Your Iftar, Your Way: Customizable Dishes to Please Everyone at the Table

Preparing iftar during Ramadan can be tricky, especially when trying to satisfy different tastes. Instead of making multiple dishes, why not create a meal that everyone can customize to their liking?

That way, you cut down on effort while making iftar more enjoyable and engaging for the whole family. Here are a few delicious, customizable meals that keep things simple yet satisfying!

1. Shawarma Wraps

Shawarma is a classic that’s both flavorful and easy to adapt. Rather than assembling wraps ahead of time, serve everything family-style. Lay out warm pita or saj bread, pre-cooked chicken or beef shawarma, and a variety of toppings like garlic sauce, tahini, pickles, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. 

Each person can build their own wrap, choosing exactly what they want. Not only does this take the pressure off the cook, but it also makes iftar feel more interactive and fun.

All you have to do is marinate sliced chicken or beef in yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and shawarma spices for a few hours, then cook in a pan until tender. Finally, serve your protein with pita bread and toppings of your choice.

2. Homemade Manakish

Manakish is a Lebanese flatbread often topped with za’atar, cheese, or ground meat. To make it customizable, bake plain manakish and serve it with an assortment of toppings on the side. 

Offer labneh, honey, olives, chili flakes, or extra cheese so everyone can adjust their portions and flavors to their preference. This way, one simple batch of dough can turn into a meal that suits every taste.

Start by mixing flour, yeast, salt, and water to form a dough, and let it rise for a couple of hours. Then, roll it out into small circles, bake at 200°C for 10 minutes, and lastly, serve with toppings on the side.

3. Mashed Potatoes With Middle Eastern Fixings

Mashed potatoes might not be a traditional iftar dish, but with the right toppings, they can take on a delicious Middle Eastern twist. Serve a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes alongside toppings like olive oil, sumac, za’atar, garlic yogurt, caramelized onions, and spiced ground meat. 

Everyone can mix and match flavors, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and personalized to their taste.

On top of that, the recipe couldn’t be simpler. Boil peeled potatoes until soft, then mash with butter, milk, and salt for a creamy base. After that, you can serve it with a selection of Middle Eastern toppings for a unique twist.

4. Mediterranean Bowls

A Mediterranean bowl is one of the easiest ways to keep iftar both nutritious and flexible. Start with a base of fluffy rice, couscous, or quinoa, then set out a variety of proteins like grilled chicken, falafel, or spiced chickpeas. 

You can also add fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and different sauces like tahini or lemon vinaigrette. Since everyone builds their own bowl, each person can create a meal that suits their cravings while keeping the prep simple.

For this recipe, cook rice, couscous, or quinoa as a base. Then, grill some chicken or roast chickpeas with olive oil and spices. Finally, serve the dish with assorted toppings like vegetables, cheese, and sauces for a fully customizable meal.

5. Kunafa Cups

Kunafa is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert, but making a full tray can be time-consuming. Instead, serve fried, plain kunafa in small cups and let each person choose their toppings. 

Offer options like sugar syrup, ashta, pistachios, chocolate spread, or a drizzle of honey. That way, dessert feels special without adding extra work for the cook.

To make this, all you have to do is toast shredded kunafa dough in butter until golden and divide it into small cups. Then, serve with a selection of sweet toppings for a quick and easy dessert.

A Stress-Free Iftar Everyone Will Enjoy

With these customizable meals, preparing iftar becomes less stressful while keeping everyone at the table happy. Rather than cooking multiple dishes, you provide a few core elements and let each person personalize their meal. 

It’s a simple way to bring variety to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Ramadan should be a time of togetherness, and with meals like these, you can focus more on sharing moments rather than managing the menu!

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