Ramadan is here and we cannot stress enough the importance of a healthy diet during the month of Ramadan. An easy way to maintain a healthy nutritional diet in Ramadan is to keep it light and to plan for your meals in order to avoid the temptation of heavy, unhealthy meals to break your fast. 

We’ve collaborated with Nour El Ganzoury, a certified nutritionist, for a range of healthy dishes and advice to lead a healthy and light nutritional Ramadan diet. For tips and tricks on mindful eating and how to regulate your food intake in Ramadan, you can also watch her videos here. 

The first recipe by Nour is a healthy Quinoa Tabbouleh salad inspired by the traditional Levantine vegetarian salad with a healthy twist. 

The main base of this salad is quinoa which has several benefits and is known to be one of the healthiest cereal seeds to eat. Its benefits include a high dosage of protein, fibers and antioxidants along with many necessary minerals such as iron and zinc. Quinao is also good for blood sugar control as it had a low glycemic index. 

Try out this recipe for a light meal that will keep you full for hours!

Nour’s Quinoa Tabbouleh

Ingredients:

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed well 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

3 cucumbers, cut into 1/4" pieces

2 tomatoes cut into cubes

1 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint

1/2 small onion into tiny cubes

Directions: 

Boil quinoa, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. 

Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice and garlic in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer quinoa to a large bowl; mix in 1/4 cup dressing. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover remaining dressing and quinoa separately; chill.

Add cucumber, tomatoes, herbs and onions to bowl with quinoa; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining dressing over

For more on Nour’s nutritional tips, make sure to follow her Instagram page! 

At our restaurant Shokuku, we embody the Egyptian culture in our Egyptian fusion cuisine in a healthy and nutritional manner made with fresh, local ingredients.

We wish you a healthy and happy Ramadan!

Love,

Your family at Mazeej