Share the Joy of Iftar: Delicious Ramadan Food Recipes and Table Setting Ideas for a Memorable Family-Style Meal

 Iftar, is a time of celebration and community, and sharing it with family is an essential part of Ramadan. In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of sharing the iftar meal with family, the role of dates in Ramadan, three delicious Ramadan dish recipes, and how to set the table for a family-style meal.


The Significance of Sharing Iftar with Family


Sharing the iftar meal with family is a fundamental part of Ramadan. It's a time to strengthen family ties, build relationships, and create a sense of community. The iftar meal is a time of joy and celebration after a day of fasting, and sharing it with family can make it all the more meaningful.

Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it's also about abstaining from negative thoughts and actions. Fasting is a time to focus on spiritual growth, self-reflection, and gratitude. Sharing the iftar meal with family is an opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings of food and family and helps to reinforce the values of compassion, generosity, and kindness.


The Role of Dates in Ramadan


Dates have a special significance in Ramadan. They are traditionally the first food that one eats when they break their fast. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have broken his fast with dates and water, and many follow this tradition to this day.

 

Dates are a nutritious food that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent source of energy and can help replenish the body after a day of fasting. They are also a symbol of hospitality and generosity and are often offered to guests during Ramadan. Which is why we at Rita Farhi curate the best selections of dates for hosting and gifting.

Delicious Recipes for everyone to try this Ramadan

Here are some delicious Ramadan dish recipes that you can enjoy with your family during Iftar:

  1. Shakshuka

Ingredients:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 large onions, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.
  2. Add the chopped tomatoes and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they are softened.
  3. Add the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir well.
    1. Crack the eggs into the skillet, spacing them evenly apart.
    2. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set.
    3. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
    4. Serve hot with pita bread.
    5. Hummus and Falafel
For the hummus:
  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of tahini
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Cherry tomatoes to garnish
  • Salt pepper and chili to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Transfer the hummus to a serving dish and drizzle with olive oil and garnish with chilli and tomatoes
  4. Serve with pita bread.

For the falafel:

  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the falafel:

  1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
  2. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Fry the falafel until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
  6. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  7. Serve hot with hummus and pita bread.
  8. Pita Bread and Salads

Ingredients:

For the pita bread:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of dry active yeast
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions:

For the pita bread:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a towel.
  5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  6. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  7. Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
  8. Flatten the balls into rounds on a floured surface.
  9. Bake the pita bread in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned.

For the salad:

  • Mixed greens like kale, lettuce, cabbage
  • Nectarines or peaches
  • Mixed nuts
  • Feta cheese, crumbled

Olive oil and lemon juice for dressingFor the salad:

In a large bowl, combine the feta cheese, greens, peaches or nectarines, and mixed seeds.

Toss with olive oil and lemon juice.

 

How to Set the Table for a Family-Style Meal

Setting the table for a family-style meal is an important part of creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. The joy of sharing a festive meal with those dearest to us is made ever so special. Make the Iftar meal extra special by adding some eye catching details to elevate this dining experience. Here are some tips for setting the table for a Ramadan Iftar.

Use a tablecloth or placemats to protect the table and add a decorative touch.

 

Use dishes and serving platters in unique colors and styles. Add special pops of colour to make the table bold and fun.

Provide enough plates, glasses, and utensils for each guest. Add various textures, pops of colour, and styles to make it modern chic. Like these beautiful Baccarat Glasses, paired perfectly with this Marioluca Giusuti jug.

 

Place a pitcher of water and glasses on the table for guests to help themselves. Fill it up with some yummy mocktails from our Ramadan Mocktail recipes! We love this ergonomic Georg Jensen carafe. 

 

Use tapered candles with candle stands to create a cozy ambiance. We loved these Hay candle stands for adding the varied levels to our dinner tables.

 

And nothing smells as divine as the Jo Malone home candles, perfect for entertaining and a special treat for any guests. Our favourite is the amber rose and oud. 

Add a beautiful floral bouquet that beckons summer into any room. A simple bunch of a solitary flower like Italian chiffon ranunculus or a beautiful spring bouquet is the perfect centrepiece for any evening.

Place a bowl of dates on the table to begin the meal.

Serve the dishes family-style, with guests passing the dishes around the table.

Add several bonbonniere around the table for guests to pick up various flavours of sweet treats as palate cleansers or as after-meal treats. 

In this beautiful time of year that brings families and communities together, share in the joy of breaking the fast. The Iftar meal is not just about nourishing the body after a long day of fasting, it's also about connecting with loved ones and creating cherished memories. By incorporating unique Ramadan dishes into your family-style meal, you can honor the customs of this holy month and savor the delicious flavors of the dishes made with our recipes. And don't forget to include a bowl of sweet dates on your table, as they are an important part of the Ramadan tradition. So gather your loved ones, set the table with care, and enjoy the special moments that this sacred time brings. 

 

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