What to cook for iftar: Quick, nutritious Turkish recipes for Ramadan

The scent of freshly baked bread, simmering soup, and spiced meats fills the home as families prepare for iftar. After a long day of fasting, the first bite is not just about nourishment—it is a comforting return to familiar flavors and shared traditions.

Tonight’s Turkish recipes for the iftar menu bring together warm, hearty dishes with refreshing sides and a perfectly sweet ending.

• The meal starts with a smooth tomato soup.
• It is followed by bohca kebabi (Manisa kebabi), a rich and savory meat dish wrapped in crispy pastry.
• Turkish orzo pilaf (arpa sehriye pilavi) is the perfect complement, while piyaz (Turkish bean salad) adds a zesty and fresh contrast.
• To finish, Revani, a soft semolina cake soaked in syrup, offers a light yet indulgent treat.

This well-rounded menu provides a mix of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying, comforting, and healthy way to break the fast.

Smooth and tangy start to iftar meal with tomato soup (domates corbasi)

Tomato soup is a classic Turkish starter that is both simple and satisfying. It is made with ripe tomatoes, butter, and a touch of cream for a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

• 5 ripe tomatoes (grated or blended)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cups water or broth
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• 1 tbsp flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot, add flour, and stir until it turns lightly golden.
2. Stir in tomato paste and grated tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
3. Add water or broth, season with salt and black pepper, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Blend the soup for a smoother consistency, then stir in the milk or cream.
5. Let simmer for another five minutes before serving hot.

This Turkish recipe for a creamy and slightly tangy soup is a comforting way to begin an iftar meal.

Rich, flavorful main course with Manisa kebab (Bohca kebabi)

Bohca kebabi, also known as Manisa kebabi, is a meat-filled dish wrapped in crispy pastry and baked with a rich tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients

• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion (grated)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• 4 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the ground meat with onion, garlic, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and salt.
2. Divide into portions and shape into small patties, then lightly cook them in a pan.
3. Brush phyllo pastry sheets with melted butter and place patties in the center of each. Fold into small pouches.
4. Arrange the wrapped kebabs in a baking dish.
5. Mix tomato paste with water and pour over the kebabs.
6. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

This dish is rich, filling, and a perfect main course for iftar.

Simple yet delicious side dish: Turkish recipe for orzo pilav (arpa sehriye pilavi)

“Arpa sehriye pilavi” is a light and nutty pilav that pairs well with meat dishes. Its toasted orzo gives it a slightly crispy texture, making it a comforting addition to the meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta (arpa sehriye)
• 1 cup rice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pot and toast orzo pasta until golden brown.
2. Add rice and stir for a minute before pouring in broth.
3. Season with salt and cook on low heat until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Fluff with a fork before serving.

This pilav is an easy and flavorful side dish that complements the kebab perfectly.

Refreshing, protein-packed side with Turkish bean salad (piyaz)

Piyaz is a zesty and refreshing Turkish bean salad made with white beans, onions, tomatoes, and a tangy dressing. It is packed with protein and flavor, making it a great addition to an iftar meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white beans
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 1/2 cup parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp sumac
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the cooked white beans with onion, tomato, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Season with sumac, salt, and black pepper.
4. Toss well and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Piyaz is refreshing and pairs well with the warm, rich dishes on the table.

Turkish recipe for syrup-soaked semolina cake (revani)

Revani is a soft and moist semolina cake soaked in light lemon syrup. It has a delicate sweetness that is not overpowering, making it a perfect dessert after an iftar meal.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup semolina
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Beat eggs and sugar together until creamy. Add yogurt, oil, semolina, flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
3. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
4. While baking, prepare the syrup by boiling sugar, water, and lemon juice until the sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly.
5. Once the cake is baked, pour warm syrup over it and let it soak for an hour before serving.

Revani is light yet satisfying, offering the perfect balance of sweetness to conclude the meal.

Tonight’s menu offers a rich and diverse selection of Turkish recipes. The creamy tomato soup provides a comforting start, while the bohca kebabi serves as a hearty and flavorful main.

The orzo pilav adds a simple yet tasty complement, and the piyaz brings a refreshing contrast. Finally, the revani dessert provides a light and sweet ending to the meal.

This well-rounded menu balances richness with freshness, making it a satisfying way to break the fast.