Ramadan falls on the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this holy month, Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset and it goes on for 30 days. Food takes a special significance during this fast.
Before the morning prayers, Muslims eat a heavy breakfast during suhoor to get them through the day. At sunset comes iftar, where they break their fast. This meal is often festive and a communal affair. To make your suhoor and iftar meals more interesting, we’ve rounded up some Mediterranean dishes you can make for your family.
Fattoush Salad
A simple salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty sumac Mediterranean dressing and served with pita bread. Refreshing and makes a great starter to break fast with.
Lebanese Tabouli Salad
A traditional Lebanese salad, it is an appetizer made with bulgur, parsley, mint and very finely chopped vegetables. As it doesn’t include lettuce or other fresh vegetables, it can be made in a large batch and eaten for 2 to 3 days without wilting.
Chicken shawarma salad
If you are looking for a low carb, high protein meal, give this dish a try. It is a whole meal loaded with grilled chicken smothered in shawarma spices and middle eastern style vegetables. A perfect meal for iftar.
Crushed lentil soup
Made with red lentils, short-grain rice, onions, carrots, and cumin and topped with the tangy taste of freshly squeezed lemon juice. It is a comforting, delicious and healthy meal for everyone!
Spiced koftas with honey and chickpeas
Spiced lamb koftas makes a simple meal and it’s a favourite for many. Serve with a drizzle of creamy yogurt dressing and baked chickpeas, it is a complete meal when you are in a hurry.
Butter lamb gravy
Simmered in a spicy tomato and cream sauce, this mouthwatering lamb dish is easy to make. Serve it with hot rice or your favourite bread. This dish is versatile as you can adapt it to your favourite meat or even salmon.
Falafel and vegan yogurt dip
Crispy outside and fluffy inside. Falafels are great as a main or side dish to break fast with. You can bake or fry depending on your preference and serve it with a delicious vegan yogurt sauce.
Mujadarrah
Sounds like a plain recipe, but Mujadarrah is an easy-to-make Middle Eastern comfort food that combines lentils, rice and delicious fried onions. The highlight of the dish is the yogurt that gives it its superb flavour.
Om Ali
Om Ali or Umm Ali is the Egyptian equivalent to the western bread pudding. A traditional Egyptian dessert of soaked bread, milk and loads of nuts.
Fereni starch pudding
A delightful pudding that can be served hot or cold. Perfect for Ramadan as it can be eaten for suhoor or iftar.