17 ‘Iftar’ buffet recipes to try during Ramadan
Muslim Australians will take part in Ramadan from March 9 to April 8 this year. Here’s a selection of recipes to enjoy during Ramadan.
Muslim Australians will take part in Ramadan from March 9 to April 8 this year
As part of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating food from sunrise until sunset to instead devote themselves to prayer.
Before dawn, those who observe Ramadan rise and eat a light breakfast called ‘Suhur’ (or ‘Suhoor’) to carry them through their day of fasting. At sunset, they break their fast with ‘Iftar’, starting with fresh dates and then moving onto a feast of traditional foods.
Iftar is often a communal affair, where observers bring a plate and share food. Buffet dishes might include salads, halal meats, rice and sweet pastries.
Because Ramadan is observed all over the globe in countries such as Afghanistan, Indonesia, Nigeria, India, Singapore and Turkey, the types of food they serve at Iftar can wildly vary. Here are some examples of dishes you might see at an Iftar table.
No Indian feast would be complete without these crispy pyramid-shaped pastries.
Koshari (Egyptian rice, lentils and pasta)
Piled high with sweet crispy onions, layers of saucy chickpeas, lentils, pasta and fluffy rice. This Egyptian staple is a hearty vegan masterpiece.
This recipe is vegan friendly.
Roti is a tasty and traditional side that can be served with almost any curry.
Pan-frying leftover roast lamb with spices to make it golden takes it to another level. This quick and easy Middle Eastern rice dish will become a weeknight dinner favourite with all the family.
Just a few simple ingredients are needed to create these low-kilojoule chicken satay skewers.
Add a little creativity and pizzazz to your next party with these almond stuffed dates that make entertaining a breeze!
Vegetable pakora salad with fruit chutney yoghurt
Before you do a grocery top-up, make our crispy vegie salad with what’s left in your kitchen.
This recipe has roots in Senegal, but you will find many different variations around the world. It’s a tomato-based rice dish with a distinct spicy flavour. This version is vegetarian, but can be served as an accompaniment to meat, chicken or fish.
Tropical fruit in cardamom syrup
This fruit is delightful.
Party hearty like a smarty with healthier alternatives to party fare.
These easy Aloo tikki (fried mashed potato patties) are loaded with fresh herbs and spices. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and absolutely packed with flavour, especially when dipped in a refreshing garlic yoghurt sauce. â They make the ultimate side or starter to an Indian feast.
Lamb, harrisa and pine nut spiral borek
Dani Vann offers a borek recipe filled with lamb mince, pine nuts and currants stuffed in traditional filo pastry and baked to golden, crunchy perfection.
Serve this strong, sweet coffee at the end of your Turkish feast.
Goat is a wonderfully lean meat that tastes amazing in this make-ahead curry recipe. You could also use diced lamb instead.
Discover the taste of Malaysian street food at home, courtesy of celebrity chef Jill Dupleix and her authentic nasi lemak recipe.
Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian cheese bread. Our version is made with pizza dough and features a garlicky filling topped with an egg. You can experiment with the fillings and serve for brunch or a weekend lunch.
For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.
Originally published as 17 ‘Iftar’ buffet recipes to try during Ramadan
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