Part 1 of 3 in our Ramadan Table Series featuring recipes for: Suhoor, Iftar, Dessert
Ramadan is the Holy, 9th month of the Islamic calendar, where Muslims fast (sawm) and refrain from food and drink between dawn and dusk and maintain kind and pure thoughts. Ramadan teaches discipline, patience, and generosity. It is a community experience where Muslims fast together, and join to break their fast together, in their homes, Mosques, and other community gathering places.
Suhoor is the vital pre-dawn meal, where Muslims eat items that will provide energy and are filling, in order to maintain their fast until sunset.
After sunset prayer (Maghrib), those fasting gather to break their fast with Iftar, a meal that is celebrated with friends and extended family, and usually begins with dates, or apricots, water, or sweetend milk before prayer, and the meal after.
We asked some of our favorite Muslim Chefs and Bloggers to share what Ramadan means to them, and recipes for Suhoor & Iftar.
(In no particular order)
1. Meat Pies
Ramadan to me is a chance for a new fresh start in life. The time when I can work to improve myself. Also the time to be extra mindful of the food we get, to generously give money to the poor. When Ramadan comes I always decorate the house with my kids to celebrate its beginning. It is also the time when all the family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company and each other’s cooking. It is the special time of the year where the most delicious dishes and desserts appear. When Ramadan starts I can feel it all around me, it feels different, more peaceful and loving. It even smells different in the house, it’s like Ramadan brings a scent with it that calms my soul and makes me happy.
Roola.92
2. Rice Pudding
Rice Pudding Fig Parfait Recipe by Rana’s Kitchen Lab
Ramadan has always been my dearest month of the year, it’s a month where I feel at peace. It’s the month of empathy , through which we feel more connected to each other as human beings, it teaches us how to feel with less fortunate people and figure out ways to help them. Ramdan is wonderful opportunity for all the family to be gathered around one table thanking God for all his blessings, so much memories are built to cherish throughout our life.I wish you all a blessed month and “Ramdan Kareem.”
Rana Kebbi Damaj, Rana’s Kitchen Lab
3. Date Pudding
Vegan Date Rice Pudding by Spatulicious
The Holy month of Ramadan is a spiritual month, to remind us and encourage us to eep those in need in mind and focus to make sure no one sleeps hungry all year long.
Soumaya Hijazi, Spatulicious
4. Vanilla Milk Pudding
Vanilla Milk Pudding Recipe by Fatina’s Recipes
Ramadan for me is our childhood memories, family gathering, and of course delish food! Ramadan Karim everyone.
Fatina Daher, Fatina_Recipes
5. Cheese & Parsley Pizza
Crispy Cheese and Parsley Pizza (Mnakish) by Sweet Pillar Food
This classic manaeesh style recipe, is so convenient and easy to make thanks to refrigerated pizza dough. The dough is super filling and the cheese is filled with calcium and other nutrients without being too greasy and fatty. It’s also easy to eat when you’re really sleepy!
6. Sumac Eggs & Onions
Eggs with Sumac Onions by Sweet Pillar Food
Eggs are a great way to get healthy fats and protein that leave you satisfied and keep you feeling fuller longer. Plus, they’re very easy to make which is a huge plus at Suhur!
Ramadan is a very magical time. Even though it is challenging to fast for 30 days, the overwhelming feeling of peace, calm and spiritual closeness to God overcomes it all. It’s a feeling that both humbles you and gives you an intense sense of gratitude. We so look forward to this time. It brings us together every night in the most special way. We all head to the kitchen and tell stories as we discuss what foods we’re dying to eat, then cook and prepare the amazing dinner spread to come. Everyone is happy and excited to be together. It’s the warmest feeling ever to break fast in this way, and of course to give thanks for our endless blessings.
Nadia & Diana, Sweet Pillar Food
7. Tahini Salad
Palestinian Tahini Salad by Bateekh w Jebneh
8. Snayniyeh
Barley Breakfast Bowl (Snayniyeh) by Bateekh w Jebneh
A dish that originates from Palestine where it is known as “Snooniyeh” or “Aseeda”. This bowl is packed with nutrients, and is extremely filling due to the barley grains and nuts found in it! It is naturally sweetened with honey, and combines a ton of incredible textures! We found it to be perfect as Sahoor for the long days of fasting during this blessed month, as it is very hearty and does not cause thirst!
9. Loaded Omelette
Loaded Vegetable Omelette by Bateekh w Jebneh
Ramadan celebrates spirituality, patience, thankfulness, and togetherness. In this beautiful time of the year, life changes for those who practice the Islamic faith. Reminiscing on Ramadans spent in the middle-east always brings back the greatest wave of good memories. Our favourite moment takes place as the long day of fasting nears its end. The streets become near empty, with everyone rushing to get to their homes in time for iftaar. Family members will gather around one table, patiently awaiting the call to prayer. As soon as the sun sets, the homes of Muslims fill with energy. The call to Maghrib is heard across the country, the supplications of those breaking their fast are heard from all around the table. Tables are generously packed with everything you could have possibly craved during the day, from deliciously fried appetizers, to traditional main meals and drinks. Soon after, laughter and chatter fill the dining rooms, and the chorus of clinking plates and utensils is heard from every home and kitchen. That right there is a perfect moment of “togetherness”, repeated over 30 days, and then amplified on Eid day. How can one not await this month impatiently all year long?
Marah & In’aam, Bateekh w Jebneh
10. Chickpea Fatteh
Chickpeas Fatteh Recipe by Potnbites
Ramadan is a month to fast, pray and spend more time approaching God… With fasting comes an open appetite to prepare a variety of food that finally makes a feast rather than an Iftar table!!! At my home I try to offer my family all they desire but gradually… Which means I try my best not to make big amounts or a big variety unless I have my big family over, We enjoy food and feel blessed to have it and at the same time make sure we consume what we have on our table… No food waste!!! I wish. I wish we all focus on the essence of Ramadan ❤️❤️❤️❤️
PotsnBites
11. Coconut Chia Pot
Coconut Chia Pot Recipe by Hungry Paprikas
To me, Ramadan is a time to pause all the distractions in our day to day life and focus on our faith. It’s a time to reflect inwards and be grateful for our blessings, and to share these blessings with friends, family and the community. Growing up, I remember sitting around the dinner table breaking our iftar with family and enjoying delicious food. As I get older, I want to be more and more conscious of the fact that Ramadan is about fasting not feasting, and to be more mindful of what I’m consuming and how it impacts my body and my health. Everything in moderation! I look forward to Ramadan each year as I get closer to my creator, my own self, my family and my community.
Amina, Hungry Paprikas
12. Zaatar Cake
Ramadan here in Jerusalem is very unique its all about how life become very active in this city especially with people visiting the Aqsa mosque from all around Palestine to prey. Weeks before Ramadan, people start to prepare their shops to welcome all these people with there delicious food and drinks like pastries, oriental sweets, Ramadan drinks, ka’ak, And of course Jerusalem special hummus and falafel.. Here in Palestine you can’t imagine Ramadan without the old city beautiful atmosphere and delicious food to share it with your family on Ramadan fasting table..
Hiba Jitan, Hiba’s Food
Your Lebanon Recipes
13. Homemade Labneh
14. Shanklish (Aged Cheese)
Shanklish (Aged Cheese) Recipe
15. Ijjeh (Parsley Omelette)
16. Sfouf Debis
17. Sfouf Turmeric