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A festive food spread featuring Ramadan Iftar recipes including samosas, dates, rice, and appetizers.

Ramadan Preps and Three Iftar Ideas

Maximize your blessed month with these essential Ramadan prep ideas and three delicious, easy-to-assemble iftar meals that are both wholesome and satisfying, perfect for busy evenings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Healthy, International, Middle Eastern
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Ramadan Preps (Batch Cooking)
Spiced Lentil Soup Base (Freezable)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 medium Carrots diced
  • 2 stalks Celery diced
  • 1.5 cups Red lentils rinsed
  • 1 28 oz can Canned crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups Vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1.5 tsp Ground coriander
  • 1 tsp Ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Chicken & Veggie Skewer Marinade (Freezable)
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 large Bell peppers assorted colors, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium Red onion cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium Zucchini cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Date & Nut Energy Bites (No-Bake)
  • 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
  • 0.5 cup Raw almonds
  • 0.5 cup Raw walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened shredded coconut plus more for rolling
  • 2 tbsp Cocoa powder optional
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch Salt
Iftar Ideas (Quick Assembly with Preps)
Iftar 1: Quick & Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup
  • 1 portion Spiced Lentil Soup Base from preps, approx. 2-3 cups
  • 1-2 cups Water or broth to desired consistency
  • 1/4 cup Milk or cream optional, for creaminess
  • 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1 wedge Lemon per serving, for garnish
Iftar 2: Grilled Chicken & Veggie Skewers with Herbed Rice
  • 1 portion Chicken & Veggie Skewer Marinade from preps, for 4-6 skewers
  • 3 cups Cooked white or brown rice
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill chopped
Iftar 3: Refreshing Cucumber-Mint Salad
  • 2 medium Cucumbers thinly sliced or diced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup Red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Feta cheese crumbled, optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Immersion Blender or Blender
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Food processor
  • Grill, Grill Pan or Air Fryer
  • Skewer Sticks (wooden or metal)
  • Freezer-Safe Containers or Bags

Method
 

Ramadan Preps (Batch Cooking Day)
    Spiced Lentil Soup Base
    1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened.
    2. Stir in the rinsed red lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
    3. Carefully blend the soup partially with an immersion blender or transfer portions to a regular blender (vent the lid!) until desired consistency is reached (some chunks are fine).
    4. Allow the soup base to cool completely. Divide into freezer-safe containers or bags, storing in portions equivalent to 2-3 cups each. Freeze for up to 3 months.
    Chicken & Veggie Skewer Marinade
    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to create the marinade.
    2. Add the cubed chicken breast/thighs, bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini to the bowl. Toss everything to ensure it's evenly coated with the marinade.
    3. Divide the marinated chicken and veggies into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
    Date & Nut Energy Bites
    1. In a food processor, combine pitted Medjool dates, almonds, walnuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
    2. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough-like consistency and comes together. If too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
    3. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch). If desired, roll them in extra shredded coconut.
    4. Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 1 month.
    Iftar Ideas (Quick Assembly on Iftar Day)
      Iftar 1: Quick & Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup
      1. Thaw one portion of Spiced Lentil Soup Base (if frozen). Transfer to a pot.
      2. Add 1-2 cups of water or broth to the soup base, depending on desired thickness. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes.
      3. Optional: Stir in milk or cream for a richer, creamier texture and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
      4. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and a lemon wedge per serving. Serve hot.
      Iftar 2: Grilled Chicken & Veggie Skewers with Herbed Rice
      1. Thaw one portion of Chicken & Veggie Skewer Marinade completely. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
      2. Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating chicken and different veggies.
      3. Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Cook skewers for 4-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and vegetables are tender-crisp.
      4. Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange skewers in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken is cooked through.
      5. For the Herbed Rice: If making fresh, cook rice according to package directions, using chicken broth for extra flavor. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in chopped fresh parsley and dill.
      6. Serve the grilled skewers immediately with the herbed rice.
      Iftar 3: Refreshing Cucumber-Mint Salad
      1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped fresh mint, and thinly sliced red onion.
      2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
      3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
      4. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish.

      Notes

      Prepping these components ahead of time significantly reduces daily Iftar cooking stress. The soup base and skewers freeze beautifully. Energy bites are great for suhoor or a light snack after Taraweeh. Adjust spice levels to your preference. For the soup, consider adding a squeeze of lime instead of lemon for a different citrus note.