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4.95 from 40 votes

3 Ramadan Prep Tips & 30+ Pakistani Ramadan Recipes

by · Updated August 23, 2023

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Work smarter, not harder. That's my mantra for the year and it applies most of all to what I do in the kitchen. If you, like me, are looking for ways to simplify cooking in Ramadan then this Ramadan Prep guide is for you.

Table of Contents

What is Ramadan?

If you are not familiar with it then Ramadan is a blessed month for Muslims world over, a time when we fast from sunrise to sunset in a testament to our faith and it's principles of compassion, discipline, and spirituality. Although the focus of the month is what happens between Suhoor (the pre sunrise meal) and Iftar (the post sunset meal), nourishing our bodies in a thoughtful manner becomes extra important.

Why do I need to Prep for Ramadan?

Prepping for Ramadan allows you to take some of the work and guess work out of cooking and meal planning. Whether you are putting a DIY Pakora mix in your pantry, stocking your freezer with Shami Kababs, or freezing daals in advance, these actions allow you to have more time focus on your spiritual needs during the holy month.

Ramadan is also typically when many of us open our homes to our loved ones. There is something so special about breaking our fast with others and prepping in advance means you are more prepared for those evenings.

Below you will find the 3 Ramadan Prep tips I live by followed by the Pakistani Ramadan recipes you can start prepping now to make Ramadan easier.

Jump To Ramadan Prep Recipes

Ramadan Tip One: Double Up

Whatever you are cooking in the lead up to Ramadan, if you can freeze it, double it.

Making daal? Double the quantity and freeze half. Tadka/Baghaar after you defrost and reheat stove top. Marinating chicken? Double up and put half in the freezer. Making ten times the quantity for something can be truly exhausting. Making 2 pounds of tamatar gosht instead of one? That's not so bad.

Instant Pot Daal Palak
Instant Pot Daal Palak

Ramdan Prep Tip Two: Batch Cook a Salan/ Curry Paste

I know - you're confused, didn't I just say to only double up? Salan Masala or Curry Paste is where I make an exception. Getting a beautiful silky masala for a salan or pulao/biryani takes time and patience. So before Ramadan I take a page out of my mothers book, grab the mandolin/food processor for rapid slicing and make a huge batch of my Instant Pot Salan Masala.

Instant Pot Curry Paste

Ramadan Prep Tip Three: Think about Iftar less and Sehri/Suhoor more

We tend to focus on what we will open our fast with. It's infinitely exciting to think about hot samosas, tangy dahi baray, and that blessed garam jalebi, but pause for a second.

Whereas our iftar replenishes us it is Sehri that will sustain us. If you have limited time for Ramadan prep use it wisely.

Sehri or Suhoor for me is a meal. It's not a light breakfast, it's not stuffed parathas galore. It is a meal that is meant to sustain me over the course of the day.

Sehri prep ideas

Grocery store finds

  • Edamame
  • Greek Yoghurt
  • Nuts
  • Hydralyte
  • Smoked Salmon + Whole Grain Bagels
  • Granola Bars
  • Quiche

Pakistani Recipes to Prep for Ramzan

Here are some beloved Pakistani Ramadan recipes for you to prepare in advance!

Pakistani Iftar Recipes to Make Ahead

Whether you serve it separately or all together it's nice to have some 'fun' sides/appetizers ready to go! Look below for a mix of traditional Pakistani Iftar recipes and some fun flavorful additions!

Homemade Pakora Mix

Customizable Pakora Mix recipe that you can prep in advance to make as many or as few as you'd like over the course of the month!
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Pakora Mix

Authentic Shami Kabab

Shami Kabab made with beef boti for that perfect texture!
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Instant Pot Shami Kababs in a rectangular tray with a dipping sauce and tea in the background

Cheese Samosas

You can't have just one (or even two!) of these well loved family favourites!
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Cheese Samosas

Dahi Baray

Soft flavorful Maash ki Daal ke Dahi Baray are a must make for Ramadan! Prep the baray (fritters) in advance to simplify your Iftar!
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Kala Channa or Kalay Channay

Kalay Channay + Dahi Baray = Love. That is some Ramzan and Iftar math right there. Prep the channay in advance and just defrost and heat this Ramadan!
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Kalay Chanay

Southwest Rolls

Mix it up this Ramzan by prepping and freezing these rolls with a zesty and cheesy black beans and pepper filling.
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Imli ki Chutney

No dates no problem - this simple recipe uses brown sugar and spices to make an Imli ki Chutney that has that khatta-mirchi-meetha trifecta! Drizzle it over your chaat or your dahi baray
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Imli Chutney dripping into a jar with a spoon

Box Patties

These crispy delicate squares with a creamy light filling are the perfect attitude to your Iftar menu this year! Prep them now to enjoy later
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Box Patties in a metal tray with ketchup

Bun Kabab

There are few things more satisfying than biting into a Bun Kabab with it's addictive balance of crunch and spice. Prep these easy vegetarian patties now to turn into Bun Kababs this Ramzan
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Chicken Balls

These crunchy fried chicken balls are a must prep for busy mamas - my kids love having these at iftar time!
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fried chicken balls mounded ina plate, a cup in the background

Kachay Qeemay or Galawat ke Kabab

These smooth smoky kababs take me right back to my grandmothers kitchen. They are easy to make and so good!
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Kachay Qeemay Kay Kabab on a silver platter with parchment paper, chutney and garnishes

Green Chilli & Corn Potato Cutlets

A family staple, these chilli and corn cutlets have a little extra oomph from some shredded cheese. Deceptively simple, they are always a hit at iftars or tea time!
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Aloo Cutlets stacked on top, one piece eaten out of the top one

Vegetable Noodle Spring Rolls

Another fun addition to your iftar table, these vegetable noodle spring rolls have a fun mix of texture and flavours - perfect for mixing it up.
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Chaat Masala Recipe - Pakistani (Quick & Easy!)

Chaat Masala is an integral Pakistani spice mix and this homemade version has this iconic chatpata flavour, takes minutes to put together and is preservative free!
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Pakistani Chaat Masala mix in a bowl, spices in background

Pakistani Ramadan Mains to Make Ahead

Iftar isn't the only thing you can make ahead of time - check out these ideas for Ramzan recipes you can make in advance for a simpler more delicious Ramadan!

Raisha Gosht or Bhuna Gosht

Whether I make this one for Ramzan dawats or family meals at home, this meat dish is ALWAYS a huge hit! Turn it into paratha rolls/ wraps for sehri or add it to a bun with some crunchy onions, lettuce, and chutney for another fun twist!
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Stovetop Lemon Chicken Roast

A clean, light, tasty recipe that was one of the first I learnt how to make. Many decades later (shhh, no need to ask how many) it remains a favourite. Marinate and freeze for a busy day or your next Iftar dawat!
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a Platter with Lemon Chicken Roast in it and a spoon resting in some broth

Beef Biryani

Prep the masala for this super simple clean tasting Beef Biryani in advance and freeze! You won't regret it!
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A plate of biryani, ¾ view, sliced cucumber and onions in a small bowl in the back

Instant Pot Desi Roast Chicken

A desi style roast chicken that is fall of the bone tender thanks to the Instant Pot! Marinate and freeze!

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks with a Kick

Another freezer friendly marinade. Defrost, air fry and serve with some fries for a fun meal!
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¾ view of a a board with chicken drumsticks on top

Pakistani Beef Keema or Qeema

Fantastically freezer friendly and adaptable - prep the qeema base without the potatoes and freeze. Turn it into Aloo Qeema or Qeema Chawal or add in some Green Peppers for a fun mix!
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A plate of Aloo Keema garnished with mince onions, chilies and cilantro

Herbed Chicken Burgers

It blows my mind (in the best way possible) just how many Flour & Spice friends prep these every Ramzan! Quick, healthy, flavorful, these Chicken Burger Patties have sold me on Chicken Burgers!
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A herbed chicken burger showing three quarters, sauce being poured over top

Chanay ki Daal....

... actually, all the daals really - boil and freeze and add baghaar or tarka when you defrost, heat and serve.
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Chana Daal

Pasanday

I feel like Pasanday are a little out of fashion and I don't know why. Make these even once and you will question that too. When it's time to eat simply defrost and heat stove top. So good with hot roti but also amazing with moong ki daal and rice!
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a plate with pasanday garnished with onions and chilies, two bowls of food in the background

Chicken Keema

Everyone needs a simple easy chicken keema recipe and this one is mine. That methi at that end takes the basic and makes it magic. Prep and freeze!
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Top down view of a bowl of chicken keema garnished with cilantro and pieces of lemon.

Tamatar Gosht

Spicy, masalalicious beef cubes with a double whammy of tomatoes that I can never resist!
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Ramadan Desserts: Freezer Friendly Treats to Prep Ahead

Perfect for hosting, satisfying cravings or that post iftar chai!

Kulfi with Magic Crunch

It isn't Ramzan if I haven't made Kulfi. At least once in the month this Kulfi makes it way to our Iftar table. Bonus points for serving it with something warm like these fritters!
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A Kulfi Ice Cream cut into slices and slightly separated

Bread Kheer

Yes, yes I said bread - don't knock it until you've tried it! Also please don't complain to me if you finish it faster than you thought possible!
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Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Cake

Creamy rich ice cream cake perfect for dinner parties!
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partial ¾ view of a biscoff ice cream cake

Chanay ki Daal ka Halwa

Serve me some warm chanay ki daal ka halwa and you and I are best friends for life. This freezer friendly halwa makes any dinner feel so so special! Prep ahead for Ramzan or even Eid!
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Chanay ki Daal ka Halwa

Caramel Crunch Ice Cream

This decadent ice cream takes me right back to my eating ice cream in a car days - also enjoyed by people who didn't spend their childhood eating Caramel Crunch Ice Cream in the car.
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Marble Cake

This oil based cake hits the spot every time. Like all plain cakes you can prep it in advance, wrap well, and freeze for upto three months. Want more simple cake inspo? Check out my Chai Cakes collection! Just remember to freeze the cakes unfrosted for optimal results
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marble cake with oil

Coconut Macaroons

I may or may not have eaten these sweet Coconut Macaroons straight from the freezer more than once. SO SO good.
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Three Coconut Macaroons in a Plate

Double Chocolate Cookies

This chocolate lovers absolute favourite cookies are often in my freezer ready to bake for a late night Ramadan catch up session with friends!
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DOUBLE chocolate cookies

Coffee Toffee Ice Cream

Make it. Freeze it. Devour it. All three steps are deliciously easy.
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A cup of no churn coffee toffee ice cream with toffee bits

Happy Cooking! I hope these Ramdan prep tips and prep ahead recipes simplify your life and allow you to have a happy, blessed Ramadan!

Pakora Mix
Print Recipe
4.95 from 40 votes

Pakora Mix & How to Make Pakoras

an all purpose pakora mix that you can premix and keep!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Indian, Pakistani
Author: Sarah Mir

Ingredients

  • 4 cups besan
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp chilli flakes
  • 1 tbsp chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp ajwain (optional)
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions

  • Combine all the dry ingredients in a clean air tight jar, they will easily last two weeks or more.
  • To make pakoras - take out some of the dry mix.
    For plain pakoras put ¾ the amount of water to the dry mix and fry on medium heat till golden and for vegetable ones start with half a cup water to 1 cup mix and adjust if needed.
  • Tip: Draining your pakoras on a wire rack (versus paper towel) will lead to a crispier pakora!

Notes

This recipe is a base - it is not particularly spicy and you can get creative and add your flavour mix ins of choice when making the pakoras - green chillies, kasuri methi, onions, potatoes, sliced boiled eggs, spinach, chillies, etc.
If you like your food to have less salt then dial back the salt by ¼ tbsp 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nargis says

    Excellent and practical tips! Really enjoyed going through these.

    Reply

    • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      thank you Nargis, that was so so sweet!

      Reply

  2. Farha says

    Very helpful post.

    Reply

    • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      thank you! am glad it was helpful and hope you have a blessed Ramadan!

      Reply

  3. Eraj says

    Wait - what? Where do the garam jalebis come from? Please!! Just kidding (not really - I Need to know!) but back to the point. You are so right. This Ramzan will look and feel so different. Just thinking about it is making me anxious. Thank you for sharing your tips!

    Reply

    • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      hahahhahah in Karachi. Also some realllllllly good ones in Brampton!

      Reply

  4. Salwa says

    I am def making that saalan. Even tho im the only one fasting, i will need that break from regular cooking for the fam. Im not going to wait for ramzan to try out that chana chaat salad jar tho❤

    Reply

    • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      Oh no way! That's going to be extra hard and you are awesome!

      Reply

  5. Jia says

    Great tips! Can you give recipe for that savory oatmeal please! I can’t eat sweet oatmeal in sehri! Thank you and Ramadan Mubarak

    Reply

    • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      Hi jia! I hear you! I usually prep steel cut oatmeal according to the package directions. Then I warm a little oil in a pan and add a little ginger, scallions, pepper, soy sauce and mix the steel cut oats in. Then add cilantro and adjust seasoning. It is SO good with a fried egg!

      Reply

  6. Areeba says

    I love this Sarah! I pretty much do all of these and your descriptions are perfect 🥰

    Reply

    • sarahjmir@gmail.com says

      Thank you so much Areeba!

      Reply
4.95 from 40 votes (35 ratings without comment)

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