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Planning for the month of Ramadan can be challenging. Check out our best Ramadan recipes for inspiration and planning healthy and satisfying meals. You can find everything from Suhoor meal ideas to Iftar ideas plus sweet treats and drinks to keep you energized through this holy month.
Table of Contents
- What Is Ramadan?
- Keeping Healthy During Ramadan
- What To Have For Suhoor?
- What’s Good To Have For Iftar?
- Ramadan Recipes – Salads And Small Bites
- Egg Recipes For Ramadan
- Main Dishes For Ramadan
- Ramadan Soup Recipes For Iftar
- Bread Recipes For Ramadan
- Drinks For Ramadan
- Ramadan Sweet Treats
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More recipe collections
- Best Iftar Recipes
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims observe a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. During this month, Muslims abstain from any kind of food and drink everyday from dawn until sunset.
The goal is to become more mindful, and to develop empathy for those who are less fortunate. The month of Ramadan ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festival that marks the end of fasting.
Keeping Healthy During Ramadan
It’s important to nourish your body during Ramadan since you’ll be fasting for several hours. In a nutshell, avoid consuming processed food and try to have more vegetables, healthy fats and protein.
Here are some useful tips to stay healthy and energized:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other fluids during non-fasting hours. It’s best to avoid caffeinated drinks.
- Choose quality food: To keep full and energized, try to have a balance of nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats during non-fasting hours.
- Keep active: Whether it’s walking or yoga, try to keep active when you’re not fasting to help maintain your energy levels.
- Avoid overeating: Be mindful at suhoor and iftar and try to avoid overeating. Focus on consuming
What To Have For Suhoor?
Suhoor is the meal consumed before dawn before Muslims begin their fast during the month of Ramadan. It provides energy and hydration to help sustain the fast throughout the day.
When it comes to suhoor, having a protein-rich meal really helps keeping you full. Food such as traditional breakfast, nuts, oatmeal, eggs or lentil based dishes are good choices for suhoor. Don’t forget to drink water as well to keep hydrated during the day.
What’s Good To Have For Iftar?
Iftar is the meal served at sunset to break the fast during the month of Ramadan. It restores the energy after a day of fasting and brings everyone together to share a meal.
We usually break our fast at iftar with a date and some water. It’s common to have some kind of soup and a protein-based meal for iftar as well as fruit and vegetables. Many also serve a sweet treat with tea at the end of the meal as well.
Ramadan Recipes – Salads And Small Bites
Turkish Vegan Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köftesi)
These vegan lentil meatballs are a Turkish classic. Made with red lentils and bulgur, these meatballs are usually served with lettuce and herbs.
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Persian Appetizer Platter
Persian Appetizer Platter is a great choice for gatherings and parties. This platter is ready in 10 minutes and can be served as an afternoon snack too, it'll be great with a cup of tea!
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Fattoush Salad Recipe
This authentic Lebanese fattoush salad is a Middle Eastern classic. Fresh chopped salad is flavored with crispy toasted pita and a bright, zesty dressing.
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Dolma Recipe (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
An easy recipe for dolma or stuffed grape leaves that's healthy and hearty. Check out the video and tutorial on how to make stuffed grape leaves.
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Turkish Bulgur Salad (Kisir) with Video
An easy bulgur salad recipe that's perfect for any day. Made with bulgur, olive oil and herbs, this salad in ready in less than 30 minutes!
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Mediterranean Mezze Platter
A tasty mezze platter is a cornerstone of any Mediterranean party. Learn how easy it is to build a Mediterranean mezze platter in just 10 minutes that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds!
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Persian Potato Patties (Kuku Sibzamini)
Persian Potato Patties (Kuku Sibzamini)
These potato patties are crispy on the outside and creamy and soft on the inside. Serve these homemade potato patties as an appetizer or a light meal.
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Avocado Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Caprese sandwich with avocado is perfect for weekdays. You can make this sandwich with just a few ingredients in only 15 minutes.
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Homemade Falafel Recipe
This homemade falafel recipe is easy to follow and makes delicious falafels that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Learn how to make this staple of Middle Eastern cuisine at home and ditch the take out.
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Best Loaded Hummus Recipe
This loaded hummus recipe with all the fixings is ready in 15 minutes! Creamy hummus is topped with delicious toppings and served with pita!
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Hummus Recipe
This is the ultimate homemade hummus recipe. It’s smooth and creamy with a bright flavor, and pairs perfectly with bread! Follow along for tip and tricks, a video tutorial and complete details!
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Easy Salmon Patties Recipe
This recipe for Alaska salmon patties is perfect for using up leftover salmon. Flaky and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, try these salmon patties when you're looking for a delicious new way to enjoy your favorite fish!
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Salmon Croquette Recipe Mediterranean Style
Salmon croquettes may sound fancy but they're so easy to make. This salmon croquettes recipe is an easy way to use up leftover salmon and make it into a delicious appetizer or light dinner.
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Turkish Borek Recipe (Sigara Borek)
Borek is a Turkish savory crunchy pastry filled with different fillings such as cheese or potatoes. Learn how to make Turkish borek recipe by watching our step-by-step video and tutorial. They are perfect as a midday snack or for breakfast and you can make them in advance and freeze them for later.
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Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
Kashke Bademjan (Persian Eggplant Dip)
Kashke bademjan is a simple Persian eggplant dip that is made with a handful of ingredients. This tasty vegetarian dip is full of amazing flavors and makes for a perfect appetizer!
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Gozleme (Turkish stuffed flatbread)
Gozleme recipe (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)
Gozleme is a delicious Turkish flatbread stuffed with different fillings such as potatoes and spinach. Watch the video to learn how to make this classic Turkish recipe.
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Easy Homemade Labneh Recipe
Labneh is a rich and creamy yogurt cheese from the Middle East. This easy recipe results in a tangy spread that you can top with extra virgin olive oil and serve with warm pita.
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Ful Medames Recipe (Egyptian Fava Beans)
Ful Medames Recipe (Egyptian fava beans)
Ful medames is a fava bean stew flavored with olive oil, lemon juice and spices. Usually served for breakfast, this Egyptian classic is so easy to make and is ready in less than 30 minutes. Follow along to learn how to make ful medames at home.
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
This cucumber tomato avocado salad is perfect for any day of the week. This easy and tasty salad comes together in 15 minutes and is full of flavor thanks to sun dried tomatoes and olives.
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Sabzi Khordan (Persian Herb Platter)
Sabzi khordan is a Persian herb platter usually served as an appetizer. Ready in 10 minutes, this abundance of herbs with cheese, walnuts and bread brings so much brightness to any table!
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Persian Meat Patties- Kotlet
Persian meat patties aka Kotlet are tasty patties that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are easy to make and so delicious to eat!
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Egg Recipes For Ramadan
Easy Shakshuka With Feta
Shakshuka with feta is great for brunch. Eggs are poached in a delicious tomato sauce flavored with warm spices and vegetables and then topped with creamy feta. Learn how to make this easy one skillet breakfast recipe and enjoy it any day of the week.
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Best Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Instant pot hard boiled eggs always turn out perfectly. Learn how to boil eggs in instant pot so they turn our exactly how you want them, soft boiled, medium boiled or hard boiled.
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Yeralma Yumurta (Potatoes & Eggs)
Yeralma Yumurta – Potatoes and Eggs
Yeralma Yumurta – Potatoes and Eggs is a basic Persian dish from Tabriz in the northwest of Iran where my father was born. It’s one of the most famous street foods of the region.
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Persian Spinach and Eggs (Nargesi)
Persian Spinach and Eggs (Nargesi)
Spinach and eggs, Persian style! This one pan breakfast is easy, healthy and ready in only 20 minutes. You only need a handful of ingredients to make this delicious egg recipe.
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Main Dishes For Ramadan
Zereshk Polo Morgh – Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken
Zereshk Polo Morgh – Persian Barberry Rice with Chicken
Zereshk polo morgh is one of the most famous dishes in Persian cuisine. It's full of wonderful flavors such as saffron, turmeric and barberry.
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Best Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe
Best Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe
Try the best braised lamb shank recipe ever written! Lamb shanks are slow cooked in a rich spiced sauce until fall-off-the-bone-level fork tender! Serve this restaurant-quality dish with rice, potatoes or even risotto.
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Turkish Doner Kebab (Beef or Lamb)
Best Doner Kebab Recipe (Beef or Lamb)
Ready to try the best doner kebab recipe? This homemade Turkish döner kebab is juicy and packed with so much flavor. With one simple technique, you can make this classic Turkish street food at home with just a few ingredients!
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Shish Tawook Recipe
Shish Tawook is a Lebanese chicken dish that’s simple yet so delicious. Tender chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic makes one delicious meal for the family.
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Karniyarik (Turkish stuffed eggplant)
Karniyarik Turkish Stuffed Eggplant
Karniyarik is a classic Turkish stuffed eggplant recipe. Delicious eggplants are stuffed with a tasty ground beef, pepper and tomatoes filling and are baked to perfection.
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Homemade Chicken Shawarma
Homemade Chicken Shawarma Recipe
This homemade chicken shawarma recipe is made with a special spice mix that infuses it with classic Middle Eastern flavors. Serve it in a wrap to get the satisfying taste of take-out shawarma at home!
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Beef Shawarma Recipe
Beef shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern street food. Tender slices of beef are marinated in olive oil and warm shawarma spices and cooked to perfection, then wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and fries. Learn how to make beef shawarma at home with my tips and tricks.
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Kofta Kebab Recipe (Video Tutorial)
Kofta kebab is a classic Middle Eastern ground beef recipe that's packed with flavor. Learn how to make kofta kebab with my step by step tutorial and video.
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Classic Kibbeh Recipe (Baked Or Fried)
Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern meatball dish containing bulgur, ground beef and warm spices. A great kibbeh is characterized by a tender shell stuffed with delicious spiced filling. Learn how to perfect this classic of Middle Eastern cuisine with our step-by-step tutorial and video.
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Mujadara (Lebanese Lentil Rice)
Mujadara Lebanese Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions
Mujadara is a delightful fusion of simple ingredients and bold flavors. This Lebanese lentils and rice recipe calls for only a few ingredients and is very easy to make.
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Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Try this easy recipe for homemade Greek chicken souvlaki. Made with a delicious garlic and lemon marinade, this classic street food is packed with amazing Mediterranean flavors and served with creamy tzatziki sauce.
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Khoresh Gheimeh Recipe (Persian split chickpea stew)
Khoresh Gheimeh Recipe (Persian split chickpea stew)
Khoresh gheimeh is a Persian stew made with lamb and split chickpeas. Learn how to make gheimeh recipe with a step-by-step tutorial and video.
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Kabab Tabei – Persian Pan Kebab
Kabab Tabei – Persian Pan Kebab
Kabab Tabei is a delicious dish that you can make if you like to have kebabs but you don’t want to use a grill or you don’t have one. It’s simple and can be ready in an hour with a handful of ingredients!
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Ground Beef Stew (Turkish Style)
Ground Beef Stew, Turkish Style
This Turkish style ground beef stew is hearty and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with vegetables and spices, this stew can be served on its own or with some rice.
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Arayes Recipe
Arayes are Lebanese meat stuffed pitas that are so easy to make. This classic Middle Eastern street food is ready in 20 minutes, ideal for a weeknight dinner. Follow along to learn how to make delicious beef arayes at home with just a few ingredients!
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Ramadan Soup Recipes For Iftar
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)
Turkish Red Lentil Soup Recipe (Mercimek Corbasi)
Turkish lentil soup is ready in 30 minutes and is so easy to make. You can make this healthy and delicious soup with just a handful of ingredients.
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Ash Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)
Ash Reshteh Recipe (Persian Noodle Soup)
Ash Reshteh is a popular Iranian soup that’s simple, easy and very flavorful. This vegetarian Persian soup is made with herbs, legumes and caramelized onion, perfect for any day of the year.
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Avgolemono (Green Lemon Chicken Soup)
Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)
This avgolemono soup recipe is comforting with bright flavors. Made with the classic egg lemon sauce, avgolemono, this Greek lemon chicken soup is so satisfying. Follow along for all my tips and instructions to make this authentic Greek chicken soup.
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Mediterranean Green Lentil Soup
Easy Mediterranean Green Lentil Soup
Here's a green lentil soup with a Mediterranean twist. Packed with vegetables and spices, this recipe proves that healthy soups don't have to be bland!
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Turmeric Red Lentil Soup Recipe
Ready in only 30 minutes, this turmeric ginger red lentil soup is everyone's favorite. This is a healthy and hearty soup recipe that's full of flavor!
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Persian Eggplant Soup (Ash-e Bademjan)
Persian Eggplant Soup – Ash-e Bademjan
Persian eggplant soup is a delicious Persian recipe that's very simple to make. This easy Persian soup is vegetarian and gluten free.
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Curry Lentil Soup
Curry lentil soup is an easy soup recipe that you can make in 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. This lentil soup with coconut milk is very comforting.
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Adasi Persian Lentil Soup Recipe
Adasi Persian Lentil Soup Recipe
Adasi is a classic Persian lentil soup that's vegetarian and gluten free. Learn how to make this easy Persian recipe with this step by step tutorial and video.
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Persian Eggplant Soup – Ash-e Bademjan
Persian Eggplant Soup – Ash-e Bademjan
Persian eggplant soup is a delicious Persian recipe that's very simple to make. This easy Persian soup is vegetarian and gluten free.
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Quick Vegetarian Chili
Have the best comfort food on your table in less than 30 minutes. This quick vegetarian chili is is ready in no time and is bursting with flavor!
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Lemon Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe
Lemon chicken and rice soup is easy and requires minimal preparation. This comforting chicken soup has such bright flavor thanks to the lemon and herbs.
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The Best Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe
This mushroom barley soup requires just a handful of ingredients, yet is packed with vegetables and so much flavor. Inspired by Persian soup-e jo, a bowl of this soup is an ideal meatless meal you can prepare and enjoy at home.
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Bread Recipes For Ramadan
Turkish Simit Recipe
Turkish simit is a delicious sesame crusted bread that you can have for breakfast. Learn how to make traditional simit recipe at home with this step-by-step tutorial.
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Homemade Pita Bread Recipe
Make your own pita bread at home with this foolproof recipe that yields light, fluffy bread every time. Once you try making this bread at home, you will never go back to store-bought!
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Easy Persian Barbari Bread
Nan barbari is a classic Persian bread that’s easy to make. With a nice crust and soft inside, this recipe results in a tasty homemade bread suitable for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
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Manakish Zaatar Recipe (Manakeesh)
Manakish zaatar is a delicious Middle Eastern flatbread topped with zaatar. Learn how to make this delicious zaatar bread from scratch with just a few ingredients.
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Sourdough Barbari Recipe
Sourdough barbari is so delicious. The texture and flavor is exactly the same as the ones in Iran. Topped with a simple glaze and sesame seeds, this bread is perfect for breakfast!
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Turkish pide bread (Ramazan Pidesi)
Turkish Pide Bread (Ramazan Pidesi)
Turkish pide bread is a traditional no knead flatbread that's fluffy and so easy to make. Fresh out of the oven, this bread is fluffy and perfect with some cheese.
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Lavash Bread
This lavash bread recipe is easy, reliable and made with simple ingredients. Lavash is soft and perfect for wraps and sandwiches. Learn how to make lavash at home with this how-to tutorial.
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Drinks For Ramadan
Majoon Persian banana date shake
Persian Banana Date Shake (Majoon)
Banana date shake is a delicious and healthy shake that's ready in 5 minutes and gives you enough energy for the morning! This Persian style shake is naturally sweetened.
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How To Make Persian Tea At Home
How To Make Persian Tea At Home
Iranians drink tea any time of the day. Persian tea is a national drink that's more than just a beverage. Learn how to make Persian tea at home.
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Persian Cinnamon Mint Refresher
Persian Cinnamon Mint Refresher
This Persian Cinnamon Mint Refresher will be your new favorite drink to serve at parties. A concentrated syrup infused with mint and cinnamon mixed with sparkling water for the right amount of fizz.
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Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice is refreshing and so easy to make. Perfect for summer, this beverage is naturally sweetened and so delicious.
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Persian Saffron Milkshake
Take a delicious trip to Iran with this Persian Saffron Milkshake that tastes like traditional Iranian ice cream without the hassle!
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Ramadan Sweet Treats
Chewy Granola Bars Recipe with Walnuts
This Chewy Granola Bars Recipe is so easy and simple to make. It has a handful of ingredients, naturally sweetened with dates and has a crunchy texture thanks to walnuts.
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Persian Halva Recipe
Persian halva is a classic dessert made with pantry staples that you probably have on hand right now. Perfectly sweet with aromas of rose and saffron (you keep saffron on hand in your kitchen, right?), halva can be served cold or at room temperature.
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Stuffed Dates Recipe (4 Ways)
Stuffed dates are ready in 15 minutes and make the best snack or appetizer. Learn how to make stuffed dates 4 ways using simple ingredients.
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Mahalabia (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)
Mahalabia Middle Eastern Milk Pudding
Mahalabia, also known as Muhallebi, is a creamy Middle Eastern dessert made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch. It is served cold and is often topped with nuts or fruit.
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Maamoul Date Filled Cookies
Maamoul is a Middle Eastern cookie that's made during festivals and the month of Ramadan. It's a shortbread semolina cookies filled with dates and formed using a special mold.
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15-Minute Date Balls Recipe
These date balls are ready in 15 minutes and use a handful of ingredients. They're naturally sweetened and so easy to make.
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Ranginak (Persian Date Walnut Dessert)
Ranginak (Persian Date Walnut Dessert)
Ranginak is a classic Persian dessert made of dates, walnuts and warm spices such as cinnamon. This sweet dessert is commonly served during the month of Ramadan.
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Qatayef Recipe
Qatayef is a Middle Eastern dessert served during the month of Ramadan. It's made of pancakes stuffed with nuts or cream, fried and then soaked in syrup.
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Luqaimat Middle Eastern Sweet Dumplings
Luqaimat are middle eastern sweet fried dumplings that are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Once fried, they are topped with date syrup and sesame seeds.
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Sholeh Zard (Persian Saffron Rice Pudding)
Sholeh Zard Persian Saffron Rice Pudding
Sholeh zard is a Persian saffron rice pudding with exquisite flavors. Saffron and rosewater make this rice pudding extra special, whether served warm or cold.
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Khagineh (Persian Crepe Recipe with Molasses)
Khagineh Recipe (Persian Sweet Homemade Crepe)
Khagineh is a unique Persian dessert similar to a crepe topped with date syrup, grape molasses or saffron syrup. Top with pistachios and rose for a beautiful presentation.
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Kachi – Persian Halva Pudding
Kachi is a Persian Halva pudding that is full of saffron and rose water flavor. It’s easy to make and very delicious. It’s a taste of the Middle East!
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Date Cake with Walnuts
Date cake with walnuts is a delicious mid-day snack. Lightly sweetened with chunks of walnuts and dates, this cake is perfect with a cup of tea!
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Gajar Halwa (Indian Carrot Halwa)
Gajar Halwa (Indian Carrot Halwa)
Made with only a few ingredients, Gajar Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert that is absolutely delicious. This is a delicious carrot halwa recipe that you can make at home easily.
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Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Peanut butter banana bread is a simple banana bread recipe that everyone loves. This moist banana bread with peanut butter is super simple and delicious.
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Honey Rose Water Fruit Salad
This Honey Rose Water Fruit Salad will make your days colorful and delicious. Make a big batch of these for your party and enjoy the delicious honey rose water flavor. It’s like eating spring!
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Persian Quince Jam – Morabba Beh
Persian Quince Jam – Morabba Beh
Persian quince jam – Morabba Beh is a traditional jam.This fragrant fruit gives you such delicious and tangy jam that you can use in your breakfast parfaits with fruit, or just have it with some bread!
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Rosewater Cardamom Pancakes + Saffron Syrup
Rosewater Cardamom Pancakes + Saffron Syrup
A classic American recipe with a Persian twist, these rosewater cardamom pancakes with saffron syrup are the love between east and west. The fluffy pancakes with rose and cardamom aroma kissed by saffron syrup, a dream come true!
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Baklava Recipe
Learn how to make baklava from scratch with my easy tutorial. This delicious dessert is made with flaky phyllo pastry, nuts and simple syrup. You can make this baklava recipe ahead of time and wow everyone!
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Turkish Rice Pudding Recipe (Sutlac)
If you love light and creamy desserts, Sutlac, also known as Turkish rice pudding recipe is it. Creamy and rich with a golden top, this baked rice pudding is also gluten-free. Learn how to make this tasty dessert with this tutorial and step-by-step photos.
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Revani Cake (Turkish Semolina Cake)
Revani (Turkish Semolina Cake)
Revani is a classic semolina cake that's easy and so delicious. Soaked in a light simple syrup, this cake is popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Many of these recipes in this collection are perfect for meal prep and you can prepare them in advance.Check out each recipe for detailed instructions.
What are some traditional Ramadan recipes?
Each country and culture has its own classic Ramadan recipes. Some are Persian saffron rice pudding (sholeh zard), ranginak (date dessert) and Turkish Ramadan bread.
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Best Iftar Recipes
Planning for the month of Ramadan can be challenging. Check out our best Ramadan recipes for inspiration and planning healthy and satisfying meals. You can find everything from Suhoor meal ideas to Iftar ideas plus sweet treats and drinks to keep you energized through this holy month.
Ingredients
- Check out each recipe for complete list of ingredients
Instructions
- Make ahead: Many of these recipes are good for meal planning and preparing ahead of time. Refer to each recipe for full instructions.
- Suhoor: Try to choose dishes that are rich in protein such as eggs or traditional breakfast for suhoor.
- Iftar: It's best to start with a date and some water then continue with a light meal such as soup.
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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