Ramadan is a time for self reflection, family and gratitude. It is also about sharing delicious meals and good food with friends and loved ones. Here are 35 Best Ramadan Recipes to nourish your body and soul. Many of these are Levantine Recipes that I grew up eating and enjoying. In this post you will find both iftar recipes as well as suhoor recipes.
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I have broken down these delicious Ramadan recipes into 4 categories (collection of recipes):
- Ramadan Baking (which includes bread and savory hand pies)
- Suhur Recipes (which include many hearty and nourishing breakfast favorites)
- Iftar Appetizers and Sides (including salads, vegetable sides and rice to break your fast)
- Iftar Main Dishes (including large and filling sharable meals not just for special occasions)
If you enjoy these types of round-up or recipe list posts, do check out my Authentic Palestinian Recipes and Middle Eastern Breakfast posts.
Important Ramadan Ingredients
Here is a list of Ramadan pantry and fridge staples that will be the base for many of the typical satisfying recipes enjoyed during this month.
- Dates: Traditionally consumed to break the fast, dates provide a quick source of energy and important nutrients.
- Lentils and Legumes: Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, lentils and legumes are versatile ingredients for hearty soups, stews, and side dishes during Ramadan.
- Whole Grains: Incorporate whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley for sustained energy and essential nutrients.
- Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is a healthy fat option for cooking and dressing salads.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance flavors without excessive salt by using herbs like mint, cilantro, and fragrant spices such as 7-Spice (baharat), Za'atar Spice Blend, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
- Protein Sources: Include lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and beans to support muscle health during fasting.
- Nuts and Seeds: Packed with nutrients and healthy fats, nuts and seeds make for nutritious snacks and additions to meals.
- Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables for essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Yogurt: A versatile dairy product, yogurt can be used in savory and sweet dishes, providing a good source of protein and probiotics.
- Honey and Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners to add a touch of sweetness to desserts and beverages.
- Fruits: Besides dates, include a variety of fresh fruits for natural sugars, hydration, and additional vitamins.
- Cheese: A source of calcium and protein, cheese can be used in moderation in various dishes. It can also be used in desserts like my Knafeh (Sweet cheese Pastry) recipe.
- Pomegranate: Symbolic and rich in antioxidants, pomegranate seeds add a burst of flavor and nutrition to both savory and sweet dishes.
- Fish: A lighter protein option, fish can be grilled or baked for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Tahini: Made from sesame seeds, tahini is a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes, adding a creamy texture.
Ramadan Baking
Amid the cherished traditions of suhur and iftar, the art of baking emerges as a delightful addition to the Ramadan culinary experience. Join us on a savory journey as we delve into the world of Ramadan baking recipes, where the aroma of freshly baked treats fills the kitchen and adds an extra layer of joy to your Iftar or Suhur spread.
Suhur Recipes
As the sacred month of Ramadan unfolds, Muslims around the world embark on a spiritual journey marked by fasting from dawn till sunset. Suhur, the pre-dawn meal, plays a crucial role in sustaining individuals throughout the day, providing the energy needed to endure the fast until iftar.
Beyond its functional significance, Suhur is an opportunity to indulge in wholesome, nutritious, and delicious dishes that not only nourish the body but also delight the taste buds before sun rise.
Iftar Appetizers and Sides Recipes
As the sun dips below the horizon and the call to Maghrib prayer echoes, Muslims worldwide eagerly anticipate the moment to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Iftar, the evening meal, is not just a time to nourish the body after a day of fasting; it's a celebration of community, gratitude, and the joy that comes with sharing a dinner table with loved ones. Here are some Iftar snacks, salads and sides.
Iftar Dishes (Mains and Sharables)
No iftar menu is complete without nourishing, rich and delicious main dishes that can be shared with friends and family. Here is a collection of my favorite Levantine main dishes that I guarantee will become a part of your collection of Ramadan recipes.
Ramadan Condiments and Pickles
During Ramadan, main course recipes tend to be quite rich and filling. This is why pickles and condiments are served alongside to help give a balancing acidity and crunch.
FAQs
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During this sacred month, adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sinful behavior from dawn to sunset, breaking their fast with a meal called iftar. Ramadan holds immense spiritual significance, commemorating the month in which the Quran, the holy book of Islam, is believed to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad. The month ends with Eid Al-Fitr.
Dates hold significant importance in Ramadan as they provide a quick and natural source of energy, helping to replenish nutrients after a day of fasting during iftar. Beyond their nutritional value, dates hold cultural and religious significance, symbolizing the Prophet Muhammad's tradition of breaking fast with dates and water. Additionally, dates play a role in suhur, the pre-dawn meal, helping to sustain individuals throughout the day due to their high fiber content and ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. Unlike the Gregorian solar calendar, which is widely used, the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter. This disparity causes Ramadan to shift earlier by about 10 to 12 days each year relative to the Gregorian calendar, resulting in the observance of Ramadan at different times each year. The variability reflects the Islamic emphasis on the lunar calendar, aligning the holy month with the cycles of the moon and allowing Muslims around the world to experience Ramadan during various seasons over the years.
Suhur (also known as Sahur, Suhoor, Sahari, Sahrī, or Sehri) is the pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Muslims partake in suhur before dawn to prepare themselves for the day of fasting ahead. This meal is consumed before the Fajr prayer, which is the first of the five daily prayers in Islam.
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Elsa
Ps. please check for Shirazi Salad Recipe you got something similar , the persian version has onion , dried mint and lemon juice in it
Elsa
Very fresh selection I love it but I recommend you some Persian dishes you might like for Eggplant Qeymeh or Tahchin for Iftar , Ash or Haleem for Suhur and Zulbiya for dessert!