Recipes for Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next. The holiday of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.

Many adult Muslims choose to fast from dawn to sunset for the entire month. This means that for the early morning breakfast and evening meals it is even more important to make certain to get the nutrients needed to sustain you through the day and month.

One favorite (and quick) appetizer is made by making a slice in one side of a dried date, popping out the seed, filling the cavity with fresh cream cheese (we like Gina Marie), and topping it with a toasted almond. Delicious.

And, for beverages, sometimes it is easier to pick up some prepared drinks to have on hand. We love Tazo’s boxed Chai, and the variety of fruit juices from Ceres. Also, Clover Sonoma Kefir is fantastic for added nutrition, and it comes in all kinds of flavors like Summer Strawberry, Perfect Blueberry, Mango-Passion Fruit-Pineapple, Pomegranate-Strawberry-Açai, and the traditional, plain.

Here is our list of recipe ideas from our archives for Ramadan…

Breakfast
Breakfast Frittata Recipe
This is a dish with infinite variations and can be made from ingredients you have on hand in your fridge and pantry. Served with some toast and spreads, it can be a deliciously filling meal.

Baked Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms
Breakfast for dinner! Here’s a wonderful and simple-to-prepare meal that you can make in one dish. Toast some bagels (or a good, crusty bread) and serve them with Gina Marie Cream Cheese.

Baked French Toast with Apples
You can assemble this dish the night before and leave it covered in the fridge. Then, all you have to do is pop it in a warmed oven about 45 minutes before it is time to eat. Or try this version with blueberries or raspberries.

Spicy Veggie Hash
This recipe has all of the elements of a traditional diner hash without the cardiologist on standby for after-effects. And, it has chilies. You can never go wrong adding chilies to anything…

Chakchouka
What could be more delicious than a fire-red sauce with gently cooked eggs?
David Lebovitz offers a beautiful Chakchouka recipe that is adapted from both Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi and Secrets of the Best Chefs by Adam Roberts.

Dinner
Marinated and Grilled Mediterranean Leg of Lamb
The uniform thickness of a butterflied boneless leg of lamb makes it easy to grill and serve. If you don’t have access or the inclination to grill outdoors, the lamb can be cooked on a hot, lightly-oiled, and well-seasoned, 2-burner, ridged, grill pan.

Chicken Stew with White Beans and Sausage
This Chicken Stew with White Beans and Sausage is inspired by a classic Tuscan white bean stew. Browning the chicken, sausage, and aromatics makes for a richer, deeper flavor. The abundance of spinach wilts down substantially.

Red Lentil Soup
This easy soup is simmered for a while and blended smooth with a stick blender.

Moroccan Caramelized Carrots
Our recipe for Moroccan Caramelized Carrots is simply amazing. Give it a try!

Moroccan Kefta Kebobs
They can be eaten right off the skewer alongside a cucumber salad and some hummus or some couscous. And, they are delicious in a soft pita with sliced tomatoes, a smear of hummus, and some tangy tzatziki.

Amy’s Hummus
Hummus is so easy to make, and frankly tastes way better when you make it fresh. This recipe is fast—you can make a batch in 5 minutes. It keeps in the fridge for about 5 days—if it lasts that long. Play around with this recipe. You can add harissa if I want it spicy.

Spiced Lamb Sliders with Harissa Mayonnaise and Cucumber
These are the bomb! (Even the kids love them.) They are the perfect finger food, and great for breaking a fast.

Desserts
Fudgy Bundt Cake
This simple chocolate cake recipe adapted from Samin Nosrat’s book “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” is a favorite because of its density of flavor and moist lushness. It’s a great ending to a nice meal.

Old Fashioned Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
This classic cake is so satisfying.

Lemon Pound Cake Bliss
This show-stopper of a cake is perfect for spring. Plus, bundt cakes are easy to make.

Granola Bar Cookies
This makes a lot of Granola Bar Cookies depending on the size. You can freeze half of the dough for later. And, around with the add-ins: you can use chocolate chips, dates, or whatever you have on hand that sounds good. They make a delicious breakfast bar, too.

Baked Apples Filled with Fruit and Nuts
These are some yummy baked apples. And, with a little Vanilla Ice cream? Shut. The. Front. Door.