Ramadan is a special month of fasting in Muslim tradition. Often known as the “holiest month,” Ramadan is all about gentle rhythms and leaning into time-honored traditions. With lots of nourishing foods served at iftar, the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan, comforting, one-pot meals are just the ticket. International Fresh Market, your source for halal foods, will highlight a traditional-inspired, accessible recipe that’s easy to prepare after a long day and ideal for Ramadan.
Why Soup and Stews Are Popular for Iftar
Soups and stews are popular for iftar meals, since they offer a wealth of benefits perfect for a fast. They provide hydration and steady energy, along with being easy to digest. Plus, soups and other warm, brothy dishes are beloved across Middle Eastern, South Asian, and halal cuisines. The one-pot chicken and lentil stew recipe we’ll share is a delicious part of this tradition, sure to please everyone in your family.
Featured Recipe: One-Pot Chicken & Lentil Stew (Shorbat-Inspired)
This one-pot chicken and lentil stew has something for everyone, especially families and large gatherings. With warming spices, tender chunks of chicken, and hearty lentils, the stew has plenty of flavor but is gentle on the stomach and easily digestible. With lentils and chicken, there’s lots of protein and energy, but it’s easy to adapt into a vegetarian dish if that’s your preference.
Ingredients Breakdown: Simple, Wholesome Staples
You only need a few basic ingredients for chicken and lentil stew. Pick up dried lentils, halal chicken, spices of your choice (traditional options include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon), along with classic aromatics like onion and garlic. If you want to make the dish vegetarian, add more vegetables and eliminate the chicken.
All of these ingredients can be found at International Fresh Market. If you need help finding any item on your list, our associates are always happy to assist.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step Overview
To make one-pot chicken and lentil stew, Heat a large cooking pot over medium heat. Sautee onions and garlic until tender before adding spices. Then, add chicken and lentils, along with chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the pot to a simmer and cook until the lentils are tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Finish the stew with some fresh lemon juice and herbs, and serve in bowls while warm, with lemon slices for garnish. Easy to prepare and make, this one-pot dish is perfect for those with very little time to spare. Plus, the flavor is truly unbeatable.
How to Serve This Dish for Iftar
Traditionally, the Ramadan fast is broken with dates and water. You can start with those before moving on to steaming bowls of stew, accompanied with flatbreads and rice with fresh herbs. If you’d like something even heartier for a main dish, serve the soup as a starter or as an accompaniment to the main. It’s immensely versatile as well as delicious. However you choose to serve chicken and lentil stew, your family and friends will be sure to love it.
Cooking with Intention During Ramadan
During Ramadan, food is a souce of comfort and connection as well as nourishment. If you celebrate Ramadan, slow down and cook with care, embracing every tradition and every flavor. At International Fresh Market, we have the best, most authentic assortment of halal foods for your holiday. Contact us to learn more about our current selection, or browse our aisles to pick up everything from fresh, halal meat and vegetables to pantry staples and baked goods. There’s a whole world of flavor just waiting to be explored!
