The Muslim community is ready to welcome Ramadan once again this year in a couple of days! And with this month for spiritual growth and worship, families gather to break their fast together. Since we’re going through this beautiful month together, I thought of sharing with others some of my favorite recipes that I like to serve during Iftar!
If you’re anything like me, then you’re the main cook for the household and manage all things related to the kitchen. And if you’re really like me, then your family members unfortunately never know what they want to eat and just leave it up to you. That can be alright when I’m on a cooking roll, but sometimes, that just leaves me stumped!
Since I don’t wish to spend hours and hours in the kitchen preparing for Iftar, I like to prepare ahead a menu for the whole month of Ramadan so that it doesn’t leave me at a loss when thinking of what we’ll be eating to break our fast!
Some of these are perfect as main dishes to be served, while others can make up for fantastic side dishes! You could cook up several of them for one day as they do pair up well together. So if you’re looking for delicious and nourishing recipes, I can only advise you to go ahead and read up! Now, without further ado, let’s discover the recipes together!
1. Chicken Biryani
We’re starting off this list with a strong contender! Picture this: succulent chicken cooked to perfection, nestled in a bed of fragrant, fluffy rice infused with aromatic spices. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds after a whole day of fasting! And it only tastes better when shared with loved ones. Check out this insanely good recipe by Nagi from Recipetineats, you won’t be disappointed!
Image credit to Recipe Tin Eats.
2. Crushed Lentil Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup is a must-try! It’s comfort in a bowl, perfect for warming your soul after a day of fasting. Whether you serve it as a starter or a main course, Lebanese Crushed Lentil Soup is sure to be a hit at your iftar table. So grab your recipe from FeelGoodFoodie and get ready to enjoy a taste of Lebanon right in your own home!
Image credit to Feel Good Foodie
3. Grilled Lamb Chops
If you have some lamb chops at hand, I can only recommend you turn them into a succulent dish, marinated to perfection with a blend of herbs and spices, and then grilled to juicy, tender perfection like Dinneratthezoo in this recipe! It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds singing with delight. You’ll be able to pair them with grilled veggies, fries, or rice for a hearty iftar meal!
Image credit to Dinner at the Zoo
4. Hrira
This hearty and aromatic soup is a staple during the holy month for my family! We usually it a bowl every day with a delicious, flaky bourek and a drizzle of lemon juice. The rich and velvety tomato base, simmered with lentils, chickpeas, and a fragrant blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric is simply a comforting meal to eat after fasting! Learn how to make it here!
Image credit to Taste of Maroc
5. Vegetable Curry
This aromatic and flavorful Vegetable Curry is a delightful addition to your iftar spread. Pair it with fragrant basmati rice or warm naan bread for a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and comforting. You can find the recipe for this delectable dish here.
Image credit to Simply Delicious
6. Beef Kebabs
This has to be one of my favorite meals to eat! Just thinking of tender beef kebabs served with creamy hummus and soft pita bread makes my mouth water! They’re also a perfect and hearty iftar option. The combination of savory beef and smooth hummus is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Check out the recipe for these mouthwatering kebabs.
Image credit to Cooking Classy
7. Moroccan Tagine with Chicken and Apricots
Transport yourself to Morocco with this flavorful tagine featuring tender chicken, sweet apricots, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for ending iftar, offering a balance of sweetness and savory goodness. In my home, we eat a different version of this dish made with red meat instead, but I can say that it’s amazing either way! Follow this link to the recipe.
Image credit to Epicurious
8. Spinach and Cheese Fatayer
Who doesn’t like flaky goodness that melts into the mouth? These savory pastries filled with spinach and cheese are a delightful addition to any iftar spread. Their flaky crust and gooey filling make them irresistible. You can find the recipe for these delicious fatayers over here!
Image credit to Hilda’s Kitchen Blog
9. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
These aren’t’ traditional Ramadan foods, but I added them because they make for such a delicious option! These stuffed bell peppers filled with savory ground beef and rice are really guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. The combination of tender peppers and flavorful filling is sure to please everyone at the table. Follow this link for the recipe and enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones.
Image credit to The Spruce Eats
10. Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Tzatziki Sauce
These flavorful chicken shawarma wraps with creamy tzatziki sauce are a perfect iftar option. The tender chicken, wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with refreshing tzatziki, creates a satisfying and delicious meal. Find the recipe here and enjoy!
Image credit to Emily Fabulous
11. Egyptian Koshari
Koshari, a beloved Egyptian dish, is a comforting and hearty option for iftar. With its combination of lentils, rice, pasta, and tangy tomato sauce, it’s a delicious and nutritious meal! You can find the recipe for this Egyptian dish here.
Image credit to The Mediterranean Dish
12. Kofta Kebabs
These flavorful kofta kebabs served with cooling yogurt sauce are a crowd-pleaser for iftar. They’re similar to the chicken kebabs I shared earlier and they make for a great side dish! The juicy, spiced meat paired with creamy yogurt creates a perfect balance of flavors. Impress your family and friends with these delicious kebabs.
Image credit to All Recipes
13. Pakistani Aloo Gosht
Aloo gosht, a classic Pakistani dish featuring tender meat and potatoes in a rich and spicy gravy, is a comforting option for iftar. Pair it with warm naan or steamed rice for a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. You can find the recipe for this traditional Pakistani dish in this link!
Image credit to Fatima Cooks
14. Persian Joojeh Kabab
Yet another kebab for this post, but I just can’t help it! These succulent grilled chicken skewers, marinated in a flavorful blend of saffron and yogurt, are a delicious addition to any iftar spread. The tender chicken, with its crispy exterior, is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Follow this link for the recipe and enjoy the taste of Persia in every bite.
Image credit to Unicorns in the Kitchen
15. Palestinian Musakhan
Musakhan, a traditional Palestinian dish featuring roast chicken with sumac and caramelized onions, is a flavorful choice for iftar! The tender chicken, infused with aromatic spices and tangy sumac, is a true delight for the senses. You can find the recipe for this authentic Palestinian dish here.
Image credit to Falasteeni Foodie
16. Arabic Fattoush Salad
This refreshing and vibrant fattoush salad, made with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and crispy pita chips, is a perfect accompaniment to any iftar meal. The tangy sumac dressing adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Follow the recipe and enjoy this light and healthy salad during Ramadan.
Image credit to Feel Good Foodie
17. Meat Bourek
These savory meat bourek, filled with seasoned ground meat and wrapped in flaky pastry, are a delicious addition to your iftar table. The crispy exterior gives way to a flavorful and tender filling that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. I personally fry them in some oil, but they’re perfect in the oven or air fryer as well! You can find the recipe for these irresistible boureks here.
Image credit to Uncommonly Delicious
18. Mtawem
We usually start Ramadan in our house by eating mtawem, a traditional dish featuring tender meat cooked in a rich and spicy tomato sauce, and it’s a comforting choice for iftar. The aromatic spices and hearty flavors make it a satisfying meal for breaking your fast. You can learn how to make it here!
Image credit to Petite Paniere
As you can see, we’ve explored quite a few delicous recipes to try out for Iftar! But still, remember that Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s also about feeding the soul, nurturing the spirit, and spreading love and kindness wherever we go. And what better way to do that than through the universal language of food?
I hope these recipes bring you as much joy and fulfillment as they have brought me over the years. Wishing you a blessed Ramadan filled with peace, prosperity, and plenty of delicious iftar moments!
Until next time, happy cooking and Ramadan Kareem!
With love,
Rosa.
