Last-Minute Iftar? 3 Quick and Tasty Recipes

Simplify your iftar menu with quick, delicious dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen. Whether you're craving something savoury, light, or sweet, these three easy recipes—Dim Alur Chop, Tuna Salad Sandwich, and Classic Firni—will bring variety to your table effortlessly.

Dim Alur Chop

A crispy, flavourful potato and egg chop that's perfect for iftar.

Ingredients:

• 3 roasted red chillies
• 2 green chillies
• ½ cup fried onions
• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander
• 1½ tsp butter
• 2 boiled eggs (halved)
• Flour, whisked egg, and breadcrumbs (for coating)
• Oil (for deep frying)

Method:

• Crush the roasted red chillies, green chillies, and fried onions.
• In a large bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with the crushed ingredients, garam masala, roasted cumin, salt, coriander, and butter.
• Wrap half a boiled egg with the potato mixture, shaping it into a chop.
• Coat with flour, dip into whisked egg, and roll in breadcrumbs.
• Deep-fry until golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

Quick Tuna Salad Sandwich

A refreshing and protein-packed sandwich, ideal for a light iftar.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 4 (5-ounce/140g) cans of oil-packed tuna, drained
• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise (adjust as needed)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley
• ½ tsp (3g) Asian fish sauce or 2 finely minced oil-packed anchovy fillets
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 slices of lightly toasted sandwich bread
• Lettuce leaves, for garnish

Method:

• In a bowl, mix the tuna and mayonnaise until the tuna is finely shredded.
• Drain the chopped onion and add it to the tuna mixture along with celery, parsley, and fish sauce or anchovy.
• Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the mayo if needed.
• Spoon the tuna mixture onto four slices of bread, top with lettuce, and close the sandwiches.
• Serve immediately.

Classic Firni

A creamy, aromatic rice pudding that’s a must-have for dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp basmati rice
• 1-litre full-cream milk
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp saffron-infused milk
• Chopped dry fruits (for garnish)

Method:

• Soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes, then drain and grind into a coarse paste.
• In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the rice paste while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
• Cook for 5 minutes, then let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked.
• Stir in the sugar and saffron milk, mixing well until the mixture thickens.
• Add cardamom powder and mix.
• Let it cool, then refrigerate. Serve chilled, and garnished with dry fruits.

These quick and delicious recipes ensure you enjoy a delightful iftar without spending too much time in the kitchen.