Ramadan is a time of introspection and connection. Here are 15 festive recipes perfect for sharing.
One of my earliest memories of Ramadan is of being my mother’s little kitchen helper as she prepared the usual large feast for Iftar. Filled with an assortment of seasonal fruits including crispy pakoras and samosas, flavorful Bangladeshi jhalmuri, freshly squeezed lemon chabot and the essential box of dates, this was always a time of year that my family looked forward to.
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting (soum), is one of the most commonly observed pillars of the Islamic faith. Rooted in humility and patience, this period is a period during which followers abstain from worldly pleasures such as eating and drinking, consuming harmful substances (such as alcohol and tobacco), and having intimate partners. It is also a time to suppress negative thoughts and actions such as anger and resentment. Instead, observers focus on introspective reflection, prayer, and community service while following daily routines.
For a month, the observer fasts from sunrise to sunset, not even eating water. Daylight saving time also adds an interesting twist by including an extra hour of daylight. Waking up early before dawn, families enjoy suhoor (or sehri as Bangladeshi Muslims call it), break their fast with iftar at dusk, and once again are surrounded by family and sometimes local residents at the local mosque. Nowadays, many people are connected.
For our hands-on readers, we’ve compiled lots of recipes perfect to share with family and friends. These recipes range from full-fledged meals for Suhoor to small snacks for Iftar before Maghrib Namaz. From the Simply Recipes team, we wish you a Happy Ramadan Kareem. May your Ramadan be peaceful and prosperous.
01/15
Indian chicken biryani
Get the Recipe: Indian Chicken Biryani
For me, chicken biryani means welcoming Ramadan. Whether my mother makes it for the first sehri of the month or the local mosque serves it for iftar, the feelings associated with chicken biryani are one of nostalgia and gratitude. This recipe is a simpler version of the traditional Hyderabadi chicken biryani. Please believe me when I say that. I definitely don’t want to fail. Enjoy a balanced meal when served with raita.
Like all traditional biryanis, this biryani also uses whole spices, so be careful while eating it.
02/15
Menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs and tomatoes)
Get the recipe: Menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs and tomatoes)
Need an easy recipe for celery? A traditional Turkish breakfast dish, menemen is a smoky scrambled egg dish with fresh grated tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and onions. Serve with your favorite bread or as part of a Turkish kahvarti (breakfast) spread. Warning—it’s so good you’ll keep coming back for more!
03/15
jamaican beef stew
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Beef Stew
This rich and robust Jamaican beef stew will be the highlight of your iftar. Packed with unique Jamaican flavors like allspice, burnt sugar, and Scotch bonnet pepper, this mouthwatering stew can be prepared on the stove or in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort. This stew makes you want to eat it as is or over rice.
04/15
chicken korma
Get the recipe: Chicken Korma
Contributor Prerna Singh’s chicken korma recipe has all the rich, creamy flavor you want in a korma, yet is as simple as possible for home cooks. With modifications like the use of boneless and bone-in chicken and make-ahead tips, this speeded-up, approachable korma saves time without sacrificing flavor. We recommend eating it with naan or roti.
05/15
Kuku sabzi (Persian herb frittata)
Get the recipe: Kuku Sabzi (Persian Herb Frittata)
These mini baked kuk sabzi are a twist on a traditional Persian frittata-style egg recipe with fresh herbs, barberry, and crushed walnuts. This recipe consists of two main shortcuts: using a food processor and baking in a muffin tin. This recipe is quicker and yields individual portions, making it ideal for large iftari gatherings.
06/15
Kai Jo (Thai style omelette)
Get the recipe: Kai Jeow (Thai omelette)
With Iftar and the end of work coming up, you may need a quick meal. Kai jeow is a reliable friend in that regard. Ready in just 10 minutes, this omelet is the perfect triple threat: sweet, salty, and spicy.
And sure, it’s a lot of fun to make. The omelet is added to a hot skillet with slightly smoky cooking oil and cooks on contact, resulting in a dramatic puffing effect as the eggs are fried.
Serve with your favorite microwaveable rice and sliced vegetables and dinner is ready.
07/15
air fryer falafel
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Falafel
We all have days when life gets busy and we need a quick and easy way to get food on the table. Look no further than this Air Fryer Falafel recipe. It takes just 24 minutes to prepare and air fry, and uses what you already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Suhoor will be ready soon.
08/15
Dolma and ground beef skillet
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Dinners You Can’t Stop Making
Meals after Maghrib should be filling but not too heavy, taking into account the full day of fasting. My new favorite is this dolma and minced meat skillet. This skillet dish of whole dolmas simmered with ground beef in tomato sauce takes just 30 minutes.
My favorite part is the dolma. It melts in your mouth but has a chewy texture. For a heartier meal, serve with pita or rice. Don’t forget to eat it with Greek yogurt for a refreshing taste.
09/15
sabzi polo
Get the recipe: Sabzi Polo (Persian Herbal Rice)
Will you be hosting an iftar this year? Let’s celebrate with Sabji Polo! As well as a delicious grassy flavor, this recipe also includes a beautiful golden tahdig layer that will leave your guests wanting more. Enjoy a hearty meal with beef kebabs or tandoori chicken.
10/15
Chillo al Ajillo (Stir-fried red sea bream with garlic sauce)
Get the recipe: Chillo al Ajillo (Stir-fried red sea bream with garlic sauce)
My family always prepares several variations of fish for iftar, but this year we will be serving this ciro al ajillo. I have made this every Ramadan since my trip to Puerto Rico in 2022 and it has become a family favorite. I love eating this red grouper with its crispy skin and tender, garlicky flesh in garlic sauce. Enjoy a fulfilling meal by pairing it with beans and rice or toast.
11/15
Vegetable samosas with mint chutney
Get the recipe: Vegetable Samosas with Mint Coriander Chutney
Nothing ends a meal like samosas. Pockets of fried dough stuffed with a gloriously spiced vegetable filling and served with mint chutney? What’s not to love? My family often has a few mango lassi as an end-of-suhoor snack, and let me tell you, this one definitely fits the bill!
12/15
chicken joke
Get the recipe: Chicken porridge (joke)
Can you feel the trend? My family eats a lot of rice during Ramadan, but what do we eat when we want something light? As you might have guessed, it’s rice, but in the form of chicken porridge. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this relatively hassle-free recipe is light and easy to make. Let it simmer for an hour and a half before mixing in the chicken and it’s done.
13/15
Mersimek korbasi (Turkish lentil soup)
Get the recipe: Mersimek Čorbas (Turkish lentil soup)
Since I tested this mersimek kolbashi recipe, it has been permanently saved in my list of seri recipes. It has a tangy and rich taste and is perfect for suhoor and iftar. My best advice is to not skimp on the toppings. Pulled biver butter, Greek yogurt, and croutons add an extra layer to the soup that you don’t want to miss.
14/15
spanakopita
Get the recipe: spanakopita
Bring some spanakopita to your next iftar party!Iftar parties are one of the most fun events during Ramadan (in my personal opinion). This crispy, buttery vegetarian Greek pie is definitely a must-have dish. Made with layers of phyllo dough and a spinach and ricotta filling, it can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main dish. The best part is that it’s easy to assemble and can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
15/15
Kabuli Palau (Afghan lamb shank, rice, carrots and raisins)
Get the recipe: Kabuli Palau (Afghan lamb shank with rice, carrots and raisins)
Contributor Khadija Hemati shared her Kabuli Palau recipe with us last Ramadan. We are grateful to have been a part of that experience. Tender and juicy Instant Pot lamb is served with fluffy basmati rice topped with fried sultanas and boiled carrots. This warm and inviting recipe is perfect for Rayat Al Qadr or Char and Lat to celebrate the last period of Ramadan.
