Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period for Muslims worldwide. It's a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. During this month, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset, aiming to draw closer to Allah and strengthen self-discipline.

Each country and region brings its unique flavors and specialties to Ramadan, reflecting the cultural diversity and richness of the Muslim community.

Ramadan follows the Lunar Calendar and is expected to start from the evening of February 28 and last until March 30, 2025.

Daily routine during Ramadan

  • Suhoor (Suhur, Sehri, Sahur): The pre-dawn meal providing essential energy for the day's fast. It's crucial to include nourishing foods like whole grains, proteins, and hydrating fluids.
  • Fasting: From dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking, focusing on prayer, reading the Quran, and community service.
  • Iftar: The meal to break the fast at sunset, traditionally starting with dates and water, followed by a variety of dishes to replenish energy.

Planning for Ramadan

  • Stock Up on Essentials: Ensure you have staples like grains, legumes, dairy products, and fresh produce in order to quickly make meals.
  • Prepare Doughs and Pastries in Advance: Items like brick sheets and puff pastry can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
  • Homemade Sauces: Create and store tomato sauce and flavored olive oils to enhance your dishes.

What to eat for Suhoor and Iftar?

Preparing for the day-long fast with suhoor, it's important to eat hydrating and protein-rich foods. Smoothies with yogurt or omelettes with cheese are great choices that are easy to stomach early in the morning.

Omelette Recipe by Salma Ahmed
I wanted to make Omelette but with a twist and it turned out really good and my family loved it. It was perfect for Sohour.
CookpadSalma Ahmed
4 Ingredients Honey Mango Yogurt Smoothies Recipe by Claire S.
Welcome Summer with this healthy,quick,easy and yummy yellow smoothie for you in the morning.So refreshing :)
CookpadClaire S.

For iftar, it's important to break your fast with light meals like juice, soup, dates and salad which are easy on the stomach. Avoid fatty or spicy foods which are difficult to digest right before evening prayers.

Strawberry Mango Squash Recipe by Simple_Woman23
5th day of Ramadan and it’s iftar time. For the opening usually we like something sweet and cold, so strawberry mango squash another best option for iftar. #happy #iftar #ramadan #ramadan2022 #Cookpad #Cookpad_Community_Semarang #Cookpad_Community_USA #Cookpad_Community_Indonesia
CookpadSimple_Woman23
No-cream Creamy Red lentil soup (perfect for Iftar 🌙) Recipe by Linda L.
#soup#ramadan#iftar#Lebanese#middleeastern This is a super common soup to make in every house in Lebanon and the Middle East in general, especially during Ramadan for Iftar. I’d easily say that this is the most Ramadanish soup back home. 🥣
CookpadLinda L.

Later, you can enjoy a main meal - try these traditional recipes to share with friends and family:

Traditional Ramadan Recipes

Green Peas Soup (Shorba) Recipe by Surekha Dongargaonkar
A very healthy, high protein tasty soup
CookpadSurekha Dongargaonkar
Lemon-Pepper Chickpea Fattoush Recipe by Danielle Barnes
I’m obsessed with this salad! ❤ Its bright and fresh and unbelievably filling.
CookpadDanielle Barnes
Tabbouleh Recipe by Frenchy
Great recipe for Tabbouleh.
CookpadFrenchy
Ramzan special biriyani Recipe by Kavitha Vikunth
#flavour4 A very famous biriyani in a simple way . Spicy yummy chicken biriyani. Just follow the exact quantity.
CookpadKavitha Vikunth
Moroccan Lamb Tagine Recipe by Bethica Das
#nonindian - This is a classic Moroccan Dish where marinated lamb is slow cooked to perfection in a Tagine pot. This is my version of this popular cuisine, where I gave an Indian touch by adding some crushed kasuri methi and yoghurt. Rest of the spices used are very much a part of Moroccan cuisine. …
CookpadBethica Das
Mutton Haleem Recipe by Bethica Das
#Post14 - This is a very popular Hyderabadi dish during the holy month of Ramadan. It can be prepared with either mutton or chicken. But now a days, you come across vegetarian haleem too. Traditionally it is slow cooked for many hours on an open flame. But I tried the simplest method - Pressure cook…
CookpadBethica Das
Cream cheese kunafah Recipe by JustFood
This is an arabian sweet loved by everyone once they taste it.Just try it simple dessert..#mycookbook.
CookpadJustFood
Makrout🌰🍯🍰 (Semolina and Date Cookie) / مقروط بالسميدة و التمر🍰🍯🌰 Recipe by Irum Zaidi Home Cooking
Makrout is a traditional North African semolina pastry. Also spelled Maqrout, Makroudh, Maqrut, Mqaret, Imqaret or Makroud. The word makrout in Arabic means “diamond shaped”, as are these small delights. They originated in Tunisia but have become popular from Algeria to Morocco, and there is even a …
CookpadIrum Zaidi Home Cooking
Qatayef, a delicious Middle Eastern dessert Recipe Recipe by Chef Abdur Rahman
Qatayef is a popular Middle Eastern dessert commonly enjoyed during the month of Ramadan. It is a sweet stuffed pancake typically filled with a creamy cheese or nut mixture and then either fried or baked.
CookpadChef Abdur Rahman

Share the joy of Ramadan with family or friends by testing new recipes or revisiting your classics. Don't hesitate to share your tips and variations in the comments to enrich this moment of sharing food together. Together, let's make this Ramadan a wonderful and friendly celebration! 🌙

See what other home cooks are making for Ramadan 👇

Must-try Ramadan recipes: delicious & satisfying
Explore savory iftar dishes, sweet suhoor treats, and traditional delights. Indulge in these flavorful recipes this Ramadan!
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