Best Ramadan recipes for Iftar are the ones that bring us back to the table, where the day slows down, and we reconnect with the people we love. After a long day of fasting, there’s something deeply comforting about gathering around nourishing, homemade food that feels both meaningful and familiar.
In this roundup, I’m sharing 15 easy and traditional Ramadan main dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. These family-style Iftar dinner ideas are meant to make meal planning easier and help you create beautiful, comforting meals for everyday Ramadan nights, weekend gatherings, and special moments throughout the holy month.
Traditional Ramadan Main Dishes for Iftar
Below you’ll find a collection of comforting Ramadan recipes for Iftar that are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family.
Moroccan Fish Tagine
A light yet deeply flavorful fish tagine simmered with chermoula, vegetables, and warm spices — comforting without feeling heavy after a long day of fasting.
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Maqluba (Upside-Down Chicken and Rice)
A hearty, layered dish of chicken, rice, and vegetables that’s both filling and comforting — ideal for feeding the whole family at Iftar.
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Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Shawarma
Spiced, juicy chicken baked in the oven for an easy, family-friendly shawarma that works beautifully for weeknight Iftars.
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One-Pan Harissa Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
A bold yet balanced dish with tender chicken and roasted vegetables, all cooked in one pan for an easy and flavorful Iftar.
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Lamb Fatteh with Creamy Tahini- Sauce
Layers of tender lamb, crispy bread, and creamy tahini yogurt sauce make this a rich and filling dish ideal for Ramadan evenings.
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Musakhan
Roasted chicken with sumac-spiced caramelized onions served over flatbread, a deeply traditional and satisfying Ramadan favorite.
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Lamb Fatteh with Creamy Tahini-Yogurt Sauce
Juicy, spiced kofta served with a creamy tahini sauce, perfect as a filling main dish alongside simple sides at Iftar.
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Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder
A beautifully roasted lamb shoulder that’s tender and flavorful, ideal for weekend Iftars or hosting family during Ramadan.
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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Lebanese Malfouf
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Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Dried Fruit
Slow-cooked lamb with sweet dried fruit and aromatic spices, this traditional tagine is perfect for special Iftar nights and family gatherings.
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Mujadara- The Perfect Middle Eastern Dish
A simple yet nourishing dish of lentils, rice, and caramelized onions — affordable, comforting, and perfect for a lighter Iftar meal.
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Chicken Vermicelli
A comforting rice and vermicelli dish cooked with chicken, inspired by a family recipe that’s simple, filling, and nostalgic.
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Braised Lamb Shanks
Slow-braised lamb shanks that fall off the bone, making this a cozy, satisfying main dish for relaxed Ramadan dinners.
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Lamb and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers filled with seasoned lamb and rice, baked until tender, are a hearty, comforting Iftar option the whole family will enjoy.
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Moroccan Chicken Tagine
A classic chicken tagine cooked with spices and vegetables, offering a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect after a day of fasting.
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I hope these Ramadan recipes for Iftar make your meal planning easier this season.
