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.
Table Of Contents:
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 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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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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Chocolate covered stuffed dates
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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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!
Check out this recipe
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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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
HOW TO BREW 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.
Check out this recipe
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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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
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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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
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
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!
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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!
Check out this recipe
Kibbeh Recipe (Video Tutorial)
Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern meatball made with bulgur, ground beef and warm spices such as cinnamon. A great kibbeh is characterized by a tender shell stuffed with delicious spiced beef filling. Learn how to perfect this classic of Middle Eastern cuisine with our step-by-step tutorial and video.
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
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
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
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Step-by-Step Recipe
Best Iftar Recipes
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.
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!
Ashley F
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!
wilhelmina
I learned so much from this post, thank you! I can't wait to try everything on this list!