A delicious, nutritious iftar is an essential part of observing the holy month of Ramadan. After a long day of fasting from all food and drink, the post-sunset meal is an opportunity to indulge, replenish, and share quality time with friends and family. Because Ramadan is celebrated in nearly every country on the planet, iftar meals vary based on local traditions and culture. This means that there is no shortage of possibilities for a perfect meal that will be well-balanced, tasty, and nourishing.

If you’re looking for some inspiration for this Ramadan season, read on for mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipes that will have your entire house anxiously awaiting the sunset!

But before we share these recipes with you, we at Embrace Relief would like to ask for your help. So many people around the world struggle with hunger every single day. The planet produces more than enough food to feed all of us – but we need to work together to ensure that the people most in need can access the food that allows them to thrive.

That’s why Embrace Relief has launched our International Hunger Relief: Ramadan 2023 campaign. All funds raised during this campaign will go toward providing food packages to thousands of families in more than a dozen countries, from earthquake-stricken Turkey to impoverished areas of Africa, from war-torn Yemen to refugee neighborhoods in Greece.

If you’re able, please help Embrace Relief make a powerful impact on the lives of the people who need it the most. Even a small contribution will allow families to go to bed with full stomachs and make their lives easier. Thank you! And now, let’s show you some delicious Ramadan recipes!

The Starter

We’ll start with a Turkish tarhana soup, a hearty and nutritious dish that will be the perfect way to begin your iftar:

Step-by-step:

1. Mix tarhana powder with 1.5 cups of broth or water and let the mixture soften
2. Heat butter in a deep saucepan. Crush garlic cloves and add to pan with tomato paste. Fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add salt, pepper, paprika and mint into the saucepan and mix.
4. Add the tarhana powder mix into the saucepan.
5. Add the remaining 6 cups of hot broth or water and mix constantly with a whisk, so that the soup thickens and the tarhana powder dissolves.
6. Once soup is boiling, serve immediately.

Main Course

Next up is our main course: Hunkar Begendi, a traditional Turkish dish of meat stew over eggplant sauce. This recipe will provide four servings:

Step-by-step:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pressure cooker.
2. Add meat and cook until it turns a light brown.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add tomato paste and paprika. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add chopped tomato and cook until softened.
6. Add black pepper, cumin and 4 cups water. Stir.
7. With lid on, cook according to pressure cooker’s instructions.
8. Add salt and continue to boil in order to reduce the sauce to your desired consistency.
9. Roast eggplants in the oven or over the stove.
10. Peel eggplant skin and finely chop.
11. Melt butter in a saucepan.
12. Add flour to saucepan and stir for 3 minutes.
13. Add chopped eggplants to saucepan and stir for 1-2 minutes.
14. Add milk, water and salt and cook, constantly stirring until thickened.
15. Remove from heat, add cheddar and stir.
16. Pour the eggplant sauce on a serving platter.
17. Pour the meat sauce on top.

Dessert

By now, you’ll likely be almost full. So top off your meal with a delicious güllaç, a classic Ramadan sherbet-based dessert that will cap the night perfectly.

Step-by-step:

1. Pour milk into a saucepan
2. Add sugar, rose water, vanilla and mastic gum, and mix
3. Heat pan on stove on medium heat, without letting it boil
4. Break the güllaç leaves and spread them them in an oven dish, then pour the milk mix over them with a ladle
5. After arranging and soaking half the leaves, sprinkle hazelnuts and almonds on top
6. Place and soak the remaining leaves in the same way on top
7. Drizzle the remaining milk mixture over top of the leaves
8. Cover and let stand for 30-60 minutes
9. Decorate with pistachios, cherry sugar, pomegranate seeds, or whatever you wish, then serve

With these recipes, you are sure to have a delicious iftar for you and your family. Ramadan Mubarak!

Hunger refers to a condition of severe and prolonged lack of food or proper nutrients, leading to malnutrition and, in severe cases, starvation. It is a worldwide problem, with an estimated 670 million people going hungry every day, according to the UN World Food Programme. Hunger is not just about the feeling of an empty stomach; it is a severe health issue that can lead to long-term health problems and even death.

There are several primary causes of hunger

Poverty: Poverty is the primary cause of hunger in the world. People living in poverty often lack the financial resources to buy food or grow their food, making them more vulnerable to hunger. Poverty is also often linked to lack of education, poor health, and inadequate sanitation, which can further exacerbate hunger.

Climate change: Climate change is a growing cause of hunger as it affects agricultural production, making it difficult for farmers to grow crops. Extreme weather conditions such as drought, floods, and storms destroy crops, reducing food availability, and increasing food prices, which makes it harder for people to access food.

Conflict: Conflict and war can lead to the displacement of people, making it harder for them to access food. In addition, war can destroy agricultural infrastructure, making it difficult for people to produce food. Conflict can also lead to economic instability, making it difficult for people to afford food.

Lack of education: Lack of education, caused by poor economic conditions in some parts of the world, is another factor that can cause hunger. Educated people are more likely to be employed and have a higher income, making it easier for them to afford food. Education can also provide people with the knowledge they need to grow their food or make better food choices, improving their nutritional status.

Inadequate distribution: Inadequate food distribution is another cause of hunger. Even when there is enough food, it may not be distributed to those who need it. This can be due to various factors such as lack of infrastructure or political and economic instability.

Despite the fact that the world produces more than enough food to sustain all of us, hunger remains a significant problem, whose structural causes must be dealt with by all of us working together in the months and years ahead. In the meantime, there is much we can do to address the hunger that millions of people feel right now.

How you (and Embrace Relief) can help

The time is always right to consider the suffering of those less fortunate. But during Ramadan 2023, it is a particularly poignant moment to open your hearts to the millions of people around the world who are going hungry. During this time of fasting and reflection, one can easily understand the pain and hunger that so many feel throughout the year.

That’s why Embrace Relief has launched its International Hunger Relief: Ramadan 2023 campaign. This campaign will put hot meals and food packages on the tables of those who need it most.

And by donating to Embrace Relief, you can directly support our food distribution in more than a dozen countries, including earthquake-ravaged Turkey, conflict-stricken Yemen, several countries in Africa, refugees in Greece, and our neighbors right here in the United States.

Last year, thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Embrace Relief helped to feed more than 36,000 people during this campaign. In 2023, we want to reach even more people in need, and your support makes that possible. Donating any amount of money will make a difference – the amounts below represent the cost of one food package that will feed a family for one week:

The Ramadan fast encourages spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion for Muslims worldwide. For an entire month, the rising and setting sun marks the beginning and end of the fast. The evening and early-morning hours are essential for eating right and ensuring that the body gets the right amount of nutrients before and after a long day of fasting.

In this article, we will discuss five foods you should eat when breaking a Ramadan fast, and explain why they are beneficial for your health:

1. Dates: Dates have been a traditional food for breaking the Ramadan fast for centuries. They are high in sugar, fiber, and energy, making them an excellent choice for replenishing the body’s energy levels quickly. Dates are also rich in essential minerals, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and muscles. Additionally, dates contain antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals.

2. Soups: Soups are a great food to break your fast with, as they are hydrating and easy to digest. A warm bowl of soup can also help calm the digestive system and ease any discomfort caused by the day’s fast. Vegetable soups are an excellent choice, as they are low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with nutrients. Adding legumes, such as lentils or chickpeas, can also increase the protein and fiber content of your soup.

3. Yogurt: Yogurt is a great food to break your fast with, as it is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health. Eating yogurt can also help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes.

4. Whole grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and help maintain blood sugar levels. They are also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. Whole grains can be consumed as part of a main meal or as a side dish.

5. Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any healthy diet, and they are particularly beneficial when breaking a Ramadan fast. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can help replenish the body’s nutrients after a long day of fasting. Additionally, they are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

And while it’s not food, here’s one extra tip:

6. Water: Staying hydrated is just as crucial as eating nutritously during Ramadan, as the body can lose fluids through sweating and urination. Drinking plenty of water during the non-fasting hours can help prevent dehydration and keep the body functioning optimally.

In conclusion, when breaking a Ramadan fast, it is essential to eat foods that are nutrient-dense, hydrating, and easy to digest. Dates, soups, yogurt, grilled or baked fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables are all excellent choices that can help replenish the body’s nutrients and provide energy for the night ahead. Incorporating these foods into your suhur and iftar meals can help ensure that you stay healthy and nourished throughout the month of Ramadan.

Help those less fortunate eat healthy this Ramadan with Embrace Relief

During this time of year, we must always consider the millions of people worldwide who go hungry every day because they lack food and the resources to acquire food. Nutritious food is a human right. And during Ramadan 2023, you can help make this a reality for thousands of people around the world!

All it takes is a donation to Embrace Relief’s International Hunger Relief: Ramadan 2023 campaign. Every dollar you donate will help us put hot meals and food packages on the tables of those who need it most – whether they live in earthquake-ravaged Turkey, conflict-stricken Yemen, impoverished parts of Africa, refugee areas in Greece, or in our own backyard in the United States.

Last year, thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Embrace Relief helped to feed more than 36,000 people during this campaign. In 2023, we plan to increase our reach and aid people in more than a dozen countries. Donating any amount of money will make a difference – the amounts below represent the cost of one food package that will feed a family for one week:

Ramadan 2023 begins at sundown on March 22 and continues until April 21. It is a time of spiritual reflection and a time for sharing with others. And if you are a parent, Ramadan also offers an excellent opportunity to explain the importance of charity to your child.

By explaining to a child that charity is the act of giving to those in need, parents can instill empathy, kindness, and generosity in their child. Children can learn about the struggles of others and understand the importance of giving back to the community. Furthermore, teaching a child about charity can help them develop a sense of social responsibility. They can learn that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

So how can you encourage your children to become charitable, empathetic young people during this special time of year? Here are four tips:

1.Link charity to Ramadan: Explain to your children that Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and that it’s also a time for giving to others. You can tell them that Muslims believe that giving to charity during Ramadan is especially important, as it’s a way of seeking Allah’s blessings and forgiveness.

2. Lead by example: Children often learn by example, so it’s important for parents to demonstrate charitable behavior during Ramadan. You can involve your children in your own charitable activities, such as donating to a food bank or volunteering at a homeless shelter. This will help your children see the importance of giving to others.

3. Encourage children to give: Children may have a natural inclination to help others, so it’s important to encourage this behavior. You can ask your children to choose a charity they would like to support and help them set aside some money to donate. You can also encourage them to volunteer their time to a charitable cause.

4. Teach gratitude: Finally, it’s important to teach your children to be grateful for what they have. You can explain that not everyone is as fortunate and that by giving to others, we can help make the world a better place. Encourage your children to reflect on what they are thankful for and to think about how they can help others who may not be as fortunate.

Overall, teaching children about charity can promote positive values and help them become caring and responsible members of society. It can also help them develop a sense of gratitude for what they have and an appreciation for the importance of helping others in need.

Help Embrace Relief deliver hunger relief this Ramadan

If you’re looking for a worthy cause to support during the month of Ramadan, Embrace Relief’s International Hunger Relief 2023: Ramadan campaign is ideal.

Throughout the month, Embrace Relief will be on the ground delivering nutritious food packages to people in need across the globe. Your donation will help ease the hunger of thousands of people in more than a dozen countries across Africa, as well as Yemen, Greece, and the United States.

We have enough food to feed every person on earth. But we must all work together to ensure that none go hungry. Donate to Embrace Relief today and let’s fight hunger!

Ramadan 2023 begins at sunset on March 22, and will end at sunset on April 21. For Muslims around the world, it is one of the most important celebrations of each year.

Many non-Muslims may know that the observance of Ramadan involves a daily fast from sunrise to sunset, but may not understand the significance of Ramadan or other ways the holiday is observed.

If you’ve ever wondered about what Ramadan is, here are 7 basic facts that will give you a better understanding of this holy month celebrated by more than one billion people worldwide:

1.Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The month of Ramadan is a commemoration of the revelation of Islam’s holy text, the Quran, to the prophet Muhammad. This occurred during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the observance of Ramadan has become one of the most important pillars of belief for Muslims.

2. The start and end dates of Ramadan change each year. Similar to holidays in other religions like Easter or Rosh Hashanah, the start and end dates of Ramadan shift each year because its observance is based on a lunar calendar (the Islamic calendar is 354 days long). For example, Ramadan 2023 will begin at sunset on March 10 and end at sunset on April 9

3. Muslims are obliged to abstain from more than just food and drink. The month of Ramadan is a time for discipline, prayer, and thoughtfulness. Fasting is required, and intended to make people more aware of their relationship with God. Between the hours of sunrise and sunset, no food or drink is permitted. Additionally, Muslims are expected to abstain from sexual relations, smoking, and sinful behaviors like lying and gossiping.

4. Each day begins and ends with a meal. All Muslims are expected to continue on with their normal lives, whether working or going to school, while fasting during Ramadan. This means they must eat enough between sunset and sunrise to have enough energy for the day. An early wake-up call is followed by suhur, a small meal eaten before sunrise and before the first of the day’s daily prayers. Once the sun sets, it is time for iftar (“breaking the fast”), a larger feast traditionally eaten in a family or community setting.

5. Studying the Quran and praying are extra important. Throughout the year, Muslims pray five times every day. During the holiest month of the year, Muslims are expected to become even closer with God through extra prayers and the reading of the Quran. The tarawih are special prayers held each night during Ramadan in most mosques around the world, involving the reading of long portions of the Quran. Many Muslims seek to read the entire Quran, which comprises 30 sections, during the month of Ramadan.

6. The month of fasting ends with a big celebration. Eid al-Fitr (“Feast of breaking the fast”) is the celebration of the end of Ramadan, and occurs at sunset on the night when a crescent moon can first be seen. In America, this will be the night of April 21, 2023. This is one of the biggest annual celebrations of the Islamic world, typically involving prayers and sermons during the day, followed by large family and community gatherings after sunset. With the obligation to fast lifted, it is a time to eat, drink and be merry!

7. Charity is one of the most important aspects of Ramadan. In addition to fasting and prayer, donating to those in need is one of the core values of Ramadan. Zakat, the giving of a certain percentage of one’s income to the poor, is an obligation for all Muslims who have the ability to give. Many people choose to give during Ramadan, when generosity to the needy is thought to have an even more positive effect on one’s soul.

It can be very difficult to go through a full day without any food or drink, as any person observing the Ramadan fast can tell you. This is a time of year when many people can understand firsthand the struggle and pain of an empty stomach. And unfortunately, hunger can be found in every corner of our planet.

At Embrace Relief, we’ve made it a core part of our mission to deliver food to people in more than 50 countries worldwide, thanks to the support of people like you. If you have the ability, there’s never a bad time to provide a charitable donation that will make a real impact in people’s lives. But this month of reflection, empathy and charity is an especially good time to do so!

Help feed people in need with Embrace Relief