Best 8 Dishes to Eat During Ramadan This Year 2024
By: Masha Lukovenko / Arab America Contributing Writer
Intro
Enjoy this year’s Ramadan with this great selection of delicious and delightful traditional Middle Eastern and Arab iftar recipes and dishes. Traditional appetizers and starters include Moroccan Harira. Meat dishes include kofta, shish tawook, and a variety of lamb. Classic Ramadan side dishes like casserole with artichokes, fragrant yellow rice, and Egyptian meat pie are not to be overlooked. A taste of kunafa, basbousa, or qatayef is essential for any Ramadan iftar. By tradition, people who observe Ramadan break their fast by consuming three dates, just as the prophet Mohammed did.
Information on Ramadan
Muslims follow Ramadan at various times throughout the year because they use a lunar calendar. This implies that the month occurs occasionally during the summer, when days are longer, and occasionally during the winter, when days are shorter and fasting is easier. Eid is celebrated on the new moon at the conclusion of the month.
There are two main meals served throughout Ramadan: iftar, which is eaten after sunset, and suhoor, also known as sehri, which is served before dawn. Meals are usually shared with the local community or with family and friends. Fresh fruits and vegetables, halal meats, breads, cheeses, and desserts are usually served with suhoor and iftar meals.
Ramadan Dishes
Musakhan
This is a classic cuisine from Palestine that is very tasty, full, and hearty. Both adults and children enjoy eating it because it’s simple and enjoyable. This dish can be prepared in many different ways as long as the fundamental ingredients—caramelized red onion, sumac, and soft, succulent chicken wrapped in bread—remain the same.
Shish Kebab
The word “kebab” originates from Persian and was later translated into Arabic (kabāb) and Turkish (kebap). It is believed that transhumant peoples in Central Asia, whose diets heavy in meat were considerably altered in an urban setting where vegetables were more easily accessible, are the originators of kebab.
Biryani
There is never a celebration that is complete without Biryani. This fragrant dish, which is loved in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines, is simply divine. Naturally spicy and easily adaptable to your favorite veggies and meats, biryani is a staple Ramadan and Eid meal. Typically, meat (chicken, mutton, beef, or shellfish) is used in biryani, but the primary ingredient is always rice. The meal is well-liked throughout the Middle East and Subcontinent, and the recipe varies based on location and individual preferences.
Lgeimat / Saffron Fritters
Although there are variations of this renowned Emirati dessert practically everywhere in the Muslim world, it is still the same. Need we say more? Deep-fried dough balls infused with saffron and coated in sugar syrup. These are quite addictive, with a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. Savor them following iftar or present them on Eid to make everyone happy.
Tamarind / Stuffed Fish
For those who wish to dress up a bit during Ramadan, this is for you. Persian tamarind / stuffed fish is sure to impress and is perfect for dinner gatherings. Made with tart tamarind and packed with healthy barberries, this dish is traditionally offered on Persian New Year but also makes an appearance on the Ramadan table.
Khoresh Fesenjoon
Is there anything else we should say about this classic Persian meal of chicken served in a luscious pomegranate-walnut sauce? This dish will make you forget that you fasted for the entire day because it is sweet, sticky, and acidic. With two key superfoods (pomegranate and walnuts) making sure your body gets the sustenance it needs, it is exceptionally hearty and pleases all of your taste sensations.
Ma’moul / Date Cookies
These are tasty, shortbread-like cookies from the Middle East that are packed with walnuts, pistachios, or dates. They are especially relished during holidays like Christmas or Eid when families prepare a large batch and share it with guests. Although making these cookies takes some time, the end product is well worth the effort.
Baklava
An opulent dessert fit for any special occasion! One of the distinctive desserts given during Ramadan and Eid is baklava. This dessert is popular throughout the Middle East and is typically shared with friends and loved ones. Baklava has a crunchy outer layer of filo pastry and a warm, nutty interior. You can adjust the quantity of sugar syrup and nuts to your preferred taste. I myself love Baklava, even though I’m not Arab but Russian and Ukrainian. In fact, many other Ukrainians and Russians love this dessert as well.
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