DIY with H |Vegan Iftar Recipes

29/03/2024

By Dhruv Saini

Welcome to a celebration of flavours and gratitude! As we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Ramadan, a month that embodies thankfulness and reflection, our hearts and tummies alike are filled with a profound sense of appreciation. After a day of fasting, there’s a unique connection we forge with food—a connection steeped in gratitude for nourishment, for the community, and for the opportunity to savour each bite mindfully.

In this blog, we’re taking you on a cooking journey with The H Dubai on how to make easy recipes at home that blend the spirit of Ramadan with traditional Middle Eastern flavours using plant-based ingredients, perfect for Iftar.

As the sun sets and the call to prayer signals the time to break our fast, what better way to honour this sacred moment than with wholesome, delectable dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also nourish the body and soul?

VEGAN ARAYES

Our first stop on this DIY with H brings us to Vegan Arayes, a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern traditional Arayes and plant-based ingredients. Picture this—crispy pita bread enveloping a medley of vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and the tantalising essence of plant-based kebab. Think of it like quesadillas – but with Middle Eastern spiced filling accompanied by a creamy tahini dip that adds a touch of indulgence to every bite.

Ingredients:

1. Vegetables:
1 finely chopped Red bell pepper

1 finely chopped white onion

3 finely chopped medium-sized fresh tomatoes.

2 tsp garlic paste

30g of hot chili paste

30g of finely chopped parsley

2. Bread:
5 Slices of medium-thickness pita bread or any other bread of your choice.

3. Spices:
1.5 tsp of seven spices powder.
Salt as per your taste

4. Essentials:
500 g of Plant-based kebab

Method:

Step 1. Prepare the flavorful blend:

Start by blending all the chopped vegetables (tomatoes. bell pepper, onion) with garlic and parsley in a food processor until you achieve a smooth consistency.
After blending, drain any excess liquid from the mixture to avoid sogginess in your wraps.

Step 2. Enhance the blend with spices:

Take a mixing bowl, combine the blended mixture with plant-based kebab and add the seven spices powder.
Mix the whole combination well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3. Assemble the wraps:

Take the pita bread and evenly spread approximately 100g of the flavorful kebab filling on the bread and cover it up with another pita bread.

Step 4. Bake or grill to perfection:

Lightly brush the olive oil on both sides of the pita bread to give it a crispy texture.
Place the prepared wraps in the oven/ grill/pan until the crust of the bread turns golden brown and crisp. Typically around 8-10 minutes.

Step 5. Serve and enjoy:

Once done, cut them into halves or quarters and serve them with tahini dip.

Pro Tip:

Garnish with fresh herbs like mint for an extra burst of freshness.
For tangy punch, drizzle some lemon juice over the wraps before serving.

HUMMUS WITH SOUJUK

Moving on to our next Traditional DIY recipe, Hummus with vegan Soujuk. Here, the velvety smoothness of hummus meets the robust flavours of sautéed plant-based Soujuk, creating a balance that is both visually appealing and delicious. Sprinkled with paprika, and adorned with fresh parsley and roasted pine nuts, this dish is a testament to the artistry of plant-based cooking.

Ingredients:

1. Vegetables and herbs:
2g of finely chopped fresh parsley

2. Spices:
2g of crushed paprika (Aleppo)

3. Nuts:
5 roasted pine nuts

4. Essentials:
120g of plant-based Soujuk
4 Tbsp of hummus dip
2 Tbsp of olive oil

Method:

Step 1: Sauté the Soujuk

Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the plant-based Soujuk to the pan and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Hummus Plate

Spread the hummus dip evenly on a serving plate, creating a circular gap in the Center using the back of a teaspoon. This will create a well for the Soujuk.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavours

Sprinkle the crushed paprika (Aleppo) generously over the Soujuk, adding a smoky, colorful spice.
To make it look more appetizing, drizzle 1 Tbsp of olive oil over the Soujuk and hummus.
Add a refreshing herbal note and a nutty flavor by sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley and roasted pine nuts over the dish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy