What to eat during Ramadan

In Islam, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim Calendar commemorating the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. This holy month is marked by a period of fasting, prayer, community, and celebration by Muslims worldwide. Muslims typically fast from dawn to sunset during this period, abstaining from all food and drink. People for whom fasting would be a hardship, however, like pregnant women and those who are ill, are exempt from fasting. Muslims will commonly have a meal just before dawn called Suhoor and share an evening meal after sunset called Iftar.

At sunset, those observing Ramadan may break their fast with a small snack like fruit and water.

• Medjool Dates with Stones - hand-selected and exceptionally plump, perfect enjoyed as they are or taken up a notch with our stuffed dates recipe, filled with seeded nut butter or velvety smooth hazelnut crème, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

• Nuts and mixes - a handful of Natural King Walnut Halves or Collection Midnight Beauty Raisins and Cashews makes an easy, satisfying protein boost.

• Dried fruit - Sun-ripened figs or succulent dried apricots are ideal when you're after something light and naturally sweet.

• Kick off the festivities with a bowl of luxury loaded houmous and sharing dishes like crispy veggie pakoras and tender lamb paratha.

• Serve up crowd-pleasers like smothered hot honey chicken wings or juicy chipotle chicken thighs

• Pair mains with vibrant sides such as za’atar-roasted cauliflower, kale and chickpea salad or roasted carrots with garlic tahini yogurt and pistachio dukkah.

• Feeding a crowd? Double up this chicken pilaf, or add a celebratory touch with bejewelled rice on the side.

• Let guests dig into spiced meatballs, finished with ras el hanout and served with cooling labneh and a crunchy, fresh slaw.

• Finish on a sweet note with a decadent dessert, like this rich and creamy pistachio cheesecake or these elegant white chocolate tiramisu pots topped with juicy raspberries.