Are you all prepped up for Ramadan? Do you want nutritious yet simple iftar recipes to delight your loved ones? We bring some exciting Ramadan iftar ideas to make your evenings more special.

10 Best Iftar Meals for Ramadan

At the call of the Maghreb prayer, Muslims break their fast usually with a date, following the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Then they indulge in a hearty feast with their family and friends all along Ramadan. Here are some iftar ideas for the blissful month.

●    Samosas

Iftar and samosas go hand in hand. The crispy, golden, and flavorful triangles are sure to melt in your mouth with bursting flavors. You can try different fillings ranging from vegetarian to non-vegetarian. The classic spicy potato filling can never go wrong. The chicken cheese filling is also mouthwatering, while minced beef with peas filling is a delight. You can experiment with different flavors such as tandoori, pizza, or fajita to add a zing to your samosas. For a healthier version, try air frying your samosas.

●    Lentil Dumplings with Yogurt

A sweet and savory treat, known as dahi barey, is one of the most popular Ramadan delicacies. Dumplings are usually made of lentils or chickpea flour. You can also purchase ready-to-cook dumplings from the store. Add some sugar and cream to the yogurt to make a delicious base. Add the dumplings and sprinkle some chat masala for a more exciting flavor. Do not miss out on the crunchy crispy fried dough wafers.

●    Fritters

Nothing beats the awesomeness of crispy fritters. Prepare a savory chickpea batter and finely cut onion rings, eggplant rings, or potato slices. Dip the rings covering them well enough with the batter, then fry until golden and crunchy. Spinach fritters are also quite popular. If you like spice, you may add green chilies. Popularly known as pakoras, people serve them with mouthwatering mint and tamarind chutney at the iftar table.

●    Chickpea Salad

Iftar is incomplete without a flavorful chickpea salad, popularly known as the chana chat. It is a healthy and nutritious item that replenishes energy after a whole day’s fast. Chickpeas are a good source of protein. Full of fiber, they ensure good bowel movements, preventing constipation, which is a common issue during Ramadan. Boil a bowl of chickpeas and add all the spices such as red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Add some tamarind sauce as per your taste. Top it with some sliced onions, green chilies, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes. You can add some yogurt to make it more flavorful.

●    Fruit Salad

Fruits are the best choice for a healthy iftar. Get all the seasonal fruits and chop them nicely to make a hearty fruit salad. You can add some cream or fresh fruit juice. It is the best way to instantly replenish your sugar level.

●    Borek

Craving for something savory at iftar? Why not try this amazing Turkish treat? The crispy and flaky pastry is an ideal choice to impress your guests at an iftar dinner. You can get ready-made phyllo sheets from the market. Prepare a variety of fillings and try different borek recipes every time. You can make beef mince, chicken, vegetables, spinach, mushroom, or cheese borek fillings. Bake a large borek in the oven and then cut it into portions before serving.

●    Sandwiches

For health-conscious people, who want to avoid fried items, sandwiches are the best option. You can make chicken cheese spread at home. Boiled egg sandwiches are also a popular choice. You can use brown bread for your sandwiches. Tahini or hummus is also a good replacement for mayonnaise.

●    Qatayef

Qatayef is the most-liked Ramadan treat. Prepare the yummy pancakes with different fillings including cream cheese, nuts, berries, or jam. Bake them to perfection. You can drizzle syrup or honey before serving.

●    Kebabs

Kebabs are a handy option for both iftar and sehri. You can make and freeze kebabs and use them conveniently whenever you have guests come over for Iftar. Shami kebabs, potato cutlets, chicken cheese kebabs, or minced meat kebabs are among the popular choices. You can coat them with crumbs to make crispy golden kebabs.

●    Ramadan Drinks

Traditional rose drinks are the most popular Ramadan drinks. You can also make rose milk with rose syrup, especially for children at Iftar. Tamarind juice, lemonade, or seasonal fruit juices such as watermelon or orange juice are also great additions to the iftar table.

Closing Remarks

Ramadan is a blissful time when everyone gets together. Muslims fast, pray, and eat together with their loved ones. The spirit of Ramadan lies in sharing love, joy, and happiness with your family and the Muslim community.