Even though we are already entering the second week of Ramadan, many still struggles of thinking what to consume during suhoor and iftar. Even moreso, thinking of what to cook takes about as much time and effort as the actual task. It is far more time-saving and practical for you to make a meal schedule for one or two weeks and rotate it during the month, or even make it for the entire month. You’ll be able to enjoy your Ramadan more if you are prepared!
1. List and Schedule the Recipes
It is beneficial to browse through recipes and try out dishes to assess the cooking time and the amount of effort required. Take advantage of the technology at hand and make an excel sheet for the month, with suhoor and iftar meals listed out. Or if you are the low-tech type, drawing columns on a sheet of paper works fine as well. Put it up on the fridge so you see it constantly, are prepared and in the mindset of what needs to be done, rather than scouring through your recipe books trying to locate your menu at the last minute.
2. Stock Up on Dry Groceries
The whole process of making a grocery list, going to the store, shopping and then putting them away is more time and energy consuming than most of us realise. During fasting, we need to conserve our energy as much as possible during the day in order to invest in more worship. That includes doing the bulk of grocery shopping for things that can be stocked up. Narrowing the list down to just perishables every few days in Ramadan or every week means that the chore of doing groceries does not seem like such a big task anymore, and can be done in minimum time.
3. Prepare as Much as Possible Before Suhoor or Iftar
Snacks for iftar will usually consume most time to make before breaking fast, and even though it seems like a huge task to do all at once, you’ll thank yourself when all you have to do is get a parcel out of the freezer and fry it. It is also a good idea to make a large quantity of filling – be it for pie, pastry or anything else you like, and freeze them in smaller portions. This way you can make different items with the same filling during the month. Further, you won’t have issues of not being able to taste it because you are fasting, you already know it will be delicious.
4. Share the Workload
This applies also while making all the snacks before Eid Al-Fitr or even the chores of the house during Ramadan. Get your children or other family members involved in cleaning up after themselves, setting the table and helping you around the house within their capacity. Especially for your kids, train them before Ramadan so you won’t have to check up on them and waste your time and energy making sure the work is done right.
5. Allocate a Specific Time to Finish your Kitchen Work
This will greatly help maintain your routine, and make sure you have not procrastinated in getting food on the table. It will ensure that you are not cooking right up until the adhzan for the Maghrib prayer. Coupled with your food schedule, you should have an idea of how long you will need to prepare the meal, so make sure you start early in order to be done early to make the most of the blessed time before iftar.
