Iftar Recipes: Delicious & Easy-to-prepare Recipes for Breaking the Fast That Offer a Twist on traditional Iftar Dishes.

Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and of course, delicious food. For those observing the month-long fast, the meal eaten to break the fast, known as iftar, is a special moment each day. While traditional iftar dishes are delicious and satisfying, it's always fun to mix things up and try something new. If you're in the Hamilton or Niagara Falls area and looking for creative iftar ideas, we've got you covered.

With a wide variety of Halal meats, spices, and ingredients, our stores are the perfect place to find inspiration for your iftar meals. Indulge in a variety of mouth-watering and easy-to-prepare recipes that add a delightful twist to the traditional iftar dishes.

Here are five delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes that will add a twist to your traditional iftar dishes:

1. Baked Chicken Shawarma

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is usually cooked on a spit. This recipe takes the classic shawarma flavors and bakes them in the oven for a healthier and easier-to-prepare version. Simply marinate chicken breasts in shawarma spices and bake until cooked through. Serve with warm pita bread and your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Warm pita bread
• Toppings of your choice (such as sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, hummus, tzatziki, or hot sauce)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to make the shawarma spice mixture.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or a zip-top plastic bag. Pour the shawarma spice mixture over the chicken, and toss to coat well.
4. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
7. Serve the oven-baked shawarma chicken with warm pita bread and your favorite toppings.

2. Mango and Avocado Salad

Salads are a great way to break the fast because they are light and refreshing. This recipe combines sweet mangoes with creamy avocado and spicy arugula for a flavor-packed salad that will leave you feeling satisfied. Top with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing for a refreshing twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, avocados, arugula, cilantro, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to coat the ingredients.
4. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning, as needed.
5. Divide the salad into serving bowls, and serve immediately.

3. Lentil and Potato Croquettes

Croquettes are a great way to use up leftover iftar dishes. This recipe combines mashed potatoes, cooked lentils, and spices to create a crispy and flavorful croquette that can be served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, cooked lentils, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Beat one egg in a small bowl, and set aside. Place the breadcrumbs in another small bowl.
3. Using your hands, shape the potato and lentil mixture into small croquettes.
4. Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumbs.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the croquettes in the oil, and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes from the oil, and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Serve the lentil and potato croquettes hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

4. Caramelized Onion and Feta Tart

This savory tart combines caramelized onions, feta cheese, and thyme for a delicious and easy-to-prepare iftar dish. Simply layer the ingredients on top of a pre-made pastry shell and bake until golden brown.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pastry shell
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pastry shell to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Place the pastry shell in the tart pan, and prick the bottom all over with a fork.
3. In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, and black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Spread the caramelized onions evenly in the pastry shell. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves and crumbled feta cheese over the onions.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Pour the egg mixture over the onion and feta cheese layer.
6. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
7. Let the tart cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.

5. Chai-spiced Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is a traditional iftar dessert that can be made with a variety of spices. This recipe adds a twist by using chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Top with toasted almonds and serve warm or cold.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain white rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and place it in a large saucepan. Add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, ground ginger, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, about 30-35 minutes.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods.
5. Serve the rice pudding warm or chilled, topped with toasted sliced almonds.

By incorporating these creative iftar ideas into your meal planning, you'll be sure to impress your family and friends while enjoying delicious and satisfying meals throughout the month of Ramadan. These recipes offer a twist on traditional iftar dishes while still honoring the spirit and traditions of this holy month.