By Dr. Khadijah Tijani
Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion to Allah subhanahu wa Ta’ala. During this time, we fast from dawn until dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other pleasures. Preparing your kitchen for Ramadan is essential to ensure a smooth and successful fasting month. A well-organized kitchen will not only make meal preparation easier but will also help you stay focused on your spiritual goals.
Over the years, I have mastered the art of spending less time in the kitchen and more time on other rewarding acts of worship. Here are some useful tips for getting your kitchen ready for Ramadan, which will help you make the most of this holy month:
1. Deep-clean your kitchen.
Make sure the kitchen is spotless by deep-cleaning all surfaces, including the floor, windows, cabinets, fridge, stove, and other dirty gadgets. You don’t want to be going through the stress of cleaning while you’re fasting. If you are unable to do a thorough cleaning before Ramadan, make it a priority during the first week to ensure a clean and organized kitchen for meal preparation. A clean kitchen will not only make your Ramadan better, but it will also contribute to a hygienic and healthy environment.
2. Declutter your pantry.
Dispose of those items cluttered around your pantry (especially plastic bags and containers). Seriously, if you haven’t used them in the past year, you probably don’t need them anymore! Clutter-free pantries make meal preparation and grocery shopping easier. It can also help you identify goods you need to refill.
3. Create a meal plan.
Create a meal plan or reshuffle the old one. Take suggestions from every member of the family. Be sure to incorporate healthy foods and stick to the plan as much as possible. Thinking about what to eat is a stressful exercise on its own.
4. Buy foodstuffs in bulk.
If you can afford to do so, buy foodstuffs in bulk. You should avoid running out of grains, oils, spices, and other essentials. Get lots of dates and keep them safely; remember that it’s sunnah to break your fast with odd numbers of dates. You can reduce your weekly shopping to once or twice in Ramadan—one in the middle and one just before Eid (especially if you need to top up for Zakat ul Fitr). Grocery shopping while fasting can be very stressful.
5. Work Smarter
Invest in a good smoothie maker, juicer, or blender for making yummy fruit drinks. This will help you ditch soft drinks throughout Ramadan and enjoy healthy refreshments instead.
6. Dehydrated proteins are lifesavers!
Dry-sea foods can be a lifesaver, especially if electricity is not stable in your area. Get your dry sea foods from your favorite African or Asian stores. This is an essential tip for those who are fasting in areas with poor electricity.
7. Stock up on dried peppers and tomato paste.
Dried peppers and tomato paste are also essential. You can buy them or make them yourself and stock them in your pantry. These ingredients are essential for many recipes and can help you make meal preparation faster and more convenient.
8. Batch cook and freeze your fresh pepper, onion, and tomato blend.
Preparing a fresh pepper, onion, and tomato blend is a time-consuming task. However, you can save time and energy by batch-cooking this blend and freezing it for later use. For those who like the taste of freshly cooked soups, all you need to do is thaw the pepper and add your oil, proteins, and spices. The soup is done in 15 minutes! If you don’t mind freezing the finished soup in bulk, that’s even more time-saving!
9. Remember that Ramadan is for fasting, not for feasting.
So, it’s okay if you don’t make any special changes to your kitchen or stock any additional food in your pantry. It’s also okay if you continue to follow your normal routine: suhoor is just like early breakfast, and iftar is like dinner. Also, normalize eating leftovers from iftar for suhoor. Avoid wasting food, for Allah (SWT) does not like those who are wasteful.
10. Plan ahead for iftar gatherings.
If you will be having family and friends over for iftar gatherings, plan ahead and keep it simple. You don’t want to be overwhelmed by a large volume of cooking. Consider hiring a helper if it is within your means, or opt for disposable utensils for added convenience. If your guests offer to help with the cooking or cleaning, let them! You can maximize your time and completely enjoy the company of your loved ones during this special time by being proactive and organized.
To sum up, getting your kitchen ready for Ramadan is an essential part of observing this holy month. You can make the most of this spiritual journey by stocking up on essentials, planning your meals, organizing your kitchen, cooking healthy meals, and staying hydrated. By ensuring that your kitchen is well-equipped, you will not only find it easier to prepare meals, but you will also be better able to concentrate on your spiritual goals throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
© Khadijah Tijani
About The Author:
Khadijah Tijani is a Nigerian medical doctor, a creative blogger, and a published author. She grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State, and graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan in 2009. After five years of practice in Nigeria, she relocated to Saudi Arabia where she worked as a resident physician in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Known as “Doctor KT,” Tijani is a women’s health advocate and a prolific health blogger for her own blog, www.askdoctorkt.com. She also runs an online platform, known as “Breastfeeding Support Lounge,” where she supports mothers towards achieving their breastfeeding goals.
Twitter @askdoctorkt
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