15 Delicious Halal Recipes for Ramadan: Iftar & Suhoor Ideas

Ramadan is a sacred month for our Muslims to observe, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset. During this time, two key meals are consumed Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal at sunset to break the fast).

Finding halal food recipes can be challenging if you are living in a non-Muslim country like the USA, UK, and many others, but we will guide you to help you prepare easy and delicious meals in this holy month of Ramadan.

Below, you’ll find 10 Iftar recipes to help replenish energy and 10 Suhoor recipes for sustained nourishment:

10 Tasty Iftar Recipes (To Break Your Fast)

After a long day of fasting, your body needs nutritious and delicious food to regain energy.

Here are the best halal Iftar recipes that are easy to make and perfect for breaking your fast:

1. Stuffed Dates with Nuts & Cream Cheese

Dates are the traditional and best way to break your fast, as they provide instant energy and are rich in natural sugars. This simple yet delicious recipe adds a creamy and crunchy twist to your dates, making them even more satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 10 large Medjool dates (pitted)
• ½ cup cream cheese (or peanut butter)
• ¼ cup almonds or walnuts (chopped)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Make a lengthwise cut in each date and take out the stone.
2. Fill the cavity with cream cheese or peanut butter using a small spoon.
3. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a crunchy texture.
4. (Optional) Drizzle honey for extra sweetness.
5. Arrange on a plate and serve as a quick, nutritious Iftar snack.

2. Lentil Soup (Shorba)

A warm and comforting soup is perfect for Iftar, as it is easy to digest and packed with protein. Lentil soup, also known as Shorba, is a common dish in many Muslim homes during Ramadan as it restores energy without being too filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils (washed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 carrot (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions, garlic, and carrots, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in lentils, broth, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
4. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are soft.
5. Use a blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup for a smooth consistency (optional).
6. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

3. Chicken Samosas

Samosas are a crispy, flavorful treat that makes Iftar special. These golden, crunchy pastries are filled with spiced chicken and are best enjoyed with chutney or yogurt dip.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp oil (for cooking filling)
• 10 samosa wrappers
• 1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp water (for sealing)
• Oil for deep frying

How to Make It:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger paste until golden.
2. Add shredded chicken, garam masala, turmeric, salt, cumin, and coriander powder. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes.
3. Mix in chopped cilantro, then remove from heat and let it cool.
4. Grab a samosa wrapper, shape it into a cone, and add 2 tbsp of the chicken filling.
5. Seal the edges using a flour-water paste to prevent them from opening while frying.
6. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the samosas until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with mint chutney or yogurt dip.

4. Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Shawarma is a juicy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that makes for a perfect Iftar meal. These homemade chicken shawarma wraps are easy to make and taste just as good as restaurant-style shawarma.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Wraps:

• 4 pita breads or tortillas
• ½ cup tahini sauce (or garlic sauce)
• 1 cup lettuce (chopped)
• 1 tomato (sliced)
• ½ onion (sliced)

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, salt, and olive oil to make a marinade.
2. Add sliced chicken, mix well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
3. Heat a pan or grill and cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
4. Warm the pita bread or tortillas.
5. Spread tahini sauce or garlic sauce on the bread, then add grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
6. Roll the wrap tightly and cut in half.
7. Serve with fries or pickles on the side.

5. Pakoras (Vegetable Fritters)

Crispy, golden-brown pakoras are a favorite Ramadan and are enjoyed across many cultures. When served with chutney or yogurt dip, these spiced vegetable fritters are light, crunchy, and perfect for Iftar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• ½ cup water
• 1 small potato (thinly sliced)
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup spinach (chopped)
• 1 green chili (chopped, optional)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda (for extra crispiness)
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and baking soda.
2. Add water gradually to form a thick batter (not too runny).
3. Add sliced potatoes, onions, spinach, and green chili into the batter and mix well.
4. Heat oil in a pan for deep frying.
5. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

6. Fattoush Salad

It is a fresh and zesty Middle Eastern salad, perfect for balancing out the heavier Iftar dishes. With crunchy pita chips, juicy vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad is both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 cucumber (chopped)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 lettuce (chopped)
• 1 radish (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup parsley (chopped)
• 1 pita bread (toasted and crushed)
• ¼ cup feta cheese (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp sumac (for authentic flavor)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix cucumber, tomato, onion, lettuce, radish, and parsley.
2. Toast the pita bread in a pan or oven until crispy, then break it into small pieces.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
5. Add crushed pita chips and feta cheese (if using) just before serving to keep them crispy.

7. Falafel with Hummus

Falafel is a crispy, protein-packed Middle Eastern favorite made from chickpeas and herbs. Served with hummus or tahini sauce, this dish is both delicious and filling for Iftar.

Ingredients:

For the Falafel:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• ½ onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp baking soda (for crispiness)
• 2 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour)
• Oil for frying

For the Hummus:

• 1 can chickpeas (drained)
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt

How to Make It:

Making the Falafel:

1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and blend them in a food processor with onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking soda, and flour until a coarse mixture forms.
2. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes in the fridge.
3. Shape into small balls or patties.
4. Heat oil and deep fry until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).

Making the Hummus:

1. Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
2. Add a little water if needed to adjust consistency.
3. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

8. Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt

Grilled lamb chops are a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for a hearty Iftar meal. Marinated with garlic, yogurt, and spices, these tender chops pair beautifully with rice or a fresh salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb chops
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Rub the marinade on the lamb chops and let it rest for at least 1 hour (overnight is better).
3. Heat a grill pan or barbecue and cook lamb chops for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
4. Mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and salt to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
5. Serve the grilled lamb chops with rice, pita bread, or salad, and drizzle with garlic yogurt sauce.

9. Mango Lassi

A refreshing and cooling mango lassi is perfect for rehydrating after fasting. This creamy and naturally sweet drink is packed with vitamins and is easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mango pulp (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup yogurt
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp cardamom powder (optional)
• 2-3 ice cubes

How to Make It:

• Blend mango pulp, yogurt, milk, honey, and cardamom powder until smooth.
• Add ice cubes and blend again.
• Pour into glasses and serve chilled.

10. Cheesy Stuffed Bread Rolls

These crispy and cheesy stuffed bread rolls are an easy and delicious Iftar snack. They have a golden, crunchy exterior with a melty cheese and spiced chicken filling, making them irresistible!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

For the Rolls:

• 6 slices of bread
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, black pepper, paprika, salt, and mayonnaise.
2. Trim the edges of the bread slices and roll them flat using a rolling pin.
3. Place 1 tbsp of the filling on one side of the bread and roll it tightly.
4. Dip the rolls into the beaten eggs, then coat them with bread crumbs.
5. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve with ketchup or garlic sauce.

6 Quick and Easy Suhoor Recipes for Lasting Energy

Suhoor is the most important meal of the fasting day, providing long-lasting energy to keep you going since time is short before Fajr.

Here are six quick and easy Suhoor recipes that take minimal effort to prepare:

1. Oatmeal with Dates and Almonds

This simple and nutritious oatmeal is packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness, making it an ideal Suhoor meal. It provides sustained energy and is quick to prepare.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk (or water)
• 2 dates (chopped)
• 1 tbsp almonds (sliced)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

How to Make It:

1. In a small pot, heat milk or water and bring it to a gentle boil.
2. Add oats and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Mix in chopped dates and almonds, letting the natural sweetness blend in.
4. (Optional) Add cinnamon for extra flavor and honey for added sweetness.
5. Serve warm for a hearty and satisfying Suhoor.

2. Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Feta

Eggs are rich in protein and help keep you full for longer, making them a great choice for Suhoor. This quick scrambled egg dish is loaded with spinach for extra nutrients and feta cheese for flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• ½ cup fresh spinach (chopped)
• ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. In a bowl, beat eggs with salt and black pepper.
4. Pour the eggs into the pan and stir continuously until they begin to set.
5. Sprinkle in feta cheese and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring gently.
6. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

3. Greek Yogurt with Berries and Honey

Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, helping with digestion and keeping you full for longer. Adding fresh berries and honey makes it a naturally sweet and refreshing Suhoor meal.

Ingredients:

1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp granola or chopped nuts (optional)

How to Make It:

In a bowl, add Greek yogurt.
Top with fresh berries.
Drizzle with honey for natural sweetness.
(Optional) Add granola or chopped nuts for extra crunch.
This no-cook, 5-minute meal is refreshing, nutrient-dense, and provides steady energy throughout the fasting day.

4. Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocados are rich in healthy fats and fiber, while eggs provide protein, making this simple toast recipe an ideal Suhoor option.

Ingredients:

• 1 slice whole-grain bread
• ½ avocado (mashed)
• 1 egg (poached or boiled)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Toast the whole-grain bread until golden brown.
2. Mash the avocado with a fork and mix in salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Spread the avocado mixture on the toast.
4. Poach an egg by simmering water in a pan, adding a little vinegar, and gently dropping in the egg. Cook for 3-4 minutes until set.
5. Place the poached egg on top of the avocado toast and serve immediately.

5. Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

A quick and energizing smoothie is perfect for Suhoor, especially when you need something easy to digest. This banana peanut butter smoothie is packed with protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 2-3 ice cubes (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Add banana, milk, peanut butter, cinnamon, and honey to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add ice cubes if you prefer a chilled smoothie.
4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
5. This high-energy smoothie is quick to make, easy on digestion, and provides sustained energy for fasting.

6. Chia Pudding with Coconut Milk

Chia seeds are rich in fiber, omega-3s, and protein, making them one of the best Suhoor foods for keeping you full and hydrated. This simple overnight chia pudding requires minimal effort and is ready to eat in the morning.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• ½ cup chopped fruits (banana, berries, or mango)

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl or jar, mix chia seeds, coconut milk, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir well and let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent lumps.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) until it thickens.
4. Top with chopped fruits before serving.

Energizing and Halal-Friendly Recipes for Ramadan

Preparing a balanced Iftar and Suhoor is essential for maintaining energy and hydration throughout the fasting hours of Ramadan. The 10 Iftar recipes and 6 Suhoor recipes are easy to make, and 100% halal-friendly, ensuring that every dish aligns with Islamic dietary guidelines.

The recipes using chicken, meat, or any animal-based ingredients, always make sure they are certified halal by checking labels or buying from a trusted halal source. This will confirm your Iftar and Suhoor meals align with Islamic dietary laws.

Wishing you a blessed and healthy Ramadan!