Ramadan 2023: The Top 10 Kebabs To Enjoy This Festival

Ramadan is a significant month-long Muslim festival celebrated by millions worldwide. It is a time of self-reflection, spiritual rejuvenation, and fasting from dawn until dusk. Fasting during Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on one's actions and focus on inner spirituality. During this holy month, people come together to share meals, break their fasts, and celebrate the time-honoured traditions of Ramadan.

Food plays a vital role in Ramadan, and traditional foods hold a special place in the hearts of those who celebrate it. After fasting for a long day, people usually break their fast with dates and water, followed by a variety of traditional dishes. One such dish is "sambusa," which is a savoury pastry filled with spiced meat or vegetables, fried until crispy, and served hot. Another popular dish is "haleem," a thick and hearty stew made with wheat, lentils, and meat, spiced with fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom. One can also find "mandi," a dish of succulent meat cooked in a tandoor oven, and "qatayef," a sweet stuffed pastry that is fried and then soaked in syrup. These foods not only satisfy the taste buds but also provide the necessary nutrients to sustain energy for the long day ahead.

Shish Kebab

Shish kebab is a popular dish in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian cuisines. It consists of skewered and grilled pieces of meat, typically lamb, beef, or chicken, along with vegetables like peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The meat is marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and seasonings, which gives it a unique flavour and tenderness. Shish kebab is often served with rice, salad, and yoghurt. It is a perfect meal for a Ramadan gathering, and its delicious taste and aroma never fail to impress.

Adana Kebab

Adana kebab, named after the city of Adana in Turkey, is a spicy and flavourful grilled skewered meat dish traditionally served during Ramadan. Made with ground lamb or beef mixed with hot red pepper flakes, Adana kebabs are a favourite among meat lovers who crave a little extra heat in their food. It's typically served with a side of grilled vegetables, fresh herbs, and lavash bread.

Reshmi Kebab

Reshmi kebab is a mouth-watering delicacy from the Indian subcontinent that is loved by meat lovers around the world. These succulent kebabs are made using minced meat and a variety of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The meat is then shaped into thin, elongated kebabs and cooked on a hot grill or tandoor until they are perfectly browned and crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. Reshami kebabs are often served as an appetiser or as part of a larger meal and are a must-try for anyone who loves the rich flavours of Indian cuisine.

Seekh Kebab

Seekh kebab is a mouth-watering specialty from the city of Adana, Turkey, that is perfect for Ramadan. This delicious dish is made from minced meat, usually lamb, mixed with spices such as paprika, cumin, and chilli pepper, and then moulded onto a skewer and grilled to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavourful kebab that is perfect for breaking the fast during Ramadan. Adana kebab is traditionally served with a side of grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, and a refreshing salad.

Chapli Kebab

Chapli Kebab is a mouth-watering dish that hails from the Pashtun region of Pakistan and Afghanistan. During Ramadan, this flavourful kebab is a popular choice for iftar. Made with minced beef or lamb, spices, and fresh herbs like mint and coriander, chapli kebab is then flattened into a thin patty and cooked on a hot griddle. Served with freshly made naan bread and a side of chutney, these kebabs are bursting with flavour and are sure to satisfy any craving.

Kofta Kebab

Made from ground meat, spices, and herbs, these grilled meatballs are a flavourful and filling option to break your fast. Some variations of kofta kebab also include vegetables like onions, peppers, or eggplants. Served with a side of pita bread and yoghurt sauce, kofta kebab is a satisfying and nutritious meal to enjoy after a long day of fasting.

Doner Kebab

This delicious dish is made up of succulent slices of marinated meat, typically lamb or chicken, which are slow-roasted on a vertical spit until they become tender and juicy. The meat is then shaved off in thin slices and served inside warm pita bread, along with fresh salad, pickles, and a tangy sauce. This hearty meal is not only filling and satisfying but also provides the necessary protein and energy to sustain long periods of fasting during Ramadan.

Tandoori Kebab

Tandoori kebab is a traditional Indian dish that is enjoyed all over the world. It is made by marinating tender pieces of chicken or lamb in spices and yoghurt before cooking them in a tandoor oven. The tandoor oven gives the meat a delicious smoky flavour and a crispy exterior while keeping the insides moist and tender. Tandoori kebab is often served with a side of naan bread, cooling raita, and some fresh lime wedges for added zing.

Chicken Tikka Kebab

Chicken tikka kebab originates from the Indian subcontinent and has become a global sensation. Made with succulent pieces of marinated chicken, seasoned with Indian spices, and grilled to perfection, chicken tikka kebab is a mouth-watering delicacy that is hard to resist. It is often served with naan bread, rice, or salad and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course.

Galouti Kebab

Galauti kebab is a delectable Indian delicacy that originated in the city of Lucknow. It is made with minced meat, usually, lamb or beef, which is marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and then cooked over a charcoal fire. The unique feature of galauti kebab is its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is achieved by using tenderising agents like raw papaya or pineapple. Legend has it that this dish was created for a Nawab who lost his teeth and couldn't chew on regular kebabs with a bite.