Ramadan is the holy month of Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims all over the world as the month of fasting also known as Sawm. Fasting is done to maintain self discipline and Taqua. Fasting from dawn to sunset is a common practice during Ramadan. The meal at sunset that breaks the fast is Iftar. There many Iftar delicacies and treats such as Sheer Khurma, Biryani, Lukhmi, etc to name a few. So let’s discover few mouth watering and traditional Ramadan treats and Iftar delicacies from Hyderabad!!!

1. Lukhmi

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It is an all time favorite delicacy on an Iftar table. Lukhmi is basically the hyderabadi variation of samosa. But unlike samosa, it is squared shaped, stuffed with spicy minced lamb meat also known as Kheema. The white flour, ghee and yoghurt are knead together till it becomes smooth and soft. This then becomes the dough for the outer case of Lukhmi. Spicy minced lamb meat is stuffed in the case and then deep fried, until it is crisp.

2. Hyderabadi Haleem

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This mouth watering dish is originally an Arabic dish. During the rule of Nizams, Chaush (muslim community of Hadhrami Arab decent found in Deccan region of India.) people introduced it to the Hyderabad princely state.

Haleem is made with pounded wheat and dals (mainly masoor, moong and chana). Wheat and dal are cooked together until soft. Yoghurt based mutton gravy is added to mixture and then blended well. The mutton gravy is prepared using fried onions, whipped yoghurt and many spices such as ginger garlic paste, hara masala and chilli powder. The gravy and wheat-dal mixture are then cooked together on low flame for few hours. It is garnished with fried onions, lemon slices, ghee and cashewnuts. This piping hot delicacy is yummy and very rich in proteins therefore its one of the most sought after Iftar delicacy.

3. Kheema Sevai

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This dish is a unique mix of minced lamb meat and vermicelli. Minced lamb meat is tempered with the blend of all the dry spices such as ginger, garlic, cardamom to name a few. Once its brown , water is added in minced meat till it becomes tender. Vermicelli and a cup of water is added to it and cooked on low flame until done. It is seasoned with lime fuce and served hot.

4. Fruit Chat

Fruit chat is widely consumed at Iftari time as it is healthy and light. It replenishes the body with nutrients, minerals and vitamins. As the name suggests all fruits are diced and are seasoned with salt, sugar, lime juice, chat masala and pepper. This gives a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish and makes it even more delicious.

5. Dahi Vada

This dish is the most popular chat snacks in an Indian household. Normally it is deep fried lentil balls dunked in yoghurt and topped with tamarind chutney. But during Ramadan specially in Hyderabad chickpea flour dumplings are dunked in yoghurt and tempered with authentic spices.

Chickpea dumplings are prepared by deep frying the batter which is made by mixing lot of spices such as turmeric powder, garlic, ginger, etc, once they are fried, the dumplings are soaked in water for a while so they become soft. Water is then squeezed out. Dumplings are dunked in whipped yoghurt. They are tempered with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, red chillies and poured over Dahi Vada. It is yummy, nutritious, healthy and cool to your stomach hence prevents acidity as they are fasting all day.

6. Chanay ki Dal

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This delicious and healthy snack is very common in Hyderabadi Iftar. Bengal gram is soaked overnight and boiled till it is soft, but not mashed. It is then seasoned with salt, pepper, green chilies and coriander.

I have also written articles for Food Bloggers Association of India. To read click here.

Hope you all enjoyed reading about mouth watering authentic Hyderabadi Iftar delicacies as much as I did while writing about them. Wishing you all Ramadan Mubarak and enjoy sumptuous Iftar delicacies!!!