Ramadan 2026 Recipes: Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, is observed through fasting, prayer and acts of charity. The fast lasts from dawn to sunset and begins with a pre-dawn
meal known as suhur, ending in the evening with iftar.
In India, the crescent moon for Ramadan 2026 was sighted on Wednesday evening, marking the start of fasting from Thursday, February 19. While the month centres on spiritual discipline, iftar meals also hold deep cultural and communal importance.
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Mezze Dishes Commonly Served During Iftar
Mezze refers to a variety of small dishes traditionally served at the start of iftar. These dishes are designed to be light, nourishing and easy on the stomach after a long day of fasting.
- Baba ghanoush is a smoky eggplant-based dip prepared by roasting eggplants until soft, then mixing them with tahini, olive oil, garlic and lemon. Its deep, earthy flavour makes it a popular mezze choice during Ramadan.
- Hummus is a smooth and creamy dip made from blended chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice. Rich in protein and healthy fats, it is commonly served with pita bread or fresh vegetables, making it both filling and gentle to digest.
- Dolma consists of vegetables such as grape leaves, zucchini or eggplant stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs and spices. Often served warm or at room temperature, dolma is a comforting and flavourful iftar dish.
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Hearty Main Course Dishes for Ramadan Evenings
Main courses during iftar are typically substantial, providing energy and nourishment after fasting.
- Biryani is a layered rice dish cooked with basmati rice, meat and aromatic spices. Slow-cooked to allow flavours to develop, it is a Ramadan favourite across South Asia due to its richness and ability to feed large gatherings.
- Lamb tagine, a Moroccan speciality, is a slow-simmered stew cooked in a conical pot. The lamb becomes tender as it absorbs spices like cumin, coriander and cinnamon, along with vegetables and dried fruits.
- Kabsa is a Middle Eastern rice dish made with long-grain rice, meat and spices such as cardamom and saffron. Known for its fragrant aroma, it is often served family-style during Ramadan.
- Maqluba, meaning “upside down,” is a dramatic one-pot dish where meat, vegetables and rice are layered, cooked together and flipped onto a serving platter. Garnished with almonds or pine nuts, it is both visually striking and deeply satisfying.
Traditional Desserts That Complete Iftar
Sweet dishes are an essential part of iftar and are often shared communally.
- Qatayef are soft, pancake-like pastries filled with sweet cheese or nuts, then fried or baked and soaked in syrup.
- Gulab jamun are soft milk-based dumplings soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, popular across South Asia.
- Baklava features layers of crisp phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup.
- Kunafa, made from shredded pastry layered with cheese or cream and soaked in syrup, is often considered the crown jewel of Ramadan desserts.
