As Ramadan approaches, it’s a good idea to start brainstorming suhoor ideas. Suhoor is a sacred time, an opportunity to bond with your family and Allah (SWT) as the sun rises and prayers begin. It’s important to acknowledge the nutritional aspects of suhoor meals, ensuring that your family’s breakfasts are nutritionally balanced and will keep your body sustained all day as you fast. Here are some ideas for suhoor breakfasts that are delicious, filling and well-balanced.
Shakshuka
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Shakshuka originates from across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, with countries like Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey having their own variations of the dish. A traditional shakshuka includes diced tomatoes and red peppers and spices such as cumin, cilantro and parsley. After allowing the mixture to cool down, crack as many eggs as you desire directly into the pan and allow them to cook, before serving with bread or naan!
This recipe is one-pot, takes only fifteen minutes to make, and is both delicious and filling for the whole family. With protein from the eggs, fibre and healthy nutrients from the veggies, and carbohydrates from the bread, it’s balanced and will keep you filled for hours.
Smoothies
In a pinch, a smoothie is a quick breakfast to whip up for suhoor. While it may not be the most filling breakfast, it’s definitely more realistic for those days when you may sleep through the alarms and only have a few minutes to make something quick. If you have extra time, you can also make a smoothie to drink alongside your breakfast meal, adding extra protein and fibre to your meal. Here are a few ways to make your smoothies more filling, so they can keep you satisfied for longer:
Add flavoured protein powder for an extra boost of protein and taste. It’s delicious when paired with berries or bananas, and adds an extra 20 grams of protein in just a single drink! If you want to feel more full, consider using full-fat Greek yogurt in your smoothies, since the extra fat will keep you feeling satiated. What’s more, add fruits such as bananas and avocados, or nut butters like peanut butter and almond butter. The healthy fats, fibre, and protein will pack all the important nutrients into your drink.
Breakfast Burritos
These are great because you can meal-prep them in advance, meaning all you have to do is pop them in the microwave in the morning for breakfast! Burritos are typically filled with beans, which contain protein. Burritos also have rice, which provides your body with carbohydrates, and avocado for some healthy fats. You can customize them to you and your family’s preferences, adding eggs, cheese, and vegetables like potatoes or spinach. After making them in the evening, simply wrap in parchment paper and refrigerate overnight, before microwaving in the morning.
Breakfast Frittata
This baked egg dish is ideal for families because it can be baked in a single dish and makes enough to feed everyone! This originally Italian dish combines a large amount of eggs with vegetables such as potatoes, greens, zucchini, mushrooms or tomatoes, a splash of milk, and cheese before baking in a dish for fifteen minutes. The dish can be eaten with naan or bread to add carbohydrates to your meal. You can even bake this in advance and refrigerate overnight, popping it into the oven again to quickly heat up at breakfast time.
Remember to prioritize foods that will nourish your body, keeping you full for as long as possible during the days of fasting. Avoid overly salty or sugary foods that may dehydrate you. The right suhoor breakfast can provide the energy and nutrients needed to sustain you throughout a full day of fasting!