10 Delectable Gluten-Free Iftar Recipes for Ramadan

1. Quinoa and Chickpea Salad

This refreshing salad is packed with protein and flavor. Quinoa serves as an excellent base, while chickpeas add a hearty texture.

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

• • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• • 1 cucumber, diced

• • 1 bell pepper, diced

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

• • 3 tbsp olive oil

• • 2 tbsp lemon juice

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Let it cool.

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.

1. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve chilled.

2. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of vegetables, rice, and spices make for a hearty and gluten-free dish.

Ingredients:

• • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed

• • 1 cup cooked brown rice

• • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• • 1 cup corn

• • 1 tsp cumin

• • 1 tsp chili powder

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

• • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, mix cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the rice mixture and place them in a baking dish.

1. 1. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the stuffed peppers.

1. 1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

3. Lentil Soup

A warm, comforting lentil soup is perfect for breaking the fast after a long day of fasting.

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 carrots, diced

• • 2 celery stalks, diced

• • 3 cloves garlic, minced

• • 4 cups vegetable broth

• • 1 tsp cumin

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.

1. 1. Add garlic and cumin, cooking for an additional minute.

1. 1. Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

4. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy and delicious, baked sweet potato fries are a fantastic side dish for your iftar meal.

Ingredients:

• • 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • 1 tsp paprika

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

1. 1. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.

1. 1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy, flipping halfway through. Serve warm.

5. Chicken Shawarma Bowl

This bowl brings together marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and a tasty tahini dressing.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced

• • 2 tbsp shawarma spice mix

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • 2 cups fresh greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)

• • 1 cucumber, sliced

• • 1 tomato, diced

• • 1/4 cup tahini

• • 1 tbsp lemon juice

• • Water to thin

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, marinate chicken with shawarma spice mix and olive oil for at least 30 minutes.

1. 1. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned.

1. 1. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, and water to achieve desired consistency.

1. 1. Assemble the bowls with greens, topped with chicken, cucumber, and tomato, drizzling tahini dressing on top.

6. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts filled with spinach and feta cheese create a delightful and elegant dish.

Ingredients:

• • 4 chicken breasts

• • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, combine spinach, feta, garlic, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach mixture.

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden.

1. 1. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

7. Coconut Chia Pudding

This creamy dessert is a perfect way to end your iftar meal. It’s simple to prepare and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• • 1/2 cup chia seeds

• • 2 cups coconut milk

• • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• • Fresh fruit for topping (mango, berries, etc.)

Instructions:

1. 1. In a bowl, combine chia seeds, coconut milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well.

1. 1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken.

1. 1. Serve topped with fresh fruit of your choice.

8. Grilled Vegetable Skewers

These vibrant skewers are perfect for a lighter iftar option and packed with flavors from grilled veggies.

Ingredients:

• • 1 zucchini, sliced

• • 1 bell pepper, cut into squares

• • 1 red onion, cut into wedges

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

• • 2 tbsp olive oil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden ones)

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat.

1. 1. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Thread the vegetables onto skewers.

1. 1. Grill skewers for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and lightly charred.

9. Falafel

These crispy chickpea balls are seasoned and packed with flavor, perfect as a snack or main dish.

Ingredients:

• • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• • 1/4 cup onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic

• • 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

• • 1 tsp cumin

• • 1 tsp coriander

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. 1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined but not smooth.

1. 1. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.

1. 1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the falafel until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels before serving.

10. Date and Almond Energy Bites

These no-bake energy bites are sweet, satisfying, and a perfect quick treat for iftar.

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup pitted dates

• • 1 cup almonds

• • 1/4 cup coconut flakes

• • 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional)

• • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. 1. In a food processor, combine dates, almonds, coconut flakes, cocoa powder, and salt. Blend until a sticky mixture forms.

1. 1. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.

1. 1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.