10 Traditional Ramzan Recipes You Must Try This Season

Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and community bonding for Muslims worldwide. It’s a time for spiritual reflection, and when the day’s fast ends, it’s also an opportunity to enjoy delicious and traditional dishes with family and friends. The meals for sehri (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (post-sunset feast) are crafted to nourish the body, satisfy the soul, and celebrate the festive spirit of the month.

If you’re looking for 10 traditional Ramzan recipes you must try this season, you’ve come to the right place. From hearty mains to decadent desserts, these dishes will make your Ramzan celebration truly special.

10 Traditional Ramzan Recipes You Must Try

1. Haleem

Haleem is a quintessential Ramzan dish, loved for its hearty texture and rich flavors. This slow-cooked stew combines lentils, wheat, barley, and meat (usually lamb or chicken), cooked with a blend of aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

1. Meat (lamb/chicken): 500g

2. Lentils (yellow and green): 1 cup

3. Cracked wheat: ½ cup

4. Ghee: 2 tbsp

5. Spices: Cardamom, cloves, cinnamon

6. Fried onions, ginger, and garlic paste

Preparation:

1. Soak lentils and wheat overnight.

2. Cook meat with spices until tender, then shred it.

3. Combine lentils, wheat, and meat in a pot, and cook until thick.

4. Top with fried onions, mint leaves, and lemon juice before serving.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Haleem is a wholesome dish that provides the protein and carbs needed to replenish energy after a day of fasting.

2. Samosas

Samosas are a classic snack for iftar, featuring crispy pastry filled with a spicy mix of potatoes, peas, or minced meat.

Ingredients:

1. Flour: 2 cups (for dough)

2. Potatoes (boiled): 2 large

3.Spices: Cumin, coriander, garam masala

4. Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Knead dough and let it rest.

2. Prepare the filling by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with spices.

3. Roll dough into small circles, fill, and seal into triangular shapes.

4. Fry until golden brown and serve with mint chutney.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Samosas are a crowd-pleaser and an iconic Ramzan snack that pairs perfectly with tea or refreshing drinks.

3. Kebabs

Kebabs, whether made of chicken, mutton, or beef, are a staple during Ramzan. Seekh kebabs, cooked on skewers, are particularly popular.

Ingredients:

1. Minced meat: 500g

2. Onions (chopped): 1 large

3. Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp

4. Green chilies and coriander: 2 tbsp (finely chopped)

5. Spices: Garam masala, cumin

Preparation:

1. Mix minced meat with onions, spices, and herbs.

2. Shape the mixture onto skewers.

3. Grill or cook on a stovetop until browned and tender.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Kebabs are flavorful, protein-rich, and perfect for an iftar spread.

4. Chicken 65

This spicy South Indian dish adds a fiery twist to your Ramzan table. Chicken 65 is crispy, tangy, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

1. Chicken (boneless): 500g

2. Yogurt: ½ cup

3. Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp

4. Red chili powder and turmeric

5. Curry leaves

Preparation:

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt, spices, and ginger-garlic paste for an hour.

2. Fry until crispy, then toss with fried curry leaves and green chilies.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Chicken 65 is a spicy, zesty dish that balances well with other milder iftar items.

5. Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada is a cooling and refreshing addition to an iftar menu. Lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with chutneys and spices make for a perfect appetizer.

Ingredients:

1. Urad dal (split black gram): 1 cup

2. Yogurt: 2 cups (whisked)

3. Tamarind chutney and mint chutney

4. Spices: Roasted cumin powder, chili powder

Preparation:

1. Soak urad dal and grind it into a smooth batter.

2. Fry small balls of the batter until golden.

3. Soak dumplings in water, then transfer them to yogurt.

4. Drizzle with chutneys and sprinkle spices on top.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Dahi Vada is light, refreshing, and provides a perfect balance to heavier dishes.

6. Nalli Nihari

This slow-cooked stew, made with marrow-filled lamb shanks, is a hearty and luxurious dish perfect for sehri or iftar.

Ingredients:

1. Lamb shanks: 1kg

2. Onions (fried): 1 cup

3. Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp

4. Nihari masala: 2 tbsp

Preparation:

1. Sauté shanks with spices, fried onions, and ginger-garlic paste.

2. Add water and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours until tender.

3. Garnish with fresh coriander and ginger slices.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Nalli Nihari is rich in flavor and nutrients, making it ideal for replenishing energy.

7. Sheer Khurma

Sheer Khurma is a sweet, creamy dessert made with vermicelli, milk, and dried fruits. It’s a Ramzan classic served during iftar and Eid celebrations.

Ingredients:

1. Vermicelli: ½ cup

2. Milk: 1 liter

3. Dates, almonds, and pistachios: ½ cup (chopped)

4. Cardamom powder: 1 tsp

Preparation:

1. Roast vermicelli in ghee until golden.

2. Boil milk, add roasted vermicelli and sugar.

3. Stir in dried fruits and cardamom powder.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Sheer Khurma is indulgent, festive, and symbolizes the sweetness of togetherness during Ramzan.

8. Falooda

This layered dessert-drink is a refreshing end to a day of fasting. Falooda is made with rose syrup, vermicelli, basil seeds, and milk, topped with ice cream.

Ingredients:

1. Rose syrup: 2 tbsp

2. Vermicelli: ¼ cup (boiled)

3. Basil seeds: 1 tbsp (soaked)

4. Milk: 1 cup

5. Vanilla or rose ice cream

Preparation:

1. Layer rose syrup, vermicelli, and soaked basil seeds in a tall glass.

2. Pour chilled milk and top with a scoop of ice cream.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Falooda is a cooling treat that combines sweetness, texture, and nostalgia.

9. Hyderabadi Biryani

No festive meal is complete without Hyderabadi Biryani. Aromatic basmati rice layered with spiced meat is a showstopper at any Ramzan gathering.

Ingredients:

1. Basmati rice: 2 cups

2. Chicken or mutton: 1kg

3. Yogurt: 1 cup

4. Saffron: 1 pinch (soaked in milk)

5. Spices: Cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves

Preparation:

1. Marinate meat in yogurt, spices, and fried onions.

2. Partially cook rice with whole spices.

3. Layer meat and rice in a pot, drizzle with saffron milk, and cook on low heat.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Hyderabadi Biryani is flavorful, aromatic, and perfect for large gatherings.

10. Pakoras

Pakoras are crispy fritters made with vegetables or meat, coated in spiced chickpea flour batter, and deep-fried.

Ingredients:

1. Vegetables (onion, spinach, or potato): 1 cup

2. Chickpea flour: 1 cup

3. Spices: Cumin, turmeric, chili powder

Preparation:

1. Mix chickpea flour with spices and water to form a batter.

2. Dip vegetables into the batter and fry until golden.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

Pakoras are quick to make, universally loved, and add crunch to your iftar spread.

Ramzan is a time of spiritual reflection, and food plays an integral role in bringing families and communities together. These 10 traditional Ramzan recipes celebrate the essence of this holy month, offering a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and festivity. Whether you’re planning a large iftar gathering or an intimate family meal, these recipes are sure to leave everyone delighted and satisfied.

This Ramzan, try your hand at these culinary delights and make your celebrations truly unforgettable!

FAQs 

1. What are some must-have ingredients for Ramzan recipes?

Key ingredients include lentils, basmati rice, spices (like cumin, cardamom, and turmeric), yogurt, dried fruits, and chickpea flour.

2. Are these recipes easy to make at home?

Yes, with basic cooking skills and the right ingredients, these recipes can be made at home to suit your taste preferences.

3. Can these dishes be made healthier?

Absolutely! For example, you can bake samosas instead of frying, use low-fat yogurt for Dahi Vada, or opt for lean meat in biryani and kebabs.

4. What are the best drinks to pair with Ramzan dishes?

Drinks like Rooh Afza, mint lemonade, or rose-flavored lassi pair wonderfully with these recipes.

5. Can these dishes be made in advance?

Yes, dishes like Haleem, Sheer Khurma, and kebabs can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.