To beat the long fasting hours, it is imperative to have the right choice of food during the holy month of Ramadan. So, while there is a lot of focus on Iftari, which is the time to replenish, it is equally important to indulge in a healthy Sehri to give an energetic start to the day to your day.
Now, waking up at dawn and deciding what to eat may not be easy, but Asda has everything you need under one roof, plus inspiration to nourish, hydrate and strengthen your body to cope with the upcoming fast! Nutritionist Radhika Howarth from Radikal Kitchen, gives her top tips for Sehri dishes.
Masaledaar Paneer Crepes
Carbohydrates provide energy but at times paratha can feel a bit boring, so why not give it a bit of a twist and try Masaledaar Paneer Crepes instead. It is perfect for family Sehris and with Asda you have all the ingredients under one roof with Elephant Atta (10kgs for £4.50) for the perfect crepes, and for the stuffing, paneer (226g for £1.50) and Rajah Spices (100g paprika and whole jeera for £0.50).
Sehri Health Tip: The grains from atta and the protein in paneer make for a power packed Sehri.
Dates Porridge
Who said dates are only to be enjoyed when breaking the fast? This combination of dates, oatmeal and dry fruits makes for a wholesome Sehri. The best part is that it only takes around five minutes to prepare this power-packed breakfast. Just warm a bowlful of oats and milk and mix it with chopped dates and a handful of a few other dried fruits. And at Asda you can choose from Madinah Khudri Dates (450g for £2.60) or Sofra Tunisian (200g for £0.50).
Sehri Health Tip: Oats contain a fibre called beta-glucan, which are said to help lower blood cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.
Aloo and Dal Tikki:
Here is a new take on aloo tikkis with a mixture of dal to add plant-based protein. To prepare, use Asda White Potatoes (12.5kgs for £2.50), Asda Growers Selection Coriander (1 bunch £0.75) and Suraj Chana Dal (1.75kg for £2.50) along with cumin powder, garam masala and a few drops of lemon.
Sehri Health Tip: For those looking for a veggie Sehri, this is the perfect meal with lentils providing plant-based proteins to help keep you going through the day.
Watermelon Fruit Salad:
To beat the heat during the long days of fasting, kickstart your Sehri with a refreshing watermelon fruit salad. One Asda Watermelon would be enough for the whole family for just £3. To give it a tangy twist, add some Asda Growers Selection Satsumas (600g for £1) along with some chaat masala.
Sehri Health Tip: If Ramadan is making it difficult to have your five a day, well, 80g of watermelon constitute for one of your five a day and adding a couple of satsumas makes it two!
Keema Pav
If you are looking for a filling and spicy Sehri, the all-time favourite Keema Pav is your go to dish. But this year, give it a healthy twist by using white chicken mince instead of red meat mince, making it a tasty and leaner Sehri. And at Asda you can get 3 Shazan Chicken Breasts for £10, making it the perfect family value Sehri.
Sehri Health Tip:Chicken keema dish is a tasty option, which provides protein that is important for healthy muscles and bones.
Paneer Bhurji:
This quick and easy recipe, made from crumbled paneer simmered in spicy tomato gravy tastes great. Just wrap it in a roti or a paratha and it makes for a delicious Sehri. And to make cooking easier, you can pick up diced paneer cubes (250g for £2.50) and family paratha (160g for £2) to accompany it from your local Asda.
Sehri Health Tip: The calcium and protein in paneer helps keep your bones healthy during Ramadan.
Scrambled eggs with Frankfurters:
Give your Sehri a desi twist and try scrambled eggs sprinkled with a bit of cumin and paprika and served with some diced Tahira Halal Frankfurters (340g for £0.75).
Sehri Health Tip: The humble egg is a good source of inexpensive, high quality protein.
Coconut Mango lassi:
This unique and tasty lassi is a blend of coconut and mango making it a refreshing start to the day. All you need to do is blend Natural Bio Yogurt (1kg for £1), UFC Coconut Water (1L for £1.50) and Rubicon Juice (4x1Lt for £3.50) together, for a quick, thirst quenching Sehri.
Sehri Health Tip: This lassi is a delicious way to help stay hydrated as it is packed with the fruity flavours of mango and coconut; it will keep your thirst quenched for longer.
Date Granola:
This Sehri idea is power packed and perfect for those who are looking for something quick and light. All you need is honey, oats and cinnamon – plus your choice of Madinah Khudri Dates (450g for £2.60) or Sofra Tunisian (200g for £0.50).
Sehri Health Tip: 30g of dates make up your one of five a day.
Watermelon, Banana, Apple and Yogurt Smoothie:
Give your day a colourful start with a combination of fresh fruits and the refreshing yogurt with a fruity smoothie. You could choose from Natural Bio Yogurt (1kg for £1) or Fat Free Yogurt (1kg for £1), and add bananas, apples and watermelon, which is on offer (1 for £3). Blitz the fruits and yogurts in the morning for a refreshing start to your fast.
Sehri Health Tip: Fasting may make it difficult to have the recommended 6-8 glasses of water, but with this fruity smoothie you’re already half way there and with yogurt you get a calcium boost too.
