10 Easy Authentic Ramadan Dishes for Suhoor and Iftar
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is considered the most auspicious time for Muslims. During this period, devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, wherein they break their fast with iftar, the meal at sunset, and begin the day with suhoor, the pre-dawn meal.
With notable intervals between meals, it’s important to have nourishing dishes that sustain energy levels and keep individuals satiated throughout the day.
Here are some Ramadan food ideas for suhoor and iftar by IGP UAE that you can enjoy with your family. These are extremely easy to prepare and, at the same time, taste delicious. So, get ready to impress everyone at the table by adding these to your Ramadan menu!
If you’re curious about the dos and don’ts during Ramadan, particularly as a non-Muslim, you may find this article helpful.
| Dish | Description |
| Harees | Porridge made from wheat/barley and meat, slowly cooked for sustained energy |
| Sambousek | Fried pies filled with savory cheese or beef, enjoyed as appetizers during Ramadan |
| Majboos | Flavorful rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and layered with tender meat |
| Luqaimat | Small deep-fried doughnuts drizzled with date syrup or honey, enjoyed as sweet treats |
| Balaleet | Vermicelli noodles cooked with sweetened egg mixture and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water |
| Jareesh | Thick porridge-like dish made from crushed wheat grains and seasoned meat, popular in Saudi Arabian cuisine |
| Mehalabiya | Creamy milk pudding flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, served as a dessert during Ramadan |
| Shakshuka | Poached eggs cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce, served with crusty bread |
| Mandi | Yemeni rice dish with tender slow-cooked meat, marinated in yogurt and spices |
| Kunafa | Phyllo dough layered with sweet cheese filling and soaked in rose water or orange blossom water |
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Harees
Harees, a traditional Arabic dish, is a healthy and filling option for iftar and suhoor. This porridge dish is made from a mixture of boiled, cracked, or coarsely ground wheat (or barley) and meat, cooked slowly until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Packed with nutrients, this dish provides sustained energy throughout the day.
Sambousek
Sambousek is a Middle Eastern delicacy enjoyed mostly as an appetizer or “mezze.” These fried crispy pies have wide varieties, including savory cheese and beef, which can also be made with ground lamb.
The filled dough is typically formed into beautiful triangular and half-moon shapes, making you have one by one without stopping.
Majboos
When looking for Ramadan food ideas for suhoor and iftar, Majboos, also known as Kabsa, is one of the most flavorful and popular options.
It is cooked with long-grain basmati rice and aromatic spices like cinnamon, bay leaves, tomatoes, onions, and dried fruits like raisins or apricots.
The rice is layered with tender meat, such as chicken, lamb, or goat, for protein intake.
Luqaimat
Luqaimat are small, deep-fried doughnuts which are enjoyed as a sweet treat during Ramadan across the Arab world. They are made from a simple yeast dough lightly sweetened with sugar and flavored with hints of saffron or cardamom.
Luqaimat is traditionally drizzled with a generous amount of date syrup or honey after frying until golden brown, which adds sweetness and moisture to the doughnuts.
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Balaleet
People commonly enjoy balaleet for the suhoor. It consists of vermicelli noodles cooked with a sweetened egg mixture and then flavored with cardamom, saffron and rose water.
The noodles are typically cooked until soft and combined with the egg mixture, creating a sweet and savory flavor dish.
Jareesh
Jareesh is another name for Harees, a popular dish in Saudi Arabian cuisine. It is made from crushed wheat grains that are soaked, cooked, and mashed to create a thick porridge-like consistency.
The cooked wheat is mixed with seasoned meat, such as chicken or lamb, and simmered until tender.
Mehalabiya
Mehalabiya is a creamy milk pudding made from a mixture of milk, sugar, and rice flour, which is cooked until thickened and then flavored with rose water or orange blossom water.
The pudding can be eaten during suhoor and as a refreshing and light dessert option for Ramadan iftar meals.
Shakshuka
While not traditionally associated with Ramadan, Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern and North African dish that can be enjoyed for suhoor or iftar.
It is made by cooking poached eggs in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce, seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, and chilli flakes.
Shakshuka is typically served with crusty bread and is a satisfying and nutritious option for breaking the fast.
For those observing Ramadan from outside the Muslim community, understanding the cultural and religious significance of the month can deepen appreciation and respect.
If you’re curious about the dos and don’ts during Ramadan, particularly as a non-Muslim, you may find this article on “Ramadan Mistakes You Should Avoid” helpful.
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Mandi
Mandi is a Yemeni rice dish that has become popular worldwide. It is made using long-grain basmati rice, tender, slow-cooked meat, and aromatic spices, including cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves.
The meat is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being slow-cooked in a tandoor or similar oven, imparting a smoky flavor to the dish.
Kunafa
Consisting of phyllo dough layered with a sweet cheese filling and soaked in rose water or orange blossom water, this Kunafa is a popular Ramadan dish, as it can satisfy your sweet tooth easily. This dish will surely become your favorite iftar because of its wholesome taste.
The culinary traditions during Ramadan play a pivotal role in bringing families and communities together. Enhance this experience by considering these Ramadan food ideas for suhoor and iftar for creating memories that you can cherish forever. If you’re wondering when does Ramadan start, it’s essential to be aware of the dates to plan your meals and gatherings effectively. Ramadan Mubarak!
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