The holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a month of reflection, spiritual growth, and community celebration. Observed according to the lunar calendar, this special time is a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors of the Muslim world.
Explores a variety of Ramadan recipes & menu ideas, incorporating versatile ingredients and fresh flavors, perfect for both suhoor and iftar table.
Whether you're observing Ramadan yourself, having Muslim friends, or simply curious about its rich cultural tapestry, this post is your guide to delicious suhoor and iftar meals that will please your taste buds and take you on a unique culinary journey.
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Ramadan Iftar Recipes
After a day of fasting, iftar is a time to celebrate and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends. Iftar is not your usual dinner; it is a full-course meal.
Iftar dishes often include a variety of flavors and textures, with many cultures having their own national dish. from starters like bite-size appetizers, soups, salads, and drinks to hearty main dishes and then ending on a sweet note.
Ramadan Appetizers
These bite-sized delights will tempt your palate and create the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable Iftar party.
- Sambusa: Crispy on the outside and packed with a savory spiced filling, sambusa are the ultimate crowd pleasing appetizer. These golden triangles are perfect for dipping, sharing, and disappearing fast from the table.
- Meat Phyllo Pie: Layers of flaky phyllo dough wrap around a deeply flavorful, warmly spiced meat filling in this classic Egyptian dish. It’s rich, comforting, and impressive enough for guests while still feeling like true home cooking.
- Spinach Fatayer: Soft, pillowy dough filled with tangy spinach and aromatic spices makes spinach fatayer completely irresistible. These Lebanese hand pies are perfect warm from the oven as a snack or appetizer.
- Manakeesh : Manakeesh is a beloved Middle Eastern flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or other savory toppings. Baked until golden and fragrant, it’s perfect as a starter or tearing into straight from the oven.
- Cheese Fatayer:
- Sfiha
- Stuffed Crepes
- Stuffed Grape Leaves
- Kibbeh
- Potato Croquettes
- Eggplant Fritters
Ramadan Salads and Dips
Add a refreshing touch to your Iftar table with vibrant salads like the Lebanese fattoush or roasted vegetables like muhammara (roasted red peppers and walnuts), and mutabal (roasted eggplant dip). Add smoky depth and creamy textures.
- Egyptian Salad: This simple, refreshing salad combines crisp vegetables with lemon and olive oil for a clean, vibrant bite. It’s the perfect fresh side that balances rich mains and keeps every meal feeling light.
- Tabbouleh: Bursting with parsley, mint, and zesty lemon, tabbouleh is fresh, herby, and incredibly lively. Each bite is bright, crisp, and packed with classic Middle Eastern flavor.
- Fattoush: Fattoush is a crunchy, colorful salad tossed with toasted pita and a bold, tangy dressing. It’s fresh, satisfying, and full of texture in every bite.
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad : This salad is hearty yet refreshing, loaded with fresh veggies, herbs, and a lemony dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a protein packed suhoor.
- How to make Hummus?
- Mutabal
- White Bean Salad
- Mediterranean Eggplant Salad
- Baba Ganoush
- Beets and Carrot Salad
- Chicken Tikka Salad
- Muhammara
Ramadan Soups
Warm up for your meal and get your stock attention with some soups.
- Egyptian Lentil Soup :A hearty and comforting soup, perfect for breaking the fast. A drizzle of olive oil adds a burst of flavor.
- Harira, a traditional way to break your fast served with Chebakia. Add a spoon of Harissa (a North African) dip for a little heat.
- Freekeh Soup : Delicious way to warm up and boost your energy levels with healthy whole grains.
- Turkish Red Lentil Soup
- Chicken Vermicelli Soup
- Lebanese Lentil Soup
- Artichoke Vegetable Soup
- Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
- Coconut Chicken Curry
- Vegan Sweet Potato Soup
- Molokhia (Egyptian Green Soup)
Ramadan Drinks
Craving a refreshing drink to break your fast? Quench your thirst with our collection of delectable Ramadan beverages.
- Date Shake: With only natural sugars this one is very popular in the Middle East. A blend of sweet dates (a traditional food during Ramadan) with milk and a touch of vanilla.
- Amar Eddeen/ Qamar Eddeen Drink : A sugary drink that a lot of people drink throughout this month.
- Turkish Ayran: Cool, creamy, and lightly salty, Turkish ayran is the ultimate refreshing yogurt drink. It’s simple, thirst-quenching, and the perfect pairing for grilled meats or spicy dishes.
- Tamarind Juice: This tamarind drink is sweet, tangy, and wonderfully refreshing with a deep, fruity flavor. Served chilled, it’s a classic that cools you down and wakes up your taste buds at the same time.
- Egyptian Sobia
- Dried Fruit Compote
- Carob Drink
- Banana Milk
- Guava Juice
- Mango Lassi
- Fizzy Drinks/ Mocktails ( Virgin Margarita, Virgin Mojito)
Ramadan Main Dish
Dive into the heart of Ramadan feasts with our collection of savory main dishes! From succulent meats to comforting stews, explore delicious recipes for a memorable Iftar.
- Chicken Kabsa : One of Saudi Arabia traditional foods that shows up on special occasions.
- Shish Kebab: Juicy, marinated meat grilled to perfection with a beautiful char and smoky flavor. These shish kabobs are simple, satisfying, and always a hit at the table.
- Shish Tawook: Tender chicken marinated in yogurt, garlic, and warm spices, then grilled until golden and juicy. Shish tawook is bright, flavorful, and perfect wrapped in pita or served with rice.
- Chicken Mandi: Chicken mandi is deeply aromatic, with fall-apart tender chicken infused with fragrant spices and served over fluffy rice. It’s a show-stopping dish that delivers big flavor with comforting, cozy vibes.
- Chicken Shawarma
- Kofta Kebab
- Beef Tagine
- Beef Shawarma
- Moussaka
- Chicken Tagine
- Lamb Chops
- Okra Stew with Beef
- Harissa Chicken
- Turkish Kofta ( Meatloaf Cupcakes)
- Bamya (Okra Stew with Lamb)
- Emirati Meat Biriyani
- Baked Creamy Rice with Chicken
- Middle Eastern Rice and Chicken
- Stuffed Potatoes
- Mansaf (Lamb and Rice)
- Salmon Kebobs
- Musakhan (Sumac Chicken)
- Street Style Chicken Biriyani
- Stuffed Chicken Sheet Pan
- Maftool with Chicken
- Turkish Doner Kebab
Ramadan Rice and Pasta
Looking for fluffy rice and flavorful pasta dishes to complete your Ramadan feast? We've got you covered!
- Lebanese Rice: Light, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned, this rice is a classic Middle Eastern side that goes with just about everything. Cooked with vermicelli for extra texture, it’s simple, comforting, and timeless.
- Yellow Turmeric Rice: This vibrant yellow rice is fragrant, fluffy, and lightly spiced for beautiful color and flavor. It’s an easy, versatile side that instantly brightens any meal.
- Roasted Rice: Roasted rice with nuts is rich, aromatic, and full of texture from toasted nuts and warm spices. It’s an elegant yet comforting dish that turns plain rice into something truly special.
- Mahshi (Rice Stuffed Vegetables)
- Macarona Bechamel
- Arabic Pasta
- Mujadara
- Makluba(Palestinian Upside Down Rice)
- Pesto Pasta
- Pesto Couscous
Ramadan Desserts
No Ramadan feast is complete without indulging in traditional sweets. Here are some of our favorites.
- Qatayef: Soft, pancake like pastries filled with nuts or cream, then fried and soaked in fragrant syrup. Qatayef are a beloved treat, especially during Ramadan, with the perfect balance of tender and crispy.
- Kunafa: Golden, crispy strands of pastry wrapped around a gooey creamy filling, all drenched in scented syrup. Kunafa is rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist while still warm.
- Tulumba: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, tulumba are fried pastries soaked in sweet syrup. Each bite is crunchy, juicy, and delightfully addictive.
- Basbousa: This classic semolina cake is moist, tender, and soaked in a lightly scented sugar syrup. Simple yet deeply satisfying, basbousa is a timeless Middle Eastern dessert.
- Qatayef Asafiri
- Halka Tatlisi (Turkish churros)
- Zalabia
- Maamoul cake
- Tamriyeh
- Moroccan Cinnamon Oranges
- Halawet Al Jibn
- Instant Pot Rice Pudding
- Milk and Orange pudding
- Creamy Fruit Salad
- Tahini Mousse
- Umm Ali
Ramadan Snacks
These delicious bites are perfect for satisfying cravings while providing sustained energy. Enjoy these snacks with sips of Milk Tea, Turkish Coffee or Moroccan Mint Tea (https://marocmama.com/moroccan-mint-tea-sundaysupper/)
- Chocolate Covered Dates: Sweet, chewy dates coated in rich chocolate make an easy yet elegant treat. They’re naturally sweet, indulgent, and perfect for gifting or snacking.
- Chocolate Croissants with Puff Pastry: Flaky, buttery puff pastry wrapped around chocolate creates an irresistibly decadent bite. These shortcut chocolate croissants are bakery worthy with minimal effort.
- Cumin Baton Sale: These crisp, savory breadsticks are flavored with warm cumin for a bold, aromatic twist. Perfect for snacking or serving alongside dips, they’re simple, crunchy, and addictive.
- Ramadan Charcuterie Board
- Evening Tea Boars (Pakistani Style)
- Zaatar Rolls
- Moroccan Charcuterie Board
- Musakhan Rolls
- Fererro Rocher Dates
- Shawarma Nachos
Ramadan Suhoor Recipes
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal. It is a good idea to have a nutritious suhoor to ensure you have enough energy throughout the whole day of fasting. Suhoor recipes should be quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, including healthy fats. Here are some ideas for your early morning meal
- Mediterranean Watermelon Salad: Juicy watermelon paired with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing makes this salad incredibly refreshing. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for suhoor or late night snacking.
- Ful Medammes: Ful medames is a hearty, comforting dish of tender fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It’s simple, nourishing, and a beloved staple for suhoor or any time of day.
- Pita Bread: Soft, pillowy pita bread with perfectly formed pockets is a kitchen essential. Freshly baked, it’s ideal for scooping, wrapping, or serving alongside your favorite dips and dishes.
- Ramadan Bread
- Baked Date Oatmeal
- Egyptian Egga
- Potato Shakshuka
- Labneh Recipe
- Egyptian Belila
- Ricotta Cheese Recipe
- Overnight Oats with Berries
- Milk Pudding
- Phyllo Cups with Feta
During Ramadan, sharing food with loved ones and neighbors holds special significance. Prepare larger portions of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family, fostering a spirit of community and generosity.
This is just a glimpse into the vast and diverse world of Ramadan cuisine. As you explore these recipes, don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Most importantly, share the joy of cooking and eating with loved ones, making this Ramadan a truly memorable culinary experience.
And don't forget to check out our other blog posts for even more inspiration:
Wishing you a blessed and delicious Ramadan!
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CS
Thank you for your kindness, Amira. I look forward to supporting the family businesses in my area rather than supermarket corporations all the time. Wishing you a blessed holy month.
CS
I'd like to visit several Muslim stores in my area to buy supplies. I feel out of place with no head covering, as a Christian. Perhaps a light scarf would be respectful? Also, in every store I've gone to in the past, there are only men working there. Is it out of place for a woman alone to shop? Let me know your thoughts, I'm in a suburb of NY and do not have any Muslim friends.
Amira
CS, thanks for being so considerate and reaching out. No, it's perfectly fine to go shopping without a hijab (head scarf), here in Colorado I see a lot of non hijabi women in the Middle Eastern stores. It is respectful to put on hijab if you are in the mosque but not shopping. But if you want to or this would make you more comfortable then do it, I am just saying it is not a must. You will find men usually at the Deli section and the butcher's corner of the store but it is completely normal for a woman to shop alone in a Middle East store. Please let me know if you have any questions.