50+ Flavorful Ramadan Suhoor and Iftar recipe ideas. From easy appetizers to soups, easy dinners, and delicious desserts, these traditional and some not-so-traditional, Middle Eastern Ramadan recipes are sure to please the entire family.
Ramadan is a special time to gather with family and friends, and while Ramadan is mainly centered around worship and counting our blessings, food plays an important role during this blessed month. Fasting during Ramadan can be quite rigorous, so it’s important to eat nutritious and filling meals. It is also important to remember that after a long day’s fast, breaking your fast with a healthy well-balanced meal is just as important.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month for over 2 billion Muslims world wide. During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting (refraining from eating and drinking), from dawn until sunset.
What are the benefits of fasting during Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan has numerous spiritual, mental, and most importantly physical benefits such as detoxification, weight regulation, reduced inflammation, Improved Insulin Sensitivity (fasting may help regulate blood sugar levels), and overall Heart Health. Fasting also has many mental health benefits including Mental Clarity, developing strong willpower, and better sleep patterns.
How do you stay healthy during Ramadan?
Ramadan is a great time to develop new healthy eating and lifestyle habits. Staying healthy during Ramadan is all about balanced nutrition, hydration, and smart habits. Here are some simple tips to help you stay healthy during Ramadan:
- Eat a Nutritious Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): Choose nutrient-dense foods like oats, whole grains, and protein to keep you full longer. Include healthy fats (avocados, nuts) and fiber (fruits & vegetables). Avoid salty foods that can cause dehydration and don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Break Your Fast Slowely: Start with dates & water to restore energy. Eat a balanced meal with lean protein (chicken, fish, beans), complex carbs and healthy fats. Eat slowly and stop when full to prevent overeating.
- Maintain Physical Activity: Avoid heavy workouts while fasting and do light exercise, like walking after Iftar. Any strength training or cardio is best after Iftar when energy levels are restored.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink 8–10 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor. Avoid caffeinated drinks as much as you can as they can dehydrate you.
- Get Enough Sleep: Try to get at least 6–8 hours of sleep and take short naps during the day if needed to avoid fatigue.
Protein-Packed Sahoor Recipe Ideas
These easy Sahoor dishes are packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein so they are sure to keep you energized and help sustain you throughout the day. Most can be prepared ahead of time from the night before so during suhoor, you would just reheat or assemble and serve.
Shakshouka
Easy Shakshouka is a one-pan meal made with sautéed veggies, warm spices, poached eggs and plenty of cheese. This clasic Middle Eastern dish is packed with flavor and makes the perfect vegetarian breakfast or brunch that's ready in less than 30 minutes!
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Turkish Poached Eggs (Cilbir)
Delicious Turkish eggs (Cilbir) is perfectly poached eggs served over seasoned yogurt, then drizzled with hot chili oil and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Serve with crusty bread for a wonderful vegetarian breakfast or brunch that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
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Avocado Toast with Eggs (4 Ways)
Learn how to make the most delicious Avocado Toast with Eggs 4 different ways! Whether you're craving fried eggs, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs or poached eggs, we've got you covered. This nutrition packed breakfast, lunch or anytime snack recipe will keep you satisfied for hours!
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High Protein Omelette
Learn how to make a high protein omelette that tastes delicious and will keep you satisfied for hours. This easy breakfast recipe takes just minutes to make and only requires 5 essential ingredients!
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Microwave Scrambled Eggs
Microwave scrambled eggs are the ultimate quick and easy breakfast fix! With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy fluffy, perfectly cooked eggs in minutes. No stovetop required!
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Breakfast Egg Muffins
Start your day off right with these delicious, healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins! Like a frittata but in muffin form, they are filled with protein and get a boost of nutrients from bell pepper, onion and broccoli. Meal prep these easy breakfast bites at the beginning of the week and enjoy a tasty grab-and-go option for busy mornings.
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6 Healthy Toast Toppings
Upgrade your morning toast with six incredible healthy toast topping ideas! From sweet to savory, toasted bread with delicious toppings is the perfect way to enjoy a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack!
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Avocado Sandwich
This simple, yet flavorful Avocado Sandwich is the perfect satisfying lunch at only 417 calories per sandwich! It's easy to make by adding mashed avocado drizzled with balsamic vinegar, sliced tomato, onion and a handful of arugula to toasted bread with spicy mayo or any favorite spread.
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Mediterranean Grilled Cheese
This delicious Greek Inspired Mediterranean grilled cheese has all the melty goodness of the classic combined with delicious Mediterranean ingredients including mozzarella, feta, ricotta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and olives. It’s a quick and easy meal that will be a hit with your whole family.
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How to Make Oatmeal
Learn how to make the perfect bowl of creamy & hearty Oatmeal. It is the perfect high-protein fiber-packed breakfast to power you through your day (16g protein)! Enjoy these 6 easy variations; chocolate, peanut butter, pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, banana nut, strawberries & cream, and blueberry.
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Baked Oats {easy blender recipe!}
Enjoy a healthy and nutritious breakfast with these delicious Baked Oats made with rolled oats, banana, eggs, milk, and sweetened with honey. They're super easy to make and are prepared in the blender in just a few minutes!
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Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Chewy no-bake Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls are easy to make with just 5 ingredients and taste just like cookie dough! Simply combine oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, flaxseed and honey for a delicious, satisfying snack!
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Banana Date Smoothie
Start your day with a creamy, perfectly sweet High Protein Banana Date Smoothie! With just 5 key ingredients, it comes together in a matter of minutes. Perfect for a quick, refreshing, satisfying breakfast or snack!
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Protein Pancakes
Healthy Protein pancakes made with rolled oats, almond milk, and maple syrup are not only the perfect way to start but are also super delicious and nutritious (only 110 calories)! This simple recipe for protein pancakes will have everyone happy to eat breakfast at any point in time during the day!
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Healthy Banana Bread
The BEST Healthy Banana Bread is moist, soft, and fluffy. This delicious recipe contains NO processed sugar or butter, comes together in just a few minutes, and is only 238 calories per slice!
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Delicious Iftar Recipe Ideas
These delicious iftar recipe ideas are packed with some of my favorite dishes. All these dishes are easy to make in under in hour, so no need to stand in the kitchen all day! I like to break my fast with a light appetizer, soup, or salad then eat a heavy dinner after prayer.
Watermelon Lemonade
Refreshing Watermelon Lemonade is perfectly sweet with just enough tart flavor! This is the perfect drink for summer and it only takes a few minutes to make. Serve it at your next pool party or barbecue. It will be a huge hit!
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Beef Sambusa
Perfectly crispy, golden Beef Sambusa are fried pastries filled with ground beef, onion, jalapeño, garlic and warm spices. Serve them with Yemeni sahawiq (schug) or your favorite dipping sauce as a flavorful appetizer for Ramadan or anytime side dish.
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Easy Avocado Egg Rolls
If you’ve ever had the cheesecake factory’s avocado egg rolls, then you’re going to love these egg rolls. Loaded with fresh guacamole, fried to crispy perfection and taste 1000x better for a fraction of the price!
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Red Lentil Soup
Warm, comforting Red Lentil Soup is a nourishing recipe made with a blend of veggies and warm spices like cumin, coriander and curry. Serve with fresh lemon juice and pita chips or fried pita bites for a super vegan friendly meal in under 30 minutes!
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Creamy Lentil Curry
Cozy and nourishing Creamy Lentil Curry with warming spices, coconut cream (or heavy cream) and veggies is easy to make in one pot on the stovetop. Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice and serve with rice and naan for a delicious, satisfying vegan meal!
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Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This healthy roasted basil tomato soup recipe is full of flavor and extremely easy to make in just 30 minutes. Serve it with a grilled cheese for the ultimate winter lunch!
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Creamy Hummus
Perfectly creamy hummus that is made with simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes for a delicious, naturally vegan snack you’ll make again and again. Use this flavorful dip as an appetizer with freshly cut veggies and pita chips or as a spread for sandwiches and more.
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Whipped Feta Dip
This whipped feta dip made with greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic is going to be your new favorite snack. It’s deliciously light and creamy, and super flavorful! Serve it up with your favorite crackers, pita bread, pita chips or veggies for the perfect appetizer.
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How to Make Crispy Falafel
Perfectly crispy falafel is made with dried chickpeas combined with herbs and seasonings, then formed into balls or patties and fried to golden brown perfection. A traditional Middle Eastern recipe that tastes even better than what you’d get at a restaurant!
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Potato Pancakes
Crispy Potato Pancakes (fritters) loaded with spinach and spices are a delicious and unique way to serve leftover mashed potatoes! They are easy to make and fry up tender and savory in the middle and perfectly crispy on the outside.
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Cheeseburger Eggrolls
Cheeseburger Eggrolls with burger sauce are a simple and easy appetizer. Perfect for parties and fun gatherings with friends! They can be fried or made in the air fryer for a healthier alternative.
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Mediterranean Cucumber Chickpea Salad
A simple and fresh Mediterranean salad packed with cucumbers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet peppers, parsley, and feta and topped with a lemon olive oil dressing. This salad is protein packed and perfect as a side dish or as a whole meal at only 115 calories per serving!
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Chicken Kabsa
Delicious Chicken Kabsa is an authentic Saudi Arabian and Yemeni recipe that's popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. And for good reason! It's a combination of tender, juicy chicken seared with warm spices, and basmati rice simmered in a savory broth served with toasted raisins and pine nuts. Your entire family will love this incredibly tasty meal!
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Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma wraps made with flavor packed spiced chicken, topped with creamy shawarma white sauce and then toasted in a pan until juicy and perfectly golden brown. Serve with creamy Shawarma sauce in tortillas or pita bread for a great lunch or dinner that everyone will enjoy!
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Arayes
Arayes, Crispy Middle Eastern Burger Stuffed Pitas are delicious and so easy to make! This popular Lebanese street food is seasoned ground beef and cheese cooked inside of pita bread either on the stovetop or in the oven. These unique burgers will be a hit with everyone!
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Spicy Middle Eastern Baked Salmon
Spicy Middle Eastern Baked Salmon is coated in a mix of herbs, spices and seasonings, then it's baked to juicy, tender perfection. At only 154 calories and 17g of protein per serving, this delicious dish will become your new go-to healthy dinner! Serve with a salad or your favorite sides for a complete meal!
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Curried Chicken Sliders
Curried Chicken Sliders topped with a creamy sauce and garlic butter are perfect for feeding a hungry crowd! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party where you serve these as appetizers, everyone will go crazy for these tasty mini sandwiches!
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Healthy Chicken Shawarma Bowls
Healthy Middle Eastern Chicken shawarma bowls are ready in under 30 minutes and are filled with flavorful fresh flavors. This recipe serves two. Double or triple as needed.
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Chicken Potato Casserole with Bechamel Sauce
Middle Eastern Chicken Potato Bake is wonderfully creamy and cheesy! This meal is easy to make with tender potatoes, juicy chicken breast, plenty of vegetables, warm spices and the most delicious béchamel sauce. A great family dinner that you will want to make again and again!
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Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove-Top Garlic Naan
Easy Homemade Chicken Tikka Masala with quick homemade naan is creamy, spicy, and flavor packed! This delicious dish is made in just 30 minutes and paired with soft & fluffy homemade naan that are also super easy to make on the stovetop!
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Grilled Chicken Shawarma Kebabs
Grilled Chicken Shawarma Kebabs marinate in the most delicious spiced yogurt sauce! Then, they're grilled to juicy, charred perfection. Serve with homemade shawarma sauce and your favorite sides for an incredible meal!
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Chicken Alfredo
Irresistibly delicious Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic dish that never disappoints. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce come together to create a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
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<span></span>Easy Baked Kofta Patties with Tahini Sauce
Tahini sauce is a sesame seed paste that can be found in your local Middle-Eastern supermarket or here.
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Smash Burger Tacos (Big Mac Tacos)
These Smash Burger Tacos are packed full of flavor! They are warm tortillas topped with beef, and cooked by pressing them in a hot skillet. Finish with melty cheese and all of your favorite burger fixings for a delicious meal that’s easy to make!
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Mediterranean Chicken Bowls
Greek Inspired Mediterranean Chicken Bowls featuring tender marinated chicken with a zesty homemade hummus and a refreshing Greek salad, all served on rice to complete the dish.
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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a complete meal that’s loaded with incredible flavor! Marinated chicken thighs or breasts are grilled or baked (your choice!) to perfection. Serve over well-seasoned rice with fresh, creamy green sauce for a dinner that’s sure to impress!
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Garlic Shrimp Pasta is easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, and can be on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes! A simple parmesan cheese cream sauce is stirred together, and then tossed with seasoned pan-fried shrimp and linguine noodles. It’s an insanely delicious meal and sure to become a new family favorite!
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Spicy Chicken Sandwich
This delicious Spicy Chicken Sandwich is way better than anything from your local fast food restaurant! It's easy to make, yet so juicy and tender for delicious flavor in every bite. Made in the comfort of your own home, you can satisfy your craving for perfectly crispy, spiced sandwiches anytime!
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Easy Ramadan Dessert Ideas
I don’t know about you, but dessert is my favorite part of the night! I look forward to making a special dessert for my family every day as we sit and gather around a cup of Dalgona coffee or Adeni chai. Here are some of my go-to Ramadan desserts.
Easy Baklava (No-Layering Required!)
This easy Baklava recipe is a heavenly Mediterranean dessert made with layers of phyllo dough and sweet nut filling baked until golden and perfectly flaky. Then, a sweet citrus syrup is poured over the top to soak into the layered pastry making every bite taste incredible.
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Persian Love Cake
Get ready to steal the show with this gorgeous Persian Love Cake! Not only is it delightful to look at, but it tastes amazing. It’s flavored with citrus, warm cardamom and rosewater, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and dried rose petals. The perfect dessert for any occasion!
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Date Roll
Packed with dates, nuts and coconut, this Date Roll is an easy-to-make, wholesome sweet treat with amazing flavor and chewy texture. This unique recipe is guaranteed to impress friends & family!
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Honeycomb Bread
Soft & fluffy honeycomb bread (khalat al Nahal) is a brioche style Yemeni bread stuffed with cream cheese and soaked in honey syrup. This delectable bread pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or karak tea and makes a sweet breakfast or anytime snack!
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No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake
Easy to make with delicious sweet cinnamon spice flavor, this No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake is perfect for any occasion! It has a rich and creamy cookie butter cheesecake filling that sits in a flavorful Biscoff cookie crust, and gets topped with Biscoff spread and cookie crumbles. No oven required!
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Snickers Stuffed Dates
Snickers Stuffed Dates are the perfect combination of sweet and salty with rich chocolate flavor! They're easy to make with chewy dates filled with peanut butter and dipped in melted chocolate. Finish with a sprinkle of nuts for a healthy treat that tastes like a candy bar!
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Burnt Basque Cheesecake
This stunning San Sebastian Cheesecake (Basque Cheesecake) with its “burnt” surface that's caramelized to perfection is sure to impress. You will love how easy it is to make and be amazed by the deliciously rich flavor and creamy, smooth texture.
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Best Cinnamon Rolls ( Soft & Gooey!)
Learn how to make the BEST soft & gooey cinnamon rolls made tik-tok style with heavy cream. These cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting are a fan faovrite and will become your go-to cinnamon rolls!
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No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Cups
No-Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Cups are creamy, rich and loaded with the delicious taste of cookie butter. This dessert is easy to make and great for any occasion!
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Chocolate Date Balls
Irresistible no-bake chocolate date balls are packed with nutritious ingredients, yet they taste just like a fudgy brownie! Combine dates, nuts, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder in a food processor, and in just 10 minutes you'll have a healthy snack or treat to keep in your fridge or freezer!
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Maamoul (Date & Nut Cookies)
Middle Eastern Maamoul are date and nut cookies made of a super buttery semolina shortbread cookie that melts in your mouth. Also known as Kahk, these cookies are perfect for eid or any other special occaion.
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Adeni Chai (Karak)
Adeni Chai aka karak is a strong cardamom spiced tea with milk popular in Yemen and most of the Middle East. It's rich, strong, sweet, and creamy thanks to the addition of evaporated milk. This tea puts Starbuck's chai latte to shame and It's so good that you'll want a 2nd and 3rd cup!
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Mini Cheesecakes
Irresistible Mini Cheesecakes in a muffin tin are easy to make and a great dessert for just about any occasion! A rich, creamy filling is layered over a buttery graham cracker crust to create a perfectly portioned, decadent sweet treat that's always a winner.
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