Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: March 31, 2022 | 
| 中文
Tea and Sattu
With Ramadan, or Ramzan (Colloquial Urdu for Ramadan) just a few days away, Muslims around the world are getting ready to observe fasting (Arabic: Sawm, Urdu: Roza), one of the five pillars of Islamic faith. While Muslims abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk during this month, every country and community has special culinary traditions for Ramzan. It is a time when families bond at the two important meals of the day: the meal eaten before the break of dawn called Sahoor in Arabic and Sehri in Pakistan, and the Iftar (in Arabic) or Iftari in Urdu, consumed after sunset to mark the breaking of the day’s fast. While fasting is a good reminder to be grateful for the blessings and feel empathy for the underprivileged, it is also a time that helps many lose weight, and improve health.
The meal that is eaten at the start of the fast, Sehri, is of great importance because those fasting rely on it for nourishment till they open the fast at sunset. It is important to eat the right food and drink to keep oneself hydrated and well-nourished throughout the day. Unlike the deep fried Pakoras and Samosas consumed in Iftari, Sehri meal has to be well planned as one doesn’t feel like eating very heavy items in the middle of the night, or spend too much time cooking a full meal and yet it must be nutritious.
Parathas
Across Pakistan, Sehri is the time for Parathas and Chappatis. Paratha is a flatbread that is made with wheat and cooked with ghee, butter or oil. Even the most ardent fans of rice will not risk relying on just rice for Sehri, as it gets digested fast. Parathas are almost always complimented with eggs, mostly fried or sometimes cooked in a style of desi omelette. Chappatis accompany the Shorba or Salan (curry) left over from the dinner meal. A lot of times people will eat Qeema (minced meat), to break the monotony and make sure that they are having their fair share of protein during Ramzan. Shami Kabab is also a regular on the Sehri menu. Made out of minced meat of beef or mutton variety, these kababs are shallow fried in low heat and can be enjoyed with various types of chutneys. My personal favorite remains the folded variety of Paratha, called baldar paratha, with a generous serving of sweetened cream, or as it is called in Pakistan, Ballai.
Shami kabab
More hearty eaters will have Nan with Channa (Chickpeas), and some will even go as far as having Nihari and other more elaborate traditional dishes. Some would goas far as having an occasional more lavish spread with delicacies like Nalli Nihari, Sheermal and Paye. However, it is recommended that rich and spicy food should be avoided while fasting as it may cause heartburn and indigestion. Too much salt in Sehri food can cause dehydration during the day. Yogurt is also a very welcome item on the Sehri spread as it is not only nourishing, but also helps quench thirst during the fast, especially during the summers.
Dahi (yogurt)
Khujla-Pheni is a well-known item of Ramzan that is a spin on the more mainstream vermicelli, and can be prepared in no time. It is one of the most popular items sold in the month of Ramzan all over Pakistan, and is the only food item on the menu during Ramadan. It is light on the stomach and doesn’t require any cooking time. The vermicelli is dipped in sweetened milk and left overnight so that it soaks the milk well, and is the perfect treat for those craving something sweet. Another spin off is Dhoodh-Jaleebi. Jaleebi makes regular appearances on Iftari menu as dessert of choice, and some are saved to soak in milk, refrigerate overnight and to partake at Sehri time.
Pheni
Lassi is a special drink consumed across Pakistan throughout the year. During Ramzan, lassi relieves the thirst of the fasting faithful at both Iftari and Sehri times. Made by diluting yogurt in water, it can be sweet as well as salty, depending on the preference of the consumer. Lassi keeps one cool and hydrated, which is very important while fasting. For tea lovers, the variety with tea leaves, milk and sugar and cooked well, is a must have for Sehri.
Chai (tea)
Another drink that is consumed mostly in rural areas as a super Sehri food is Sattu (a protein-rich flour made from various cereals and pulses). Made as a cold drink, Sattu has legendry qualities to mitigate heat and has unparalleled dehydration effects. The traditional way is to mix it with water or milk and Shakkar (jaggery). Sattu is a careful mix of toasted and finely ground barley and grams and can be a perfect source of nourishment to beat the thirst experienced during a long summer fast. It is a natural energy drink, loaded with nutrients. Sattu is also called the ‘Poor man’s protein', and the best part is that it is 100% natural.
With people changing their dietary habits, as more and more become health conscious, many have started to shift to healthier options such as fruits and cereals. Porridge is recommended for those looking to keep it light, but it is best to avoid reliance on processed food. Nothing beats a wholesome glass of full cream milk to make up the energy lost during the fast of the previous day, and start afresh and energized.
Lassi
The trend to have Iftaris at restaurants with friends and family has been in vogue for many years, and in recent times, the innovative Sehri meals at restaurants have also become a regular feature of Ramzan. Almost every restaurant and food chain now offers different deals on discounted rates during the holy month of Ramzan in order to attract customers. Despite this growing trend, the experience of a wholesome home cooked sehri meal with family remains unbeatable.
Omelette
According to a survey conducted by Pulse Consulting last year on the sehri meal preferences of Pakistanis, 72% opted for curry, 50% roti, 48% paratha, 13% omelette, and 13% khujla-pheni. It is essential that the right food in the right quantity is consumed at Sehri time, as it helps maintain energy levels during the day.
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