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    Home » All Recipes

    The Best Iftar Recipes You Must Try

    Published: Apr 18, 2019 · Modified: Mar 27, 2022 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    61 shares
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    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.

    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.

    Ramadan Mubarak my friends. This year, I'm so happy to share what we usually have for Iftar with you.

    Table Of Contents:
    • All about Ramadan
    • What is Iftar?
    • What is special about Iftar recipes?
    • The Best Ramadan Recipes For Iftar
    • More Recipe Collections
    • Step-by-Step Recipe
    • Best Iftar Recipes

    All about Ramadan

    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.

    The Best Ramadan Recipes For Iftar

    Ash Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)

    Ash Reshteh (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.
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Chewy Granola Bars

    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Chocolate covered stuffed dates

    Chocolate Covered Stuffed Dates Recipe
    Stuffed dates are ready in 15 minutes and make the best snack. This is a healthy snack recipe that everyone loves, it's naturally sweetened, gluten-free and dairy-free.
    Check out this recipe
    Stuffed dates are ready in 15 minutes and make the best snack. This is a healthy snack recipe that everyone loves, it's naturally sweetened, gluten-free and dairy-free.

    Turkish Lentil Balls (Vegan)

    Turkish Vegan Lentil Meatballs (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. 
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan Turkish lentil meatballs are usually served with lettuce.
    These vegan lentil meatballs are a Turkish classic. Made with red lentils and bulgur, these meatballs are usually served with lettuce and herbs.

    Persian Appetizer Platter

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    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!

    Lebanese Fattoush Salad

    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.
    Check out this 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.

    Turmeric Red Lentil Soup

    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!
    Check out this 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!

    Shakshuka with Feta

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    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 (Persian Crepe Recipe with Molasses)

    Persian Homemade Crepe Recipe
    This Persian Homemade Crepe Recipe is one you'll want to remember. Cooked with molasses, this crepe is different from everything you've had before.
    Check out this recipe
    This Persian Homemade Crepe Recipe is one you'll want to remember. Cooked with molasses, this crepe is different from everything you've had before.

    Kachi Persian Halva Pudding

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    Kachi is a Persian Halva pudding that is full of saffron and rose water flavor. It's easy to make and very delicious. Full of Middle Eastern flavors!
    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!

    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. 
    Check out this recipe

    Turkish Simit

    Turkish Simit Recipe (Step-by-Step Tutorial)
    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. 
    Check out this 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.

    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Date Cake with Walnuts

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    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!

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    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 & 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.
    Check out this recipe
    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

    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Avocado Caprese Sandwich

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Caprese sandwich with avocado is perfect for weekdays. You can make this sandwich with just a few ingredients in only 15 minutes.

    Kotlet (Persian Meat Patties)

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    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!

    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    Persian eggplant soup is a delicious Persian recipe that's very simple to make. This easy Persian soup is vegetarian and gluten free.

    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.
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Greek Chickpea Salad

    Greek Chickpea Salad
    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.
    Check out this recipe
    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

    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Quick Vegetarian Chili

    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! 
    Check out this recipe
    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!

    Honey Rosewater Fruit Salad

    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!
    Check out this recipe
    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!

    Homemade Falafel Recipe

    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.
    Check out this 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.

    Loaded Hummus

    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!
    Check out this 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!

    Homemade Hummus

    Best Homemade 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!
    Check out this 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!

    Easy Salmon Patties

    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! 
    Check out this 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!

    Turkish Borek

    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. 
    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.

    Turkish Bulgur Pilaf

    Turkish Bulgur Pilaf Recipe
    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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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 (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. 
    Check out this recipe
    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.

    Persian Barbari Bread

    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! 
    Check out this 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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    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Best Iftar Recipes

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    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.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Persian
    Servings 4
    Calories 322 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 pieces lavash bread
    • 8 oz feta cheese
    • ½ cup walnuts
    • 2 Persian cucumbers sliced
    • 2 cups watermelon cubed
    • 1 cup parsley
    • 1 cup cilantro
    • 6 green onions
    • ½ cup fresh dill
    • 4 radishes sliced
    • 2 roma tomatoes chopped
    • 1 cup grapes

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the bread into pieces and arrange it on a platter.
    • Place the feta, walnuts, cucumbers and watermelon om the platter as well.
    • Arrange the herbs, tomatoes and grapes on the platter.
    • Serve immediately or within one hour.

    Notes

    • You can use lavash, barbari, Turkish pide bread or any other bread you like.
    • It's always best to buy feta that's in brine because it's softer and more delicious. 
    • You can use green or red grapes for this platter. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 13gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 672mgPotassium: 578mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 3154IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 360mgIron: 3mg
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ashley F

      September 17, 2019 at 9:50 am

      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!

      Reply
    2. wilhelmina

      September 17, 2019 at 9:06 am

      5 stars
      I learned so much from this post, thank you! I can't wait to try everything on this list!

      Reply

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    Welcome to Unicorns in the Kitchen, where we share delicious recipes from our kitchen to yours. You’re in for a delicious adventure and collection of unique and tasty recipes.

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