15 Iftar Recipes to Break Fast

keema curry in a bowl
Photo: lutzflcat

Ramadan is not just a month to abstain from food but also to abstain from bad habits. It's meant to purify our hearts, seek forgiveness, and to forgive others, as well as help the less fortunate and cleanse our souls. We fast from sunrise to sunset so we can understand the plight of the needy and help us become more compassionate. The meal we break our fast with is called Iftar. I've hand-picked these recipes that follow so that you have delicious ideas to choose from when your family breaks fast.

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Stuffed Dates

cheese and walnut stuffed dates
Jennifer Baker

Dates are a traditional way to break fast. This delicious recipe can be made quickly and easily, which makes it a great treat to break your fast with. You can choose to follow the recipe or try different cheeses for the filling, such as goat's cheese.

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Easy Veggie Samosas

veggie samosas
British Baker

Samosas are a Ramadan staple — handheld savory goodness that tastes even better after a long day of fasting. These simple vegetarian samosas use a chickpea filling featuring your favorite curry paste.

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Harira

a bowl of harira, the Moroccan soup
Natasha Greenman-Ruzynski

This warming soup is a traditional Moroccan dish served at iftar to break fast. Lamb, lentils, and spices make this harira hearty and flavorful.

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Lebanese Za'atar Bread

zaatar bread
Gombeto

Za'atar bread brings a welcome freshness to the table with its distinctive array of spices, perfect when combined with this flaky flatbread. It is fully worth the time it takes to make it.

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Shami Kabab

Shami kababs are a great iftar item, not only are they tasty but the protein makes them especially satisfying after a day of fasting. Garlic, ginger, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and red chile powder ensure each kebab is full of flavor.

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Chicken Croquettes

Chicken croquettes make a crunchy, satisfying addition to an iftar spread. You can also try these Potato Croquettes for a delicious, non-meaty version.

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Pakistani Ground Beef Curry

Ground beef curry is total comfort food. Better yet, it is super easy to make and the results are awesome! The recipe creator danie says this curry, made with an array of spices you're sure to have on hand, has been a family favorite for years.

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Potato Cutlets

Potato cutlets are a household favorite. These comforting potato cakes always make mouths water. Recipe creator BRIDLE recommends serving them with tamarind sauce and ketchup.

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Baked Chicken Shawarma

Chicken shawarma is nutritious and full of flavor, and this baked version is easy to make at home. An array of spices — including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon — ensures every bite of this shawarma is delicious.

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Jujeh Kabob (Persian Chicken Kabobs)

These authentic Iranian kebabs have immense flavor. This dish is relatively easy to make and totally worth it! Recipe creator Reza suggests: "Serve with roasted tomatoes, fresh onions, sliced lemons, and rice."

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Pakistani Spicy Chickpeas

chickpeas in tomato sauce in a pot
Mandtz

Using canned chickpeas, this dish comes together easily and in a flash. Make a big batch to serve for iftar throughout the week.

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Mint Chutney

a ramekin of mint chutney
Lorena

This mint chutney is a great addition to any dish. After a fast, it brings a refreshing flavor profile to your food!

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Sweet and Tangy Tamarind Date Sauce

This is a nice, sweet contrast to mint chutney. This recipe is great for adding a sweet factor to dishes, including kebabs and samosas. This sauce is naturally sweetened with dates and apricots, but you can also try a traditional tamarind chutney sweetened with sugar.

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Gulab Jamun

gulab jamun in syrup
chefgirl

Warm gulab jamun truly hits different after a long fast. The sweet, fried, warm goodness always has me reaching for more. This recipe features a lovely traditional rose and cardamom scented syrup.

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Fereni Starch Pudding

This Iranian dessert can be made with rice flour, but in this version cornstarch is used. If you like creamy puddings, you'll love this recipe.

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More Inspiration

keema aloo with peas
henriques_p

Find lots more inspiration for Ramadan with our recipes and collections:

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