Daily Turkish menu for delicious fast breaking iftar dinner

With another week of fasting beginning, we reach the halfway mark of Ramadan 2025, making each iftar (fast-breaking dinner) a moment to appreciate warmth, comfort and nourishment.

So, the anticipation of iftar builds as the sun sets, and a table filled with comforting Turkish recipes offers a perfect way to restore energy after a day of fasting.

This evening’s iftar menu blends a nourishing blend of creamy zucchini soup, smoky eggplant dip, and succulent grilled chicken skewers. A hearty bulgur pilaf with roasted vegetables provides warmth, while oven-baked rice pudding ends the meal on a sweet and satisfying note.

Creamy zucchini soup for light yet nourishing start to iftar (kremali kabak corbasi)

This smooth and velvety soup is a simple yet flavorful way to start iftar. Fresh zucchinis are cooked with onions, garlic, and a touch of cream, creating a mild and creamy consistency. Light yet nourishing, this soup is the perfect warm-up for the rest of the meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

How to make it:

• Saute onions and garlic in butter until soft and fragrant.
• Add diced zucchinis and cook for a few minutes until tender.
• Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
• Blend the mixture until smooth, then stir in the cream, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for another 2 minutes and serve hot with fresh dill or parsley.

Creamy Turkish meze: Eggplant and yogurt dip (Patlican Ezmesi)

This classic Turkish recipe combines roasted eggplant with thick yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice for a rich yet refreshing dip. It pairs well with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to make it:

• Roast the eggplants over an open flame or in the oven until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.
• Peel off the skin and mash the eggplant in a bowl.
• Mix in the yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and paprika.
• Stir well until smooth, then garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Flavorful main dish for iftar with Turkish-style grilled chicken skewers (tavuk sis)

Tavuk Sis, or Turkish-style grilled chicken skewers, is a staple of Turkish cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and olive oil, ensuring a juicy and tender bite in every skewer.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

How to make it:

• In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and spices to create the marinade.
• Add chicken cubes, ensuring they are well coated, and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
• Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
• Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown.
• Serve hot with a side of yogurt or grilled vegetables.

Classic Turkish side with bulgur pilaf with roasted vegetables (Sebzeli Bulgur Pilavi)

This nutritious and satisfying pilaf pairs well with the grilled chicken, balancing out the meal with its rich, earthy flavors. Roasted vegetables add texture and sweetness to the dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coarse bulgur
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to make it:

• Heat olive oil in a pan and saute onions until soft.
• Add diced carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, cooking until slightly tender.
• Stir in bulgur, salt, pepper, and cumin.
• Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, and let simmer until the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff with a fork and serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Easy Turkish dessert recipe for iftar: Oven-baked rice pudding (firinda sutlac)

Firinda sutlac is a beloved Turkish dessert featuring creamy rice pudding baked to perfection. Its caramelized top layer contrasts beautifully with the soft, milky pudding underneath.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg yolk
• Cinnamon or crushed nuts for garnish

How to make it:

• Cook rice in water until soft, then drain any excess water.
• In a separate pot, heat milk and sugar, stirring until dissolved.
• Add the cooked rice and vanilla extract, mixing well.
• Slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture, allowing the pudding to thicken.
• Pour into individual oven-safe bowls, brush the tops with egg yolk, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) until golden brown on top.
• Let cool slightly before serving, garnished with cinnamon or crushed nuts.

This iftar menu offers a variety of flavors, from the comforting warmth of creamy zucchini soup to the smoky richness of eggplant dip and the bold flavors of grilled chicken. The bulgur pilaf adds depth, while the classic oven-baked rice pudding brings the meal to a sweet close. Together, these Turkish recipes create a fulfilling and well-rounded iftar experience.