Ramadan 2026: Today's Iftar Timing and Essential Dishes to Savor
The holy month of Ramadan is currently in progress, with today marking the second day of this sacred period. For those observing in New Delhi, the Iftar timing is set for 6:15 pm according to the Hanafi tradition and 6:25 pm for the Jafria sect. As per longstanding custom, the fast is traditionally broken with dates, followed by a nourishing and flavorful feast. Below, we present a detailed guide to eight must-try dishes that can elevate your Iftar experience today.
1. Fruit Chaat: A Hydrating and Nutritious Starter
This refreshing bowl combines hydrating fruits such as oranges, watermelon, and strawberries, all topped with a sprinkle of chaat masala for a tangy twist. It serves as an Iftar staple in numerous households, providing essential vitamins and hydration after a day of fasting.
2. Veg Cutlet: Crispy Discs of Vegetable Goodness
To prepare these nutritious discs, begin by chopping and blanching vegetables like carrot, potato, beans, corn, and capsicum. Season them with salt, pepper, and a blend of spices before mashing and shaping into small patties. Coat with breadcrumbs and deep fry until golden and crisp. They pair excellently with mint coriander chutney for added zest.
3. Haleem: A Rich and Slow-Cooked Savory Porridge
Haleem is a classic dish featuring a rich, slow-cooked porridge made from meat, wheat, lentils, and an array of spices. Simmered for hours until it achieves a smooth, thick consistency, it is deeply flavorful and widely enjoyed across many regions of India during Iftar.
4. Chicken Malai Tikka: Tender and Creamy Delight
This dish involves marinating boneless chicken chunks in a mixture of curd, cream, and spices before charring them to perfection in a tandoor with a butter glaze. For a healthier alternative, they can also be roasted in a griller or an air fryer, retaining their succulent texture.
5. Dahi Vada: Sweet and Tangy Fermented Dumplings
Dahi Vada offers a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Fermented urad dal dumplings are deep-fried, then soaked in warm salted water before being immersed in sweetened curd. The dish is typically garnished with cumin powder, salt, chaat masala, black salt, black pepper, tamarind chutney, green chutney, and pomegranate seeds.
6. Keema Samosa: Triangular Treats with Spiced Mince
These deep-fried triangular pastries are filled with mince meat cooked with onion, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and amchur powder. Encased in a refined flour sheet, sealed, and fried to a golden brown, they can also be baked or air-fried for a lighter version.
7. Mohabbat ka Sherbat: A Classic Chilled Ramadan Beverage
This refreshing drink combines milk, watermelon chunks, sugar, and rooh afza or rose syrup, all stirred together and served chilled with ice cubes. It is a beloved Ramadan beverage that helps rehydrate and cool the body after fasting.
8. Kesar Kheer: A Fragrant Rice Pudding Dessert
To prepare this dessert, soak broken rice and boil milk before adding the rice. Simmer on a low flame for about 30 minutes, then incorporate sugar, kesar (saffron), and nuts. Serve either hot or cold for a comforting end to your Iftar meal.
These dishes not only adhere to traditional Iftar customs but also offer a variety of flavors and textures to make the breaking of the fast a memorable culinary experience. Whether you are preparing them at home or enjoying them at gatherings, they embody the spirit of Ramadan through shared meals and community.
