Easy Ramadan recipes for Iftar and Suhoor

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Join me this Ramadan to enjoy the Ramadan recipes, customs and traditions of the Cape Muslims; descendants of political prisoners, slaves and migrants from the Dutch and British colonies of South East Asia.

Our cuisine, customs and genetics had their roots in both that of the colonized and the colonizer, as well as the plethora of migrants that landed on our shores since the middle of the 17th century.

Read more: Cape Malay Ramadhan traditions

Every group brought with them the food and culture of their homeland and over time they adapted it to suit the available produce, the climate and the economic realities of life as an enslaved people. Modern day Cape Malay cooking bears very little resemblance to it’s historical forerunner and it appears that the only thing that we have retained are names of fruits, vegetables or the occasional dish that sounds vaguely familiar.

If you are observing the fast for Ramadan, what are the traditions or customs of your family or community at large?

Read more: What is Ramadhan and why do Muslims fast?

My favorite Ramadan tradition is our custom of exchanging plates of sweet and savory snacks with our neighbors for breaking the fast. It is one I have missed most during my time in Dubai because it exemplifies the spirit of sharing and caring during Ramadan.

I realised recently that many of my favorite iftar treats were the ones that we received from our neighbors and my Aunty Gadija who lives at the end of our road. Even now, the items I crave for at iftar are the snacks that Aunty Dija used to make: fluffy daltjies, basboosa and gulab jamboo.

Our family favorite Ramadan recipes use basic pantry ingredients and under the circumstances we will be keeping it simple. Do you have any favorite Ramadan recipes that you would like to share with us?

Most of us will spend another Ramadan in our respective homes, able to attend congregational prayers or socialise with family and friends around iftar feasts. May Allah bless this auspicious time and help us to remember the Muslims who have succumbed to genocide and ethnic cleansing around the world.

I created a free Daily Ramadan planner that you can download and use if you wish to track progress with daily goals.

Ramadan Recipes for Suhoor

Start your day with nourishing and wholesome Ramadan recipe ideas for suhoor. From creamy breakfast mieliepap to fruity overnight oats, these dishes will keep you energized throughout your fast.

Creamy Breakfast Mieliepap recipe

This Creamy Breakfast Mieliepap recipe is flavored with cinnamon and cardamom and sweetened with berry compote and served with fresh berries and granola.

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Low Carb Healthy Berry Smoothie

This Low Carb Healthy Berry Smoothie with blueberries and raspberries contains fiber, healthy fats, protein and essential vitamins and nutrients to keep you satiated.

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Dairy free Overnight Muesli and Oats

This dairy free overnight muesli and oats breakfast combines the creaminess of almond and coconut milk with sweet raisins, raspberries and pomegranate and the crunch of hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds.

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Shakshuka – Poached eggs in spicy tomato sauce

This healthy and nutritious one pan Shakshuka recipe is a popular breakfast, brunch or dinner meal of eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce.

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Gluten free Keto Almond Coconut bread

Keto friendly, gluten free and grain free almond and coconut bread to satisfy the bread lover in you.

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Healthy Mango Berry smoothie bowl recipe

This healthy Mango Berry Smoothie Bowl is a symphony of contrasting and complementary textures and flavors – creamy yet thick, sweet yet tangy, with a delightful crunch from the chia seeds.

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Ramadan Recipes for Beverages

Stay hydrated and refreshed after long hours of fasting with our collection of Ramadan recipe beverages. Explore Falooda milkshake, Mango and Orange aguas frescas, and the ever-classic Boeber.

Cape Malay Rose Falooda milkshake with china grass

This Cape Malay Rose Falooda milkshake is subtly flavored with rose syrup and includes luscious full fat milk and full cream ice cream with the health benefits of agar agar and basil seeds for an uplifting and refreshing drink after a long and tiring day.

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Mango and Orange aguas frescas

This Mango and Orange aguas frescas is a cool and refreshing blend of mango, green tea, honey and lemon (or lime) over ice cubes that will have you craving more.

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Creamy Cape Malay Boeber

Cape Malay Boeber is a creamy and delicious milky dessert type beverage thickened with sago and vermicelli.

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Luscious creamy banana date smoothie

This banana date smoothie is a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors with a rich, creamy texture. It’s not just a treat to the taste buds but also a nourishing choice for a healthy diet.

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Ramadan Recipes for Soup

Indulge in comforting and nutrient-packed soups with our curated Ramadan recipes. From velvety prawn coconut curry soup to hearty beef and split pea soup, these options are perfect for iftar.

Carrot and Pumpkin soup without cream

Carrot and Pumpkin soup without cream is sweet, savory and deliciously rich while still being exceedingly healthy and good for you.

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Gluten Free Cream Mushroom soup

This gluten free cream mushroom soup combines dried and fresh mushrooms with vegetable stock and cream for an indulgent, hearty and earthy bowl of goodness.

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Incredibly Easy Vegan Red Lentil soup

This nutritious and comforting vegan Red Lentil soup recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients but delivers a punch of flavor.

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Cape Malay Split Pea soup recipe

This Cape Malay Split Pea soup recipe is a delicious, hearty, nourishing and comforting one pot meal that can be made with meat or as a vegan soup.

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Dairy Free Creamy Chicken soup

This fragrant Dairy Free Creamy Chicken Soup with coconut milk has a lightly spiced broth infused with garlic, ginger and turmeric and flavored with lemongrass.

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Luscious Creamy Chicken Corn soup recipe

This Creamy Chicken Corn soup recipe is thick, delicious and a comforting bowl of goodness whatever season it may be.

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Mouthwatering Velvety Prawn Coconut Curry Soup

If you enjoy a lush velvety Prawn Coconut Curry soup with a bit of heat and oodles of flavor from time to time, this recipe is definitely for you.

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Ramadan recipes for Savory Snacks

Craving something crunchy and satisfying? Our savory Ramadan recipes include crowd-favorites like meat or chicken samoosas, spring rolls, and Daltjies.

Cape Malay Daltjies (Chilli bites)

These Daltjies or Spinach and sweet corn fritters are a made from scratch and are a delicious and easy to make Cape Malay appetiser, crispy on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside.

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Delectable Mince Samoosa recipe (keema samosa)

This Cape Malay Mince Samoosa recipe for crispy pastry pockets filled with fragrant minced beef or lamb meat, onion, coriander and heady spices, is perfection in every bite.

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Scrumptious Chicken Samoosa recipe

This Cape Malay spicy Chicken Samoosa recipe makes delicious crispy triangles filled with minced chicken, aromatic spices, finely diced onion and coriander.

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Cape Malay Cheese and Corn samoosas

The crispy Cheese and Corn samoosas exterior gives way to a lush, complex interior, where each bite is a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness accentuated by the freshness of herbs, the warmth of spices, and the sweet crunch of corn.

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Cape Malay Potato samoosas

These Cape Malay potato samoosas are a delectable fusion of textures and flavors, designed to tantalise your taste buds and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite.

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Cape Malay Chicken Spring roll recipe

This Cape Malay Chicken Spring Roll recipe is a harmonious blend of savory chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, all encased in a crispy wrapper.

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Creamy Chicken Half Moon recipe

These Chicken Half Moon pies are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with a crispy, crunchy exterior giving way to a creamy, spiced, and savory filling.

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Yogurt No Rise Pizza dough recipe

This easy Yogurt No Rise Pizza dough recipe is perfect for appetizers that can be made ahead and topped with delicious pizza toppings.

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Red chutney samoosa dip recipe

This 4-ingredient Red Chutney Samoosa dip is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors with a texture that is predominantly smooth but punctuated by slight chunkiness from the chutney and the optional crushed chillies.

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Ramadan recipes for Light Main courses

Savor light and flavorful Ramadan recipes for main courses that won’t weigh you down.

Denningvleis recipe – Sweet and Sour Braised lamb

Denningvleis, a traditional Cape Malay braised lamb dish, is a symphony of textures and flavors that is a celebration of sweet, sour and savory flavors and epitomizes the richness of South African cuisine.

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Cape Malay Mince Frikkadel recipe (Meatballs)

This Cape Malay Mince Frikkadel recipe yields tender juicy meatballs that are delicious served as a main course with onion and tomato smoortjie, fluffy basmati rice or thick cut chips.

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Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta with lemon butter sauce

The Chili Garlic Prawn Pasta with lemon butter sauce recipe is a deceptively simple but fragrant pasta dish.

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Soul-satisfying Creamy Garlic Fusilli Pasta Recipe

Enjoy this soul-satisfying Creamy Garlic Fusilli Pasta recipe, a rich and cheesy dish perfect for light meals or pairing with grilled chicken, meat, or fish!

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Cape Malay Chicken and mushroom pie (hoender pastei)

Chicken and Mushroom pie is the ideal comfort food and the perfect meal served with steamed vegetables or mixed leafy salad.

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Cape Malay Pepper Steak Pie (Vleis Pastei)

The Cape Malay Pepper Steak Pie is an absolute treat! The filling is rich and hearty, with tender chunks of braised steak that melt in your mouth after being slow-cooked to perfection.

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Ramadan recipes for Sweet Treats

End your iftar on a sweet note with indulgent Ramadan recipes like cardamom bollas, fresh cream doughnuts, and decadent chocolate choux puffs that are sure to please every palate.

South African Pancake recipe (pannekoek resep)

The South African Pancake recipe for Cape Malay Pancakes or pannekoek are tender thin crepes that are curled into tubes and wrapped around cardamom and cinnamon scented sweetened cooked coconut filling.

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Cape Malay Ring Donuts recipe

This incredibly easy Cape Malay Ring Donuts recipe yields yeast free classic fried donuts that are cakey and comforting with a tender and fluffy interior.

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Chocolate cream puffs (choux à la crème)

These Chocolate Cream Puffs (Choux à la Crème) are a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make them absolutely irresistible. The choux pastry itself is light and airy, with a delicate crispness on the outside that gives way to a soft, pillowy interior.

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Cape Malay Potato Koesister recipe

A flop-proof Cape Malay Potato Koesister recipe is like a pot of gold. It will result in fragrant and aromatic sweet yeasted doughnuts spiced with powdered cinnamon, cardamom, mixed spice and ginger and uplifted with the heady scent of aniseed and naartjie peel (mandarin orange or tangerine peel).

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Cape Malay Cardamom bollas recipe

This Cape Malay Cardamom bollas recipe is a traditional yeast free buttermilk doughnut dipped in a fragrant saffron syrup.

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Cape Malay Mashed Pumpkin fritters recipe

Cape Malay Mashed Pumpkin Fritters (Pampoen Koekies) are a true treat! Imagine biting into one—warm and golden pillows, with a lightly crisp exterior from frying, dusted in cinnamon sugar that melts on your tongue.

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South African Flapjacks pancakes

This South African Flapjacks pancakes recipe is for easy to make delicious, light and airy mini pancakes that can be served as a sweet treat or dessert topped with whipped cream, jam or fruit curd.

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Looking for even more Ramadan recipes to make your suhoor and iftar extra special? Download our Printable Ramadan Recipe eBook! It features a curated selection of beloved recipes, including some from this roundup and exclusive dishes not available on our website. Whether you’re craving comforting soups, savory snacks, or indulgent desserts, the eBook is your go-to guide for delicious inspiration throughout the holy month. Don’t miss out on these timeless favorites and new ideas to delight your family and guests. Get your copy now and start cooking with ease!

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