From ResLife Ambassador Romayssa

Ramadan at University of Bath

Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims around the world. This month primarily focuses on deepening spiritual connection and getting closer to faith. That’s why being away from home and family during this time can seem quite daunting, as so many of the activities are centred around preparing food, breaking the fast together and attending prayers in congregation. However, from my experience at Bath, I can confidently say that spending Ramadan here can be equally rewarding, thanks to the strong sense of community.

What Ramadan looks like for me

Generally, I like to plan my days to ensure I balance the festivities and my academic responsibilities. My day begins with waking up early for suhoor, after which I continue with my daily task. I often find that fasting improves my clarity and focus, which helps with my studies, though I also make sure not to over-exert myself. The university provides plenty of wellbeing services through Student Support, and students can communicate with their tutors or lecturers if they require additional support during this time.

My experience in accommodation

I was fortunate to have a flatmate to share the experience with, so we regularly kept each other company, prepared food together and sat down to break our fast together. There were also many events hosted by the University such as the ISOC Grand Iftar and many ResLife events like henna designing. I was able to find a supportive society to learn about different cultures and traditions and their ways of celebrating Ramadan, a unique experience which I otherwise wouldn’t have felt at home.

Furthermore, in the city centre is the Bath Mosque which regularly provides food for Iftar and conducts Taraweeh (night prayer). This also provides an opportunity to socialise with new people, experience the Ramadan spirit and on particularly hectic lecture days, save time on cooking.

My favourite recipe during Ramadan

I love to break my fast with a light soup before indulging into a delicious main dish. For example, one of the dishes I look forward to is ‘Chicken over Rice’.

For the Chicken:

• 1kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 3 tbsp olive oil

For the Rice:

• 500g long basmati rice

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 chicken bouillon cube

Aromatics:

• Cloves

• Peppercorns

• Cinnamon stick

• Bay leaf

• Cardamom

4 cups water

Method:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Whisk together olive oil, tomato paste, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.

Wash and Rinse the Rice:

1. Soak rice for 30 minutes.

2. Rinse 5-6 times until water runs clear.

3. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat oil in a wide pan.

2. Cook chicken until done, 13-15 minutes.

3. Set aside.

Cook the Aromatics:

1. Remove chicken.

2. Add aromatics, salt, pepper, bouillon powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

3. Sauté for 30 seconds.

Cook the Rice:

1. Add water to the pan and bring to a boil.

2. Add the washed and rinsed rice and stir gently.

3. Boil on high heat until the water reduces, and the rice is visible.

4. Reduce heat to low, add cooked chicken on top along with butter, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.

Optional:

1. Prepare a garlic sauce dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, water, garlic paste, salt, pepper and lemon juice together

Now assemble, serve and enjoy!