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Celebrating My Son’s First Ramadan: Blending Old and New Traditions
As Ramadan approaches, the anticipation builds in our household. This year is particularly special as my son, Evren, embarks on his first full fast during the holy month, a rite of passage at just 11 years old. Reflecting on my own childhood, where fasting was introduced gently with half-day fasts known as achirri roza, I find myself both excited and nostalgic. Yet, Evren is determined to tackle the entire day’s fast, wanting to do it together with his school buddy, Isa.
Planning the Special Schedules: Suhoor and Iftar
With Evren’s commitment, my husband, Zain, and I decided to split the responsibilities of preparing meals that honor our culture while being mindful of our busy lives. Zain takes charge of suhoor, opting for oatmeal topped with nuts and roasted fruit for sustained energy. For iftar, I wanted to create a memorable experience for Evren's first celebration. Thankfully, I have a few quick and easy meals up my sleeve that he loves.
A Delicious Mix of Tradition and Fun
Growing up, my father preferred simple iftar meals. A few juicy dates to break the fast, typical, everyday dinners were more normal than fancy spreads. However, I wanted Evren’s first iftar to be special. So, I prepped a menu that was both traditional and fun: chocolate tahini dates, chana chaat, and my son’s favorite, “Mamma’s world-famous chicken biryani.” I also track family meals with one-pot recipes and easy chicken dishes that are packed with veggies, providing nourishment during the long fasting hours.
Culinary Innovations: Changing Times Influence Cooking
While I cherish the traditional recipes from my childhood, I’ve adapted them for our modern lifestyle. Instead of laboring over deep-frying snacks like pakoras, I’m experimenting with my air fryer for crispy zucchini chips, cauliflower wings, and fries—quick, effortless, and less oily. These small changes respect our culinary traditions while making the meals manageable for my busy life as a working parent.
Sharing the Spirit of Ramadan
More importantly, Ramadan is about community and connection. What started as a way to nourish Evren has blossomed into moments of togetherness. His friends often join us for meals, eager to share the experience, whether they are fasting or not. This spirit of peace, openness, and fellowship is what makes Ramadan special.
A Culinary Journey Moving Forward
As we navigate this month, I remind myself that every meal isn’t just for sustenance; it’s an opportunity to celebrate togetherness. I look to contemporary resources like cooking blogs and channels for meal inspiration that balances healthy recipes, budget-friendly ideas, and easy dinner preparations. Enhancing family traditions gives us all a chance to embrace the essence of Ramadan through shared culinary creativity.
As Evren breaks his fast each evening, it’s a reminder of how seamlessly old and new can come together in our kitchens, paving the way for future traditions that our families will cherish.
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