If you’re anything like me, Ramadan is not just about fasting, but also about indulging in some seriously mouthwatering dishes once the sun sets.
From savory to sweet, the options are endless, and each meal feels like a celebration.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these traditional recipes will bring a touch of magic to your Iftar table.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of Ramadan recipes that will make your evenings truly unforgettable.
Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
1. Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma is an absolute must-have during Ramadan.
You start by marinating the chicken in a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, then cook it until it’s juicy and tender.
I love wrapping it in warm pita bread with garlic sauce, fresh veggies, and pickles.
It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite, and it’s super easy to make ahead for Iftar.
2. Lentil Soup (Shorbat Adas)
Lentil Soup, or Shorbat Adas, is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for breaking your fast.
Made with red lentils, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices like cumin and coriander, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
I usually top it with a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh cilantro for an extra kick.
3. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma)
Stuffed Grape Leaves, known as Dolma, are a delightful mix of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, all wrapped up in tender grape leaves.
They’re cooked in a tangy lemon broth, making them both savory and refreshing.
These little bundles are perfect for sharing and are always a hit at Iftar.
4. Falafel
Falafel is a fantastic vegetarian option for Ramadan.
Made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, these crispy balls are perfect in a pita or on their own.
I love serving them with tahini sauce and a fresh salad.
5. Hummus
Hummus is a staple at any Iftar table.
This creamy dip that is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is so versatile.
You can dip veggies, pita bread, or even spread it on sandwiches.
It’s super easy to make from scratch, and the taste is so much better than store-bought.
6. Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad is a vibrant, crunchy salad that’s perfect for Ramadan.
It’s made with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and toasted pita bread, all tossed in a tangy sumac dressing.
It’s light, refreshing, and a great way to get your veggies in after a day of fasting.
7. Chicken Biryani
Chicken Biryani is a flavorful, aromatic rice dish that’s perfect for a festive Iftar.
The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked with basmati rice and caramelized onions.
The layers of flavors and textures are just incredible.
I suggest serving it with a side of raita for a complete meal.
8. Samosas
Samosas are crispy, triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat.
They’re perfect for Ramadan because they’re easy to make in large batches and can be fried or baked.
I love dipping them in tamarind or mint chutney for that extra burst of flavor.
9. Foul Mudammas
Foul Mudammas is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made from fava beans cooked with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
It’s hearty and full of flavor, perfect for suhoor or iftar.
I like to top it with fresh tomatoes, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simple but so satisfying.
10. Kibbeh
Kibbeh is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that is made from ground meat (usually lamb or beef), bulgur wheat, and spices.
It can be baked, fried, or served raw.
I love making the baked version, where the mixture is layered with a filling of sautéed pine nuts and onions.
11. Mutabal (Baba Ganoush)
Mutabal, or Baba Ganoush, is a smoky eggplant dip that’s delicious.
The eggplant is roasted until it’s tender, then blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
It’s smooth, creamy, and has that wonderful smoky flavor, plus it goes well with pita bread or fresh veggies.
12. Harira Soup
Harira Soup is a traditional Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.
It’s hearty and comforting, making it perfect for Ramadan.
I love the slight sweetness that comes from the cinnamon and the richness of the lentils and chickpeas.
13. Qatayef
Qatayef are sweet stuffed pancakes traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan.
They’re filled with a mix of nuts, sweet cheese, or cream, then fried or baked and drizzled with syrup.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and delicious.
Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after Iftar.
14. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful and nutritious option for Ramadan.
The peppers are filled with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, then baked until tender.
The flavors meld together beautifully, and the peppers become sweet and tender.
It’s a complete meal in one dish and always a crowd-pleaser.
15. Lamb Kofta
Lamb Kofta are spiced meatballs that are made from ground lamb, onions, and a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
They’re grilled to perfection and served with pita bread, tzatziki, or a simple salad.
They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a special Iftar meal.
16. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh is a fresh and zesty salad made with parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, and a lemony dressing.
It’s light and refreshing, making it perfect for Ramadan.
I love the bright flavors and the crunch of the fresh veggies, plus It’s a great side dish to balance out richer meals.
17. Chicken Tagine
Chicken Tagine is a Moroccan dish that’s slow-cooked with spices, dried fruits, and nuts.
The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
I love serving it with couscous to soak up all the delicious juices.
18. Moroccan Couscous
Moroccan Couscous is a fluffy, flavorful dish made from steamed couscous grains, vegetables, and sometimes meat.
It’s often served with a rich broth and a mix of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas.
19. Mansaf
Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish that is made with lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce and served over rice.
It’s rich, and flavorful, and is usually garnished with toasted almonds and pine nuts.
The yogurt sauce adds a tangy richness that’s unique and delicious.
It’s more of a celebratory dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
20. Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
It’s crispy, flaky, and incredibly sweet.
I love making it for special occasions because it’s always a hit.
The combination of the crunchy pastry and the sweet, nutty filling is just irresistible.
21. Spinach and Cheese Fatayer
Spinach and Cheese Fatayer are savory pastries filled with a mix of spinach, feta cheese, and spices.
They’re baked until golden and crispy.
I love serving them as appetizers or snacks during Ramadan.
They’re delicious and easy to make, and the combination of spinach and cheese is always a winner.
22. Shish Tawook
Shish Tawook is marinated chicken skewers that are grilled to perfection.
The marinade usually includes yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, making the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
I love serving it with rice or wrapped in pita bread with some garlic sauce.
23. Chickpea Stew
Chickpea Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a mix of spices.
It’s often served with rice or bread.
I love making it because it’s filling and nutritious, plus the flavors are warm and comforting.
24. Vegetable Pakoras
Vegetable Pakoras are crispy fritters that are made with a mix of vegetables like potatoes, onions, and spinach,
Then they are all coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and fried until golden.
They’re perfect for Ramadan because they’re easy to make and incredibly tasty.
I prefer to dip them in chutney or yogurt sauce.
25. Rice Pudding (Roz Bel Laban)
Rice Pudding, or Roz Bel Laban, is a creamy, sweet dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar, and in some cases, it is flavored with cinnamon or rose water.
It’s smooth, comforting, and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings after Iftar.
I love topping it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of nuts.
26. Beef Kebabs
Beef Kebabs are marinated beef skewers that are grilled to perfection.
The marinade usually includes yogurt, garlic, and a mix of spices, making the beef incredibly tender and flavorful.
You’ll enjoy it better when you serve them with a side of rice or wrapped in pita bread.
27. Stuffed Zucchini (Kousa Mahshi)
Stuffed Zucchini, or Kousa Mahshi, is a delicious dish where zucchinis are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices.
Then it is cooked in a tomato sauce.
This results in a tender and flavorful zucchini.
28. Fatayer (Meat Pies)
Fatayers are savory pastries that are usually filled with spiced meat, spinach, or cheese.
After filling, they’re baked until golden and crispy.
I love making a variety of fillings to keep things interesting.
29. Lamb Stew
Lamb Stew is a hearty, and comforting dish that is made with tender lamb, vegetables, and a mix of spices.
It’s slow-cooked until the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
I prefer to serve it with rice or bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
30. Rice and Lentils (Mujadara)
Rice and Lentils, or Mujadara, is a simple yet delicious dish made that is with rice, lentils, and caramelized onions.
The flavors are rich and comforting, plus it’s super easy to make.
It’s always a bang whenever I serve it with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.
31. Meat Sambousek
Meat Sambousek are crispy pastries that are filled with spiced meat, onions, and sometimes pine nuts.
They’re perfect for Ramadan because they’re easy to make in large batches and can be fried or baked.
I love the crunchy exterior and the flavorful, juicy filling.
They’re also great as appetizers or snacks.
32. Lebanese Garlic Sauce (Toum)
Lebanese Garlic Sauce, or Toum, is a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s perfect for dipping or spreading.
Made with garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt, it’s fluffy and rich.
I love using it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
33. Biryani Rice
Biryani Rice is a fragrant, spiced rice dish that’s usually made with chicken, lamb, or vegetables.
The rice is cooked with a blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
One of the things I love about Biryani is the layers of flavors and textures.
It’s a complete meal in one pot and always a hit at Iftar.
34. Date Cookies (Maamoul)
Date Cookies, or Maamoul, are sweet, buttery cookies filled with a rich date paste.
They’re often shaped into beautiful patterns and dusted with powdered sugar.
I love making them during Ramadan because they’re perfect for sharing.
The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough and the sweet, spiced filling are just irresistible.
35. Chicken Maqluba
Chicken Maqluba is a traditional Palestinian dish that is made with layers of rice, chicken, and vegetables.
These mixtures are all cooked together in one pot and then flipped upside down to serve.
The flavors meld together beautifully, and the presentation is stunning.
