar, saffron and rosewater, it is garnished with cinnamon, cardamom, and slivered almonds. Sholeh Zard is not only a delicious way to end a meal but also a symbol of joy and celebration. 4. Halim: One of the most beloved dished during Ramadan in Iran is Halim, a comforting and nutritious porridge that is particularly popular after iftar. Halim is a slow-cooked, savory blend of wheat, meat (usually lamb or beef) and a variety of aromatic spices such as cinnamon and turmeric. The dish is cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender, resulting in smooth velvety texture.
The slow-cooking process not only imparts a rich depth of flavor of Halim but also ensures that the dish is easily digestible, making it an ideal choice for breaking the fast. The high protein and fiber content of Halim makes it a satisfying meal that provides sustained energy throughout the night, which is particularly important for those who wake up for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal before the day’s fast begins.