Foods to celebrate Ramadan

Tonight marks the start of Ramadan, which runs through March 19 this year. This is a month of reflection, spiritual growth, and community celebration where observant Muslims will abstain from both food and drink from dawn to sunset. As with most religious holidays, traditional foods play an important role, both for pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and the meal consumed after sunset (iftar).

There are a variety of foods suitable for each meal, although traditionally no iftar would be complete without rice. Food and Wine has gathered 26 recipes for Iftar, while Food Network offers 45 recipes for both Ramadan and Eid al Fitr, the latter of which marks the end of the holy month.

Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon. The magnificent Eid feast features traditional foods that vary from region to region, and The Kitchn gives us a sample with ten Eid al-Fitr foods from around the world. Taste of Home provides more ideas with 25 Eid al Fitr recipes, ranging from baklava to malfouf. If you are looking for additional inspiration on what to make during Ramadan, BBC Good Food offers a collection of both suhoor and iftar recipes. Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate!