Here is a collection of simple, easy and nutritious Iftar recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients. It’s important to have simple and healthy meals for Iftar after a long day of fasting. You can find many recipes from soups and salads to snacks and sweet treats. All these recipes are easy to make and there are many vegetarian and dairy free options as well.
Ramadan Mubarak my friends. This year, I’m so happy to share what we usually have for Iftar with you.
During Ramadan, Muslims who are healthy and of mature age fast from sunrise to sunset, which means they don’t eat or drink anything during this time. We can start eating when the sun sets until the sunrise of the next day.
Ramadan is a month when one practices patience and get rid of bad habits. This is the month to share what you have with ones in need and understand the importance of compassion and sympathy. You can also check out my article on Food Network to learn more about Ramadan.
What is Iftar?
The meal served at the sunset is called Iftar. Since Muslims will be eating after a long day of not eating and drinking (sometimes up to seventeen hours), it’s important to eat and drink lightly and avoid deep fried or heavy food. It’s advised to focus on protein and vegetables for Iftar recipes. It’s also a good idea to keep meals simple in this month and avoid wasting food.
What is special about Iftar recipes?
They are usually light, healthy, filling, and full of vegetables and protein. Everything is consumed in moderation so the body won’t get into shock after a long pause from eating and drinking. It’s best to hydrate and eat vegetables and fruit and avoid eating fatty and greasy food or white bread.
I have prepared a collection of Iftar ideas from Unicorns in the Kitchen and some other bloggers which includes soups, sweet treats, and light snacks. Moderation is the key during Ramadan and this Iftar menu represents some of the main dishes we eat at this time of the year.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
This authentic Lebanese fattoush salad is a Middle Eastern classic. Fresh chopped salad is flavored with crispy toasted pita and a bright, zesty dressing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Ready in 10 minutes, this Greek chickpea salad is the perfect lunch or dinner for weekdays. You only need a few ingredients to make this hearty and healthy salad.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
Turkish style bulgur pilaf is a classic hearty and healthy side dish dish that is very easy to make. It’s a great alternative to rice and can be served with many dishes.
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.
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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Here is a collection of simple, easy and nutritious Iftar recipes that are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It's important to have simple and healthy meals for Iftar after a long day of fasting. Here is a recipe for a simple Persian appetizer platter with cheese and watermelon. Check out all the other recipes above.
I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!
I have never heard of some of these dishes before but they look and sound really good! can’t wait to try some of these!
I learned so much from this post, thank you! I can’t wait to try everything on this list!