What to cook for iftar? Traditional Turkish recipes for a delicious meal

As Ramadan progresses, fasting feels easier as the body adjusts, but the need for a satisfying iftar (dinner to break fast) becomes even more important.

After a long day of fasting, nothing beats gathering around a table filled with comforting Turkish recipes that bring warmth, rich flavors, and balanced nutrition.

Today’s iftar menu highlights traditional Turkish flavors with a mix of hearty, fresh, and indulgent dishes.

• A bowl of lentil soup with mint and butter starts the meal with a velvety texture and a soothing, aromatic taste
• A refreshing Turkish-style bean salad follows, featuring a tahini dressing that adds richness to the dish
• The main course is a slow-cooked beef and vegetable casserole, brimming with tender meat and deep flavors
• A side of sautéed spinach with garlic and yogurt provides a fresh and creamy contrast
• Pistachio-stuffed baklava rolls for a crisp and sweet ending to this fulfilling meal

Comforting start to iftar with lentil soup with mint and butter (Mercimek Corbasi)

Lentil soup is a staple of Turkish cuisine, known for its smooth consistency and rich, comforting taste. This version adds a flavorful touch with mint and butter, enhancing the aroma and warmth of the dish. The soup is simple yet deeply satisfying, making it a perfect start to iftar.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cups water or vegetable broth
• Juice of half a lemon

How to make it:

1. Sauté the onions and carrots in butter until soft.
2. Add the rinsed lentils, water, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer for about 25 minutes.
3. Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
4. In a small pan, melt butter and add dried mint. Stir for a few seconds, then drizzle over the soup.
5. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Piyaz is a classic Turkish bean salad made with white beans, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This protein-rich and refreshing appetizer is a staple in Turkish cuisine and pairs well with any main course of the iftar meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced (optional, traditional garnish)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to make it:

• In a bowl, mix white beans, onions, and tomatoes.
• Drizzle with olive oil, vinegar, or lemon juice, and season with salt and sumac.
• Toss well to combine and let sit for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced hard-boiled egg before serving.

Turkish main course for iftar: Beef and vegetable casserole (Etli Guvec)

This slow-cooked Turkish casserole features tender beef and seasonal vegetables, all simmered together in a clay pot or oven-safe dish. The result is a rich and hearty dish, perfect for a satisfying main course.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 small eggplant, cubed
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a casserole dish and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides.
3. Stir in tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper.
4. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano.
5. Cover and bake at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 45–50 minutes, until the beef is tender.
6. Serve hot with fresh bread or rice.

Try sautéed spinach with garlic and yogurt (Sarimsakli Ispanak Kavurmasi) this iftar

This light yet creamy side dish brings a nutritious balance to the iftar meal. Sautéed spinach pairs beautifully with a garlicky yogurt sauce, making it both refreshing and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain yogurt

How to make it:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add spinach, salt, and black pepper, and cook until wilted.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Mix the sautéed spinach with yogurt before serving.

Pistachio-stuffed baklava rolls (Pistachio Burma Baklava) to finish off the iftar meal

This crispy, nutty dessert is a twist on classic baklava, featuring layers of phyllo dough rolled with a rich pistachio filling and baked to golden perfection before being soaked in syrup. Although baklava has become a relatively accessible dessert worldwide, here’s the recipe for those who want to work hard for a delicious end to the iftar meal.

Ingredients:

• 10 sheets of phyllo dough
• 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey

How to make it:

1. Mix pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
2. Lay out phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter.
3. Sprinkle the pistachio mixture evenly, then roll tightly into logs.
4. Slice into pieces and bake at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) until golden.
5. Simmer sugar, water, and honey to make the syrup, then pour it over the baked baklava.
6. Let it soak before serving.

This iftar menu brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the warm and comforting lentil soup to the rich and flaky baklava rolls. The hearty beef casserole and the refreshing bean salad create a satisfying combination, while the spinach side dish adds a light yet creamy touch. Each dish showcases the richness of Turkish cuisine, offering a nourishing way to break the fast.