Fasting is the main tradition observed during the month of Ramadan. During the daylight, Muslims refrain from food and drink while going about their normal activities. Before dawn they eat light breakfast called suhur, and at sunset they break their fast with a special meal called iftar that traditionally consists of just a few dates and water. Finally, after performing the sunset prayers, the family sits down to eat dinner, the first substantial amount of food they’ve had for the entire day. However, not everyone is expected to fast. Young children, pregnant women, the sick, and the elderly are all exempt from taking part in fasting.

Although forgoing food and water for an entire month seems counterintuitive, fasting has many spiritual meanings for Muslims. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims because it is believed that the Holy Quran (the central religious text of Islam) was sent down from heaven as a guidance for all. Therefore, Muslims fast during Ramadan as a form of spiritual discipline, bringing themselves closer to God, as well as empathizing with the less fortunate. Since Ramadan is a time for charity, mosques also hold food drives and or fundraisers for the less fortunate. During Ramadan, Muslims gather for five daily prayers to God. In addition to these, they also gather in mosques for a special nightly prayer called Taraweeh, in which the Quran is recited.

This year, Ramadan begins on February 28 and ends on March 29. After Ramadan ends, Muslims celebrate with a day of festivities, known as Eid al-Fitr. During Eid, children traditionally receive many gifts, including new clothes or money from parents and relatives. On the morning of Eid, a special prayer and sermon is held, followed by a large community celebration. Families spend the day socializing, reuniting with old acquaintances, not to mention eating. Though Ramadan is the month of fasting, Eid is the day of celebrations and eating. Many different types of dishes are served during the community gathering, ending the month with a huge feast.

After a long day, many often look forward to the delicious and traditional Pakistani dish chaat: a dish that consists of a mix of chickpeas, tangy tomatoes, onions, and tamarind, and a variety of spices to add flavor. It’s nourishing, full of protein, warm, just a little spicy, and really hits the spot when you’re hungry.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter)
4 cans of chickpeas (drain out preservatives before using)
1 can of tomato sauce
2 raw tomatoes, diced
2 green chilies, diced
10 fresh curry leaves
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 chopped onion
1 ½ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin powder
1 ½ garam masala powder
¼ cup tamarind paste, dissolved in water
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
½ onion, finely chopped
2 green chilies, chopped

Instructions:
1.Take a medium sized pot or deep frying pan and let it sit over a medium-heat flame.
2. Add in the ghee and let it simmer for 30 seconds.
3. Add in the onions and curry leaves, and let simmer for three to four minutes.
4. Add raw tomatoes and fresh garlic, and stir for two minutes.
5. Add all the spices.
6. Sautee everything for one minute.
7. Add tomato sauce and chickpeas, stirring until evenly mixed with the sauce.
8. Close the lid and let it simmer for around 20 minutes, or until the chickpeas are soft and the sauce is darker.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro, onions, and green chilies.