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.
Table of Contents
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 (like my Turkish Lentil Soup), stews, and side dishes during Ramadan.
- Whole Grains: Incorporate whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley for sustained energy and essential nutrients.
- 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.
- Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is a healthy fat option for cooking and dressing salads.
- 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.
- Yogurt: A versatile dairy product, yogurt can be used in savory and sweet dishes, providing a good source of protein and probiotics. You’ll find many yogurt based recipes here such as Cacik (Turkish cucumber yogurt dip) and Fattet Hummus.
- Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables for essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- 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. Pomegranate molasses is also used in recipes like Muhamarra (walnut red pepper dip) and Beef Sambousek.
- 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 is a key component of the Ramadan culinary experience.
Lebanese Pita Bread (Traditional Khubz)
Making your own Lebanese Pita Bread is not as difficult as you may think! This recipe includes 3 different methods to make this quintessential Levantine flatbread.
Lebanese Pita Bread Recipe!
Taboon (Palestinian Flatbread)
Palestinian Taboon flatbread is a Levantine yeasted bread that is traditionally prepared in clay ovens or on hot stones. This recipe adapts the technique and makes it easy for home cooks to enjoy the flavors and traditions without having to build an outdoor oven.
Taboon Recipe!
Manakish (Za’atar Flatbread)
A flatbread by many names! Manakish (also spelled Manakeesh) is a Levantine flatbread topped with a mixture of za’atar and good quality olive oil and then baked in the oven. A Middle Eastern cuisine staple, it is fragrant and incredibly delicious.
Zaatar Manakish Recipe!
Cheese Manakish (Middle Eastern Flatbread)
Cheese Manakish is a Levantine flatbread topped with a mixture of melty and flavorful cheese and then baked in the oven. A Middle Eastern cuisine staple, it is comforting and incredibly delicious.
Cheese Manakish Recipe!
Spinach Fatayer (Levantine Savory Hand Pies)
Savory authentic spinach fatayer (savory hand pies) are a Levantine staple and popular throughout the Middle East and beyond. These portable pastries are delicious and can be enjoyed any time of day.
Spinach Fatayer Recipe!
Cheese Fatayer (Levantine Savory Hand Pies)
Savory authentic cheese fatayer (hand pies) are a Levantine staple and popular throughout the Middle East and beyond. They may look intimidating to prepare, but after you’ve made them once, you’ll be making them over and over again!
Cheese fatayer Recipe!
Easy Jerusalem Bagels (Kaak Al Quds Recipe)
Steeped in history, Jerusalem Bagels are actually quite easy to make using standard pantry staples. Delicious and comforting, bake up a batch and enjoy them with za’atar, labneh, hummus, cream cheese, or with butter and jam.
Jerusalem Bread Recipe!
Turkish Pide Bread (Ramazan Pidesi)
Turkish pide bread, or ramazan pidesi, is a traditional Turkish bread made with yeast that's typically served for iftar and sahur during Ramadan. This soft, round bread is topped with sesame seeds and features a distinctive basket-weave pattern on the top.
Ramazan Pidesi Recipe!
Suhur Recipes
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 nourish the body before sunrise.
Ful Medames (Levantine Chickpea and Fava Bean Stew)
Ful Medames is a traditional, hearty and comforting breakfast stew of creamy fava beans and chickpeas dressed with herbs, spices and tomatoes. This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan and can be prepared as part of a much larger breakfast spread or meze.
Ful Medames Recipe!
Fattet Hummus (Chickpea and Yogurt Fatteh)
Fattet hummus is a warm and comforting breakfast dish of toasted pita chips, chickpeas, hummus, yogurt and other toppings. Serve with other Levantine breakfast classics. This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes!
Fattet Hummus Recipe!
How to make Labneh (Easy and Authentic)
A step-by-step guide on how to make labneh, the strained whole-milk yogurt spread popular in the Middle East and beyond. This recipe is both easy and truly authentic. Serve your labneh with blistered tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, good olive oil and za’atar. The possibilities are endless.
Labneh Recipe!
Labneh Balls
Labneh balls, or fresh shanklish, are a Levantine staple, very popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. This yogurt-based cheese is made by straining Greek yogurt until thickened, then rolling into balls and coating with herbs and spices. They're delicious as a snack or part of a meze!
Labneh Balls Recipe!
Musabaha (Creamy Warm Chickpeas with Tahini)
Musabaha is a popular Levantine breakfast dish of creamy warm chickpeas with tahini. It’s an affordable, comforting and hearty dish that will start your day off just right. My version is drizzled with a spiced Aleppo pepper oil and toasted pine nuts.
Musabaha Recipe!
Turkish Eggs (Cilbir)
Simple and delicious, Turkish Eggs (Çılbır) is a breakfast dish of perfectly poached eggs served over garlic infused yogurt, drizzled with hot spiced chili olive oil and garnished with fresh dill. Served with crusty sourdough or soft pita. Guaranteed, this will become part of your breakfast and brunch repertoire.
Turkish Eggs Recipe!
Levantine Fried Tomatoes (Galayet Bandora Recipe)
Galayet Bandora is a traditional Levantine side dish that is simple, delicious and quite healthy. Fresh ripe tomatoes are fried, or sauteed, with extra virgin olive oil, spicy hot peppers and pungent garlic. Enjoy this tomato stew with warm pita bread and pair it with my caramelized eggplant hummus, labneh balls or roasted eggplant dip for your next get-together or party.
Galayet Bandora Recipe!
Iftar Appetizers and Sides Recipes
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 to try this year:
Jerusalem Salad (Cucumber Tomato Salad)
This Palestinian Cucumber Tomato Salad, also known as Jerusalem Salad is a delicious and simple chopped salad that comes together in under 20 minutes! It's a perfect side for heavy and rich mains.
Jerusalem Salad Recipe!
Authentic Lebanese Fattoush Salad
Fresh, refreshing and delicious, this authentic Lebanese Fattoush salad recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its tangy dressing. Enjoy it as a side dish, an appetizer, or on its own. Best of all, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
Authentic Fattoush Recipe!
Beef Sambousek (Fried Meat Pastries)
A favorite side dish or appetizer in the Levant, beef sambousek or samboosa is a spiced meat-filled pastry that's fried for maximum flavor and the best texture. While this recipe needs a little time to make, more for the pastry, it's well worth it!
Beef Sambousek Recipe!
Mercimek Corbasi (Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe)
Warm, comforting and delicious, this Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi) is an incredibly easy, accessible and affordable recipe to make any time of year, but especially during the month of Ramadan to break your fast. The soup is garnished with tangy lemon, fresh cilantro and a gorgeous Aleppo pepper infused olive oil. Best of all, it is ready in under 30 minutes!
Turkish Lentil Soup
Meatball Soup (Levantine Kofta and Noodle Soup Recipe)
A Levantine classic, this Meatball Soup consists of perfectly seasoned kofta meatballs and vermicelli noodles in a rich tomato broth. It’s not too difficult to make and uses standard pantry and fridge ingredients. This comforting soup can be served as an appetizer or as a light lunch.
Kofta Meatball Soup Recipe!
Cheese Sambousek
These delicious and popular Middle Eastern pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese and herbs, and then fried or baked to perfection. The crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the gooey, cheesy filling, making Cheese Sambousek a crowd-pleasing snack that's perfect for any occasion.
Cheese Sambousek Recipe!
Mutabal (Authentic Middle Eastern Roasted Eggplant Dip)
A Middle Eastern staple, this delicious, unctuous and smoky eggplant dip is a must-try. Serve it with pita with vegetables. A perfect summer appetizer when eggplants are in season.
Mutabal Recipe!
Caramelized Eggplant Hummus
A classic hummus base topped with caramelized eggplant, this eggplant hummus has a great rich flavor without losing the traditional hummus taste. Serve this with pita or flatbread, crackers, or crudité for a tasty snack or fun main.
Eggplant Hummus Recipe!
Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad
Whether you spell it tabbouleh or tabouli, this Lebanese tabbouleh is a refreshing, herby salad. Made with a base of fresh parsley, mint, and bulgur, it's also more filling than many salad recipes.
Lebanese Tabbouleh Recipe!
Vermicelli Rice
Whether you call this Lebanese Rice or Vermicelli rice, this an extremely flavorful, versatile and easy-to-make Middle Eastern rice side dish. Vermicelli pasta is toasted in butter with a cinnamon stick and cooked with long grain Basmati rice to make a fluffy and delicious side to serve with stews, curries, and grilled or roasted proteins.
Vermicelli Rice Recipe!
Batata Harra (Spicy Lebanese Potatoes)
This 5-ingredient recipe for Spicy Lebanese Potatoes, also known as Batata Harra, is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in under 30 minutes. It works great as a side dish or as part of a meze board.
Batata Harra Recipe!
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.
Authentic Shish Tawook (Grilled Chicken Skewers)
This Authentic Shish Tawook recipe is so delicious and versatile that I guarantee you’ll add it to your summer grilling rotation. But guess what? You can make it in the cooler months too in an oven or on a grill pan. A staple at most Middle Eastern restaurants, there’s no reason for you not to make it at home!
Shish Tawook Recipe!
Palestinian Maqluba (Upside-Down Rice and Chicken)
Maqluba or makloubeh is a Middle Eastern upside down chicken and rice dish that's served in various permutations across the Levant. It's often referred to as the national dish of Palestine and it's something I grew up eating. With 7-spice, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves, it's highly aromatic and makes a great dinner-in-one meal.
Maqluba Recipe!
Molokhia (Egyptian Chicken and Jute Stew Recipe)
If you know, you know! Molokhia is a hearty and delicious Egyptian Chicken and Jute Stew that is made throughout the Arab world. This recipe uses the more readily available and accessible frozen molokhia leaves.
Molokhia Recipe!
Chicken Kafta Kebabs
Looking for a mouthwatering and easy-to-make recipe? My chicken kafta is a must-try! Packed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, these grilled chicken kafta patties or kebabs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
chicken Kafta
Za’atar Chicken Thighs
With za'atar, sumac, and 7-spice, these za'atar chicken thighs are a great weeknight dinner. Marinate when you get home from work, then roast for just 25 minutes.
Za’atar Chicken Thighs Recipe!
Homemade Lebanese Chicken Shawarma Recipe (Wrap or Bowl)
You don’t need a vertical spit to make your own homemade Lebanese chicken shawarma wraps and bowls. This recipe is straightforward and uses your oven. It’s a perfect weeknight meal and comes together in very little time. Pair it with vermicelli rice, Lebanese pita bread, Toum (garlic sauce), Tahini Sauce, pickled turnips or shatta (chili paste).
Chicken Shawarma Recipe
Beef Kofta (Easy Kafta Kebabs)
This beef kofta recipe combines accessible ground beef with aromatic Middle Eastern spices and fresh herbs. It’s a perfect recipe for a quick and easy lunch or weeknight dinner.
Beef Kofta Recipe!
Maftoul (Palestinian Couscous)
Maftoul, sometimes written as maftool, is a Palestinian grain dish that's similar to Moroccan couscous. Cooked here with several aromatic spices, chicken, and chickpeas, it's a traditional Levantine meal that's ready in less than an hour.
Maftoul Recipe!
Shish Barak (Meat Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce)
A traditional Levantine recipe, Shish Barak is a type of dumpling that looks very similar to tortellini. It's filled with a minced meat filling, beef in this case, cooked in a yogurt sauce, and topped with garlicky adha. This is the ultimate comfort food and well worth the time needed to prepare it.
Shish Barak Recipe!
Moghrabieh (Lebanese Pearl Couscous and Chicken Stew)
Moghrabieh is a hearty and comforting Lebanese pearl couscous and chicken stew popular throughout the Middle East. It’s spiced with rich and warm spices making it a perfect fall or winter meal.
Moghrabieh Recipe!
Musakhan (Palestinian Sumac Chicken with Onions)
Musakhan or mussakhan is a sumac roasted chicken recipe originating from Palestine, and is commonly served all over the Levant region. Made with sumac, baharat, onions, lemon, pine nuts, and flatbread, it's a great dinner recipe.
Musakhan Recipe!
Musakhan Rolls (Crispy Palestinian Sumac Chicken)
Musakhan Rolls are a modern take on the classic Palestinian sumac chicken recipe. These rolls are portable, delicious and easy to prepare. They are made with shredded chicken, caramelized onions, and lots of sumac. Pair them with plain yogurt or a tangy mint yogurt sauce.
Musakhan Rolls Recipe
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.
Lebanese Pickles (Pickled Turnips)
Lebanese pickles, or as I like to call them, shawarma pickles or pink pickles are a Middle Eastern staple that brings color and a sweet and sour touch to any dish. If you’ve ever had a shawarma or falafel wrap, chances are you have tried, and loved these pickled turnips!
Pickled Turnips Recipe!
Shatta (Authentic Middle Eastern Chile Paste)
This truly authentic red and green Levantine shatta recipe is my go-to when I have an abundance of peppers from the garden. Serve it with eggs, labneh, grilled meats and vegetables. There's an optional fermentation step in this recipe which adds gorgeous flavor and balance to the finished condiment.
Shatta Recipe!
Levantine Pickled Cauliflower (Refrigerator Pickle)
Levantine pickled cauliflower is an easy and delicious entry into the wonderful world of preservation and pickling. This recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients. The deep pink color is so gorgeous and fun you might even get your kids to eat cauliflower!
Pickled Cauliflower Recipe!
Mint Yogurt Sauce (with Garlic and Lemon)
This mint yogurt sauce with garlic and lemon is a refreshing side or dip. It comes together in under 10 minutes and with 5 ingredients. The perfect accompaniment for heavy dishes like pulled lamb, beef kebabs, chicken shish tawook, Musakhan rolls
Mint Yogurt Recipe
Sumac Onions (Turkish Marinated Onion Salad)
Sumac Onions (Turkish Marinated Onion Salad) is a traditional Middle Eastern condiment perfect for grilled meats, fish, or a mezze platter. It’s not only popular in Turkey, but in The Levant as well. Best of all, it comes together in less than 15 minutes!
Sumac Onions Recipe
FAQs
What is Ramadan?
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.
Why are dates so important during the month of Ramadan?
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.
Why is Ramadan at different times every year?
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.
What is suhur?
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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Ps. please check for Shirazi Salad Recipe you got something similar , the persian version has onion , dried mint and lemon juice in it
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!