Traditional Moroccan Ramadan Recipes

Looking for ideas of what to serve at a traditional Moroccan iftar or ftour, the meal offered to break the fast? The recipes here are all traditional offerings which are popular during the month of Ramadan. They typically accompany a spread of dates, hard-boiled eggs, fruit juices or milk shakes, and a soup such as harira.

For variety, consider adding some dishes from the list of Moroccan Ramadan Recipes - Finger Food and Other Dishes for Breaking the Fast.




Chebakia 
Halwa Chebakia is a Moroccan sesame cookie which is folded into a flower shape, fried and then coated with honey. It's very popular in Ramadan, and is also served for special occasions.







Harira 
Classic Moroccan Harira Soup
Harira is Morocco's famous lentil and tomato soup. Although eaten year round, it's especially popular in Ramadan, when many families serve it daily to break the fast.








Stuffed Dates 
Orange flower water and cinnamon are used to flavor the almond paste filling in this easy stuffed dates recipe. If you prefer, you can replace the orange flower water with lemon zest.












Makrout with Dates and Honey 
This is another special occasion sweet which is popular in Ramadan. A mild date paste is enclosed in a log of semolina dough, then cookies are sliced, fried and dipped in honey.









Hssoua Belboua - Barley Soup with Milk 
This classic Moroccan recipe for Hssoua Belboula combines barley grits with milk to yield a rich, creamy soup that's both nutritious and satisfying. Serve it for iftar or suhoor.









Semolina Soup with Milk, Anise Seeds and Honey 
This simple Moroccan soup is easy to prepare and can be served in the evening or for breakfast. Although it's delicious as-is, honey is offered on the side for sweetening the soup.


Moroccan Sellou 

 Moroccan Confection of Sellou (Sfouf). Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Sellou is a unique Moroccan sweet made from toasted sesames, fried almonds, and flour that has been browned in the oven. It is traditionally served in Ramadan and for special occasions.


Almond Briouats 
Photo © Christine Benlafquih
These popular Moroccan cookies are made by folding almond paste flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon within warqa dough. The pastries are fried and then soaked briefly in honey. Almond Briouats are commonly served at both special occasions and casual tea times.


Spinach and Cheese Briouats 
This simple but incredibly tasty version of briouats features a melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese and spinach filling. Herbs or hot peppers can be added for more flavor, but my family loves them plain.


Moroccan Mint Tea 
Mint tea is incredibly popular throughout Morocco. Many Moroccans consider it a must after a day of fasting.