Abu Dhabi: For a working mother with three school-going children, meal planning is key during Ramadan, according to Andresia Ebrahim, an Abu Dhabi government employee. There is a key support factor she has — the generous help of her husband.
Ebrahim, who is a Senior Business Planning Coordinator in Abu Dhabi, said a big share of the credit for a planned Ramadan food schedule goes to her husband.
From helping prepare light meals to the main courses, his contributions make her life easy.
- Mohammad Akhtar | 13-year-old son
“Whether it’s during Ramadan or in other months of the year, he is always there. That’s a great support for me,” she said.
“For suhour, generally we prepare the meal before going to bed because the morning is packed with many things such as performing the Fajr prayer, getting the children ready for school and getting ready for work,” she said.
Iftars are usually light meals, and dinner comprises main courses. Once she gets home from work, around 2.30-3pm, she rests for a while. “I get almost three hours to prepare for iftar, which is sufficient, as my husband is there to help,” said Ebrahim.
When they have guests, meals are a blend of home-made dishes supplemented by take-away items.
Ebrahim’s husband, Yuni Budi, 43, a geologist with a government company, said, “We have a list of tasks to be done each day, which we divide between us and collaborate to finish them on time.
“Every day, I prepare breakfast for all which includes boiled eggs, omelette and bread. For meals, I cook satay [Indonesian dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce],” said Budi, who came to Abu Dhabi three years ago.
Ebrahim’s son Mohammad Akhtar, 13, studies in Grade 7 at Gems American School. He said, “I help my mum in the kitchen arranging iftar meals and setting the table. The whole family contributes and that way no one person is doing everything. Everything gets done comfortably.”
Akhtar, who observed the Ramadan fast last year, is determined to do it this year too.
Top tips
1. Prepare for suhour the night before, as it will save time in the morning.
2. Prepare the main course for the day keeping in mind to use a portion of it for suhour.
3. Make iftar simple, healthy and quick, by adding more fruits and fresh juices.
4. Plan groceries for a week, so you don’t have to waste time during the week.
5. Marinate meat, chop herbs, freeze sauces, etc, in advance so everyday cooking is more efficient.
