
JULIE ANDREWS FOR TASTE OF HOME

JULIE ANDREWS FOR TASTE OF HOME
Food is essential to celebrating Eid al-Fitr. From decadent sweet treats like date cookies to savory dishes like biryani, lamb tagine and hearty stew, this collection has something for everyone to add to their Eid feast.
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Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle. Although it is a month of fasting from dawn to dusk, prayer and self-reflection, Ramadan is also a month of feasts. For Iftar (the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast), many families start with something warm and sweet before celebrating with hearty dishes like lamb tagine and sweet treats like ma’amoul, a date-filled Middle Eastern cookie. The culmination of these celebrations is Eid al-Fitr, the new moon that marks the end of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr is an important holiday in many areas, including the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia and India, where it’s a public holiday. Muslim communities in the U.S., Europe and Canada also celebrate it in style. Each region of the world observes the occasion differently, but Eid al-Fitr food—particularly sweets like baklava—is an essential part of these festivities, as people usually gather and share a feast.
The recipes in this collection reflect the spirit of conviviality and the diversity of cultures that celebrate Eid al-Fitr. You’ll find Indian biryani, malfouf (Lebanese cabbage rolls) and Moroccan chickpea stew. Although many of these recipes are traditional, most have modern twists that make them more approachable to cook at home. I hope you enjoy these dishes and have a happy Eid!
1/25
Baklava
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Baklava is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made with flaky phyllo dough, chopped nuts and sweet honey. This dessert is very rich, so one pan goes a long way. —Judy Losecco, Buffalo, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 baklava triangle: 271 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Few pastries embody the celebratory nature of Eid al-Fitr like baklava. You’ll find them at Eid al-Fitr celebration meals from Turkey to India and everywhere in between. The pastry is nutty, indulgent, syrupy and flaky, and its aromas can be adjusted to suit your taste. Try adding rose water, orange blossom or lemon juice to the syrup or making variations like cashew baklava.
This spice-laden rice dish is an essential Eid recipe in South Asia. Our biryani recipe makes 12 servings, so it’s a perfect meal if you’re hosting a lot of guests. Of course, you can also freeze the leftovers if you end up with too much food.
3/25
Sheet-Pan Tandoori Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it bakes in one pan, but it is also special enough for guests. The best part? There isn’t much to clean up when dinner is over! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 1 cup sweet potatoes and 4 tomatoes: 589 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 6g fiber), 52g protein.
A staple in Indian cuisine, tandoori chicken began to gain global popularity in the mid-20th century as Indian recipes were introduced in Western countries. Muslim countries all over the world make some version of this dish for festive occasions like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
4/25
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 lamb shank with 1 cup shallot mixture: 438 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
In Morocco and other North African Muslim countries, tagines (aka tajins) are the epitome of a celebratory meal. They can be made with meat or vegetables. This recipe focuses on lamb and includes fruit and nuts for a festive touch. If lamb isn’t to your taste, try making tangerine chicken tagine or slow-cooker chickpea tagine. Either way, serve the saucy dish over couscous or plain rice.
5/25
Stuffed Dates
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Four ingredients are all you need for these citrus-flavored stuffed dates. —Diana Debruyn, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed dates: 102 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
Dates are a significant Ramadan food used to break one’s daily fast, and they’re similarly important to Eid al-Fitr feasts. You can serve them plain, stuff them with walnuts or fill them with sweetened cream cheese as we do in this recipe (although I also like a creamy, savory blue cheese filling). For a more indulgent version, try making chocolate-covered dates.
6/25
Gulab Jamun
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If there is one dessert that you can find at all Indian weddings, parties and festivals, it’s gulab jamun. Patience is key when making these deep-fried dough balls. But it’s worth it. —Srividhya Gopalakrishnan, Hayward, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with syrup: 113 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Gulab jamun is an Indian dessert made by soaking deep-fried doughnut balls in rose water syrup. Fried sweets and the aroma of roses are beloved in the Muslim world, and this sweet treat would be a perfect addition to your Eid al-Fitr table.
7/25
Mango Lassi
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Learn how to make mango lassi, the perfect summer drink any mango lover will love. Mango lassi is a sweet and refreshing treat that needs only six ingredients! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 226 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
Ramadan is a month of fasting, and beverages are important for staying hydrated. Refreshing beverages are a must when breaking the fast and entertaining guests for Eid al-Fitr. Tea, coffee, cordials and nonalcoholic cocktails are welcome, and this tangy mango lassi with cardamom fits all the requirements for an Eid drink.
Ma’amoul is a beloved holiday cookie throughout the Middle East. The treats are enjoyed by Christians after fasting during Lent and by Muslims during Eid al-Fitr feasts. The cookie dough combines aromatic rose and orange blossom water with butter, semolina and flour. The filling is usually made with dates, but dried figs or toasted nuts also work.
9/25
Malai Kofta
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
55 min
Servings
20 kofta (4 cups gravy)
From the Recipe Creator:
Learn how to make malai kofta! This popular Indian recipe consists of delicious potato and cheese balls in a velvety tomato-based curry sauce. The air fryer lightens up the traditionally deep-fried dumplings, while the pressure cooker makes putting together the curry sauce effortless. —Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
Nutrition Facts:
4 kofta with about 3/4 cup gravy: 442 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 386mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
Like many holidays, an Eid al-Fitr celebration meal can be heavy with meat. For a vegetarian (or vegan) dish, try making creamy malai kofta, a meatless “meatball” made with potatoes and paneer cheese. The meatballs are air-fried until golden brown and served with a rich and spicy sauce.
10/25
Fattoush Salad
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This type of bread salad is very popular in the Middle East. It uses sumac, which is a distinctive spice that adds an acidic flavor to dishes, as does lemon juice. —Stephanie Khio, Bloomingdale, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 200 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 436mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
Fattoush is a bread salad originally from Syria, but it’s popular throughout the Levant region. It was created to give a second life to stale bread by frying it and mixing it with fresh vegetables and herbs. With its distinctly tart sumac character and refreshing crunch from the salad ingredients, fattoush has earned a place on the Eid cuisine table.
11/25
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
An Eid al-Fitr feast can be laden with elaborate dishes, but that doesn’t mean quick, warm and filling recipes don’t have a place. This vegetarian Moroccan chickpea stew is a perfect option because it comes together in only 30 minutes. The warm spices give it a celebratory touch, making it taste as if it simmered all day.
12/25
Feta-Stuffed Kibbeh with Harissa
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are countless versions of this delicious dish throughout the Middle East. This is our adaptation. You can substitute ground beef for the lamb. —Chris Bugher, Fairview, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3 kibbeh: 324 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
Kibbeh is considered the national dish of Lebanon and Syria, and the recipe is served at almost every celebration in the Levant area. Naturally, Eid al-Fitr is no exception. In our version, the croquettes are made with ground lamb and bulgur. The filling contains feta cheese, pine nuts and harissa.
13/25
Chicken Curry Soup
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My German mother would occasionally cook dishes that were not traditional German recipes. One of my favorites was her curry chicken soup. I’ve added my own touches to it, such as the chickpeas, coconut milk and fresh cilantro. —Deanna Hindenach, Paw Paw, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 270 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein.
During Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, soups are served often as a way to soothe the fasting stomach. This chicken curry soup is the ultimate comfort food. It will brighten up the table with its vibrant aromas and flavor.
14/25
Hummus
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I’ve picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you’ll ever have. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 250 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein.
Hummus means “chickpeas” in Arabic, and no Middle Eastern mezze spread is complete without this dip. Every region has a slightly different recipe, but chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil are at the core of most recipes. You can add spices like sumac, or try variations like beet hummus or spicy roasted carrot hummus. But remember: It’s not truly hummus if it doesn’t contain chickpeas.
15/25
Tabbouleh
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tabbouleh is a classic Middle Eastern salad. The fresh veggies and mint leaves make it light and refreshing on a hot day. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Lake Ridge, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 100 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
Tabbouleh is an iconic Middle Eastern salad made with lots of chopped parsley and bulgur. The vibrant, zingy salad is almost always served alongside kibbeh and hummus at festive occasions in the Levant area and in North African countries like Egypt and Morocco. When making it, be generous with the lemon juice, as tabbouleh is an excellent side dish to have next to rich, meaty Eid food.
Halva (also spelled halwa) is the Arabic word for “sweet.” It comes in many variations depending on the region, as it can be found in a vast geographical area spreading from the Mediterranean to India and beyond. As Eid al-Fitr is sometimes known as the “sugar feast,” halva is just perfect for this celebration. I like to crumble some on a buttered piece of flatbread and have it with tea for breakfast.
17/25
Chicken Korma
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken korma is a spiced Indian dish. It’s not spicy-hot, but it’s very flavorful from ingredients like cloves and ginger. Serve it with rice to soak in all the sauce. —Jemima Madhavan, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 313 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
Chicken korma is a hearty, spicy braised dish that brings warmth and flavor to the table without bringing a lot of chile-related heat. The dish’s roots are from the Munghal Empire, but there are many variations throughout various countries, including India, Turkey and Pakistan.
18/25
Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pizza-style recipe came from my friend Ruby’s mom, who is a crazy-good cook. I added my own flair and tweaked it by using flour tortillas instead of making a dough. —Tamar Yacoubian, Ketchum, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled tortilla: 371 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
Lehmejun is a flatbread topped with a mixture of ground lamb, ground beef and spices like sumac. It’s a popular street food in Turkey and is enjoyed throughout the Middle East. Our version calls for store-bought flour tortillas, ensuring the recipe will come together quickly for your Eid al-Fitr celebration meal.
19/25
Date Smoothie
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to start off your day. They also make healthy after-school snacks that older kids can make themselves or with some help from an adult. If you like your smoothies with more sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 271 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
Any recipes made with dates are great to serve during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, as it is said that dates were the Prophet’s favorite. This smoothie is easy, tasty and full of nutrients. Prepare it as a special Eid breakfast or as a snack for kids. Or, add some ice cream and make a date shake for dessert.
20/25
Slow-Cooker Malaysian Chicken
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Malaysian food has influences from the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thai, British and Portuguese. In this dish, Asian ingredients combine for maximum flavor, and sweet potatoes thicken the sauce as the meal slowly cooks. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 425 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 964mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
Eid al-Fitr is a big feast in Malaysia. There, as in many other places, families gather to pray and celebrate together. This beautiful Malaysian chicken boasts hints of soy sauce, creamy peanut butter and fish sauce. It can be prepared in the slow cooker while you’re celebrating and will be ready when everyone sits at the table.
21/25
Spinach and Feta Bourekas
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These pastries are light and soft with a bit of crunch. They are one of my favorite appetizers for holidays. They can be filled with almost anything, but spinach and feta are my go-to fillings. Topped with everything seasoning, these little triangles are out of this world. —Alex Stepanov, Matawan, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 383 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
In the Mediterranean and Middle East, sweet and savory pastries are generally staples for weddings, birthdays and celebrations of all faiths. These spinach and feta bourekas may be called a different name depending on the region’s language, but they’re certainly a great recipe for Eid al-Fitr. You can customize them using a mixture of cheeses or vegetables like potatoes and onions seasoned with warm spices like paprika.
Vermicelli and rice puddings are very popular in Muslim populations. They are often served during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Kheer is an Indian rice pudding made with milk, sugar and rice. It’s often flavored with additions like cardamom and rose water. Then it’s topped with a crunchy garnish of chopped almonds or pistachios.
23/25
Chicken Samosas
Skill Level
Easy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken samosa recipe is best served with a yogurt dipping sauce or a chutney (like coriander and mint, tamarind or sweet mango). The dough and filling can be made ahead for quick assembly before guests arrive. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 samosa: 325 calories, 21g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Samosas have roots in ancient Persia, where they were known as sanbosag (the Persian word for “triangular pastry”). Over time they’ve been adapted to become a regional favorite in India and the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. They’re usually enjoyed as a street food. As with most pastries, they would be welcome for celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr. For a vegetarian version, try our recipe for vegetable samosas.
24/25
Malfouf
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Malfouf, also known as Lebanese cabbage rolls, is a delicacy in the Middle East. Not only are cabbage rolls delicious but they dress up any table with their beautiful presentation. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Layla’s Lebanese Restaurant
Nutrition Facts:
2 cabbage rolls: 311 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
Malfouf is a Lebanese cabbage roll dish belonging to the much-loved family of mahshi (stuffed vegetables). You may recognize this type of dish from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. It’s often referred to as dolma or sarma, depending on the recipe. Like stuffed vine leaves, stuffed cabbage leaves are usually present for celebrations like Eid al-Fitr. They’re often plated next to tabbouleh salad.
25/25
Gobi Aloo
Skill Level
Medium
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Aloo gobi is a very popular Indian recipe. In northern India, where I’m from, we call it gobi aloo. This vegetarian dish gets its flavors from turmeric, ginger, garlic and lime. —Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 164 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
Gobi aloo (sometimes called aloo gobi) is a popular Indian dish featuring potatoes, cauliflower and warm spices. It’s a brilliant meat-free addition to any Eid al-Fitr food table and can be served with plain rice or flatbread.
Eid al-Fitr Feast FAQ
What is the feast of Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the most sacred time of the year for Muslims. Also called the “sweet feast” or the “festival of breaking fast,” Eid commemorates the end of a month of fasting and prayer with rich foods like stuffed dates, biryani and plenty of sweets.
How is Eid al-Fitr celebrated?
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in different ways by Muslims all around the world. Most celebrations include a mass prayer, dressing up in one’s best clothes, and feasting on sweet and savory food shared with loved ones. Sometimes there’s also a gift exchange, especially for children.
What is usually served on Eid al-Fitr?
The food served on Eid al-Fitr is as diverse as the people who celebrate it worldwide. Sweets are particularly important (as this holiday is also known as the “sweet feast”). Date cookies, sheer khorma (date smoothies), baklava and rice puddings are very common. Hearty savory dishes, like lamb or vegetable tagines, biryani and samosas, are also served.