Ramadan, a month of reflection, spiritual growth, and community celebration, also presents a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors of the Muslim world. From savory dishes to mouthwatering desserts, every region boasts its own culinary traditions that come alive during this special time.
Whether you're observing Ramadan yourself or simply curious about its rich cultural tapestry, this post is your guide to delicious recipes that will please your taste buds and take you on a unique culinary journey.
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Ramadan Iftar Recipes
Iftar is not your usual dinner; it is a full-course meal of savory delicious recipes, 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.
- Meat Phyllo Pie
- Spinach Fatayer
- Cheese Fatayer
- Manakeesh
- 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
- Tabbouleh
- Fattoush
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- How to make Hummus?
- Mutabal
- White Bean Salad
- Mediterranean Eggplant Salad
- Baba Ganoush
- Beeta 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
- Harira, traditionally served with Chebakia
- Lebanese Lentil Soup
- Turkish Red Lentil Soup
- Chicken Vermicelli Soup
- Freekeh 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.
- Tamarind Juice
- Amar Eddeen/ Qamar Eddeen Drink
- Turkish Ayran
- Healthy Date Shake
- 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.
- Kofta Kebab
- Shish Kebab
- Shish Tawook
- Chicken Mandi
- Chicken Shawarma
- Chicken Kabsa
- 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
- Yellow Turmeric Rice
- Roasted Rice
- 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
- Kunafa
- Tulumba
- Qatayef Asafiri
- Basbousa
- 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
- Ramadan Charcuterie Board
- Chocolate Croissants with Puff Pastry
- Evening Tea Boars (Pakistani Style)
- Cumin Baton Sale
- Zaatar Rolls
- Moroccan Charcuterie Board
- Musakhan Rolls
- Fererro Rocher Dates
- Shawarma Nachos
Ramadan Suhoor
Start your pre-dawn meal with something light and energizing. Dates, a symbol of Ramadan, are a great option, while fruit salads and milk puddings offer refreshing sweetness.
- Mediterranean Watermelon Salad
- Ful Medammes
- Pita Bread
- 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!
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.