30 delicious and healthy dinner (iftar) ideas for Ramadan - Fasting regularly is a means for the body to rejuvenate itself and it aids the body to repel, restore and regain balance. In order to make that easier on the body and to go easy on the digestive system, I prefer iftar- sunset dishes made with healthy ingredients during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar).
30 Healthy Ramadan Recipes
A healthy diet during Ramadan will help with energy levels and make the rejuvenation process easier. Here are our top healthy Iftar recipes (main course) to help you stay on track after a long day of fasting.
If you are looking for breakfast recipes, check out our protein-packed breakfast/suhoor recipes (these are usually consumed just before the sun rises).
As much as I believe that special dishes are important in the holy month of Ramadan, I also firmly believe that is is the least important part of Ramadan and cooking a special meal every day can be a daunting task. This collection of Ramadan recipes has been gathered with all these things in mind. I hope you enjoy these delicious Ramadan recipes!
MEAT
1. Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab - Chicken Doner Kebab is the best fakeaway Chicken Doner recipe made with fragrant spices. This Iftar meal can be served in Naan, Wraps, Pita Bread, with Rice or even with a simple Salad.
2. Khow suey with Chicken - Coconut Milk Noodles - Khou suey is a comforting burmese Coconut Noodle Soup. It is served with a variety of toppings such as crispy onions, garlic, lemon, mint. It is bursting full of flavour and very more-ish.
This is a version I learnt from my inlaws and it isn't an authentic version but one with an indian twist.
3. Lamb Zurbian - Lamb Zurbian aka Surbian is a well known Biryani style dish from Yemen. It is a variation of the infamous Hyderabadi Biryani and is usually made for special occasions such as Weddings, get togethers, for Iftar during Ramadan or on Eid. This aromatic Biryani is made with Lamb, Spices and Potatoes. It is served alongside a homemade hot sauce called Sahawig/Sahawiq aka Zhoug as well as Kachumbar. Like all Biryani recipes, this recipe is a labour of love but the results are worth it!
4. Kebab Koobideh - Persian Ground Lamb Kebabs - Kebab or Kabob Koobideh is a popular Persian Kebab that is served in restaurants, as well as on the streets (by a Kabobi - Kebab Man) or inside bazaars in Iran. It also happens to be one of our favourite Kebabs! It is the most flavourful, juicy Kebab ever and it is easy to make too. The Kebab itself is made with ground lamb or beef or a combination of the two.
5. One Tin Roast Greek Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes - This Easy and delicious Greek Chicken and Potatoes is a real family favourite. In this recipe, the Chicken and Potatoes are coated in a vibrant and zingy Garlicky Lemon Sauce and then roasted to perfection. You can make this Recipe with whole Chicken or Chicken Thighs.
6. Chicken Chapli Kebab - Chapli Kebab, Chapli Kabab or Peshawari Kebabs are a popular tender, melt in the mouth Pashtun-style minced kebab, usually made from ground beef, ground mutton or ground chicken with various spices. These ingredients are marinaded and then combined together to form a patty. Serve with Kachumber, Pulao or Naan.
7. Chicken Tikka Tacos - Chicken Tikka is a starter/appetiser that is popular in Indian homes and restaurants all over the world. In this recipe, we add Chicken Tikka pieces to a Taco/Flour Tortilla to make a Chicken Tikka Masala Taco.
8. Joojeh Kebab - Joojeh kebab or Joojeh Kabob is a popular recipe for juicy, tender, flavourful grilled Persian chicken kebabs. In this recipe, Chicken Breast or boneless Chicken Thighs are marinaded in and then basted with Lemon and Saffron.
9. This One Pot Lemon Chicken and Thyme Orzo is made using very few ingredients including juicy chicken thighs. This is a super quick and easy to make (30 minutes) and it is a dish that everyone will enjoy.
10. Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake with Potatoes, Olives, Pepper and Feta – One of our favourite meals is this delicious and easy oven baked chicken cooked with citrus flavours and herbs.
11. Lamb Haleem - Haleem is the best hug in a bowl. Made with mixed lentils and lamb, this is a rich, spicy, aromatic, warming, hearty stew that is often consumed during Ramadan to open the Fast (Iftar/Fatoor), but is also consumed outside of Ramadan because it is so delicious!
12. Moroccan Harira Soup - A hearty, healthy and velvety warming Moroccan lentil and chickpea soup with herbs and tomatoes. The word Harira means Silk which refers to the silk like texture of the soup.
13. Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops - These Tandoori lamb chops cook in under 15 minutes! They are a mouthwatering blend of tender lamb, marinated in a mix of yoghurt and spices. The Chops are pan seared to perfection in a cast iron or heavy pan which helps to sear the meat on the outside whilst keeping them juicy on the inside! Alternatively they can be grilled. The smoky, charred edges combined with the succulent interior create a burst of flavour in every bite.
FISH
14. Salmon Curry - This Indian Salmon curry recipe is delicious and bursting with flavour. It is SO tender and is the easiest, most satisfying meal ever! All you need are a few ingredients and 35 minutes.
15. Masala Fish - A simply divine Masala Fish recipe courtesy of my Aunt. This recipe is absolutely packed with flavour. The fish is marinaded and cooked and then added to an incredibly spice infused masala sauce. A ridiculously EASY recipe made using only store cupboard ingredients.
16. Salmon and Vegetable Traybake with Coconut Rice - This is a terrific way to serve salmon that is just so delicious, nutritious and makes for a great mid week meal.
17. Prawn Chow Mein - This is one of my favourite fakeaway recipes and a well known noodle dish. This Easy Prawn Chow Mein recipe is healthy, a fakeaway favourite and quick to make (ready to eat in 15 minutes)! Prawn Chow Mein is made with Fresh Egg Noodles, king prawns, Veggies and a Chow Mein Sauce.
18. Baked Tandoori Salmon - This Tandoori Salmon recipe is a quick and easy meal to make during the week. In this recipe, salmon is coated in aromatic indian spices to mimic a tandoori marinade. It is then oven baked (or grilled/air fried) until delicious and flaky. Serve with a mint and coriander chutney, cumin rice or air fryer shoestring fries for a healthy meal.
19. Easy Indian Masala Prawns Curry - Prawn Masala is a quick and easy recipe that is delicious, aromatic and spicy. It works great as a starter or side and is best served with Rice or Chapatti.
VEGETARIAN
20. Sri Lankan Roast Pumpkin Curry - This Sri Lankan Pumpkin Curry feels like Autumn or Fall in a bowl. It is the most comforting curry that is packed full of flavour. In this recipe, we combine roast Pumpkin wedges with a curry base made up of Onions and aromatic warming Spices and then we finish off by simmering in Coconut Milk. You can use Butternut Squash if you prefer too! This recipe is Vegan, gluten free and dairy free. Serve alongside fluffy Basmati Rice for a hearty meal that will be loved by all!
21. Roast Cauliflower salad with zingy dressing - This is absolutely divine. The toasted roast cauliflower is spiced beautifully and the dressing is gorgeously zingy and amended from a Diana Henry recipe. Made with pistachios and lemon, it is a dressing I want to pour onto everything.
22. Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry) - I am yet to come across a person who doesn’t love kidney beans curry – rajma masala. We serve it with fragrant cumin and vegetable rice.
23. Rajma Kebab - Kidney bean kebab is a quick and easy recipe to make and it is so so delicious. A vegan and gluten free recipe that comes from I believe Northern India.
24. Best Vegan Salad - The healthy vegan meal is made with roast chickpeas, kale, roast sweet potatoes and a tahini and soy sauce dressing. This is my favourite vegan salad with a great variety of textures and flavours.
25. Easy Turkish Lentil Soup - This hearty Turkish Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbası) is light, healthy and full of flavour. This is one of the first recipes I made for the blog and also a recipe that I was reminded of a couple of years later on a Naturopathy course.
26. Moong Dal - Delicious, Warming, Comforting, Nourishing and Nutritious Moong Daal is our go to Autumn/Winter meal and many an indian household. In this North Indian recipe by my Mother in Law, Mung Daal is boiled and then cooked with Spices before a tempering of whole Spices and Yoghurt is mixed in. If you prefer Red Lentils, try this Masoor Dal Tadka.
27. Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Pine Nuts - This easy recipe for Pesto pasta salad is quick to make. It is packed full of flavour and is an easy weeknight dinner that anyone can make!
28. Chickpea Eggs - Chickpea Eggs are a favourite for breakfast, lunch or dinner at my house. In essence, they are eggs on top of delicious Chana Masala.
29. Roast Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup - This delicious Pumpkin Soup is cosy, hearty, comforting, aromatic and wholesome. This is an easy recipe made with fresh roast, spiced pumpkin and sweet potato. Creamy and full of flavour, this is the BEST soup recipe for Autumn/Fall.
30. Chana masala with tamarind - chickpea curry - Tamarind Chana Masala is a recipe that is often served in the run up to a wedding. This is an easy, fuss free recipe for the most delicious Chickpea Curry. It makes an aromatic and flavourful Curry with tender Chickpeas, Indian Spices and Vegan friendly.
I hope you enjoyed this little round up of easy Ramadan Recipes, I would love to know what is on your Ramadan Menu - (Suhoor and Iftar menu). Ramadan Mubarak! I hope you have a wonderful prosperous Ramadan, full of peace, happiness and joy.
more ramadan posts:
30 Delicious and Healthy Breakfast (Suhoor) ideas for Ramadan - This includes healthy snacks, healthy dishes and more delicious food. You can also use some of these recipes for meal preparation.
Duas for Ramadan - A list of Duas for Ramadan.
Ramadan Prep, Tips and Checklist - How to prepare for Ramadan.
3 Stages of Ramadan - 3 Stages of Ramadan and the Duas for each stage.
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