Pakistani Iftar Party Menu Ideas for Ramadan 2023

Ramadan is an auspicious month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide with great devotion and reverence. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn till dusk, abstaining from food and water, to strengthen their spiritual connection.

The end of each day’s fast is marked by iftar, a special meal eagerly anticipated and celebrated with family and friends. If you’re planning to host an iftar party this Ramadan, you may be wondering what are the popular Iftar dishes for Ramadan.

Fret not as Graana has compiled a list of Pakistani iftar party menu ideas that are sure to impress. From crispy samosas to aromatic biryani, from refreshing rooh afza to hearty haleem, we’ve got you covered. 

Iftar Party Menu for Each Ashra

Pakoray 

Here are the ingredients used for making pakoras:

• 2 cups gram flour (besan)
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as required
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add water to make a thick batter.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. Dip the sliced vegetables (potatoes, onions, and spinach) into the batter and gently place them into the hot oil.
5. Fry the pakoras until golden brown, and then remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
6. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

Pakoray are a popular iftar dish for Ramadan included in iftar party menu in Pakistan, as they are quick and easy to make and can be served to a large group of people.

Rooh Afza

Following are the ingredients that can be added to Rooh Afza: 

• 2 tbsp Rooh Afza syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Water
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. In a glass, add Rooh Afza syrup and lemon juice.
2. Fill the glass with water and stir to combine.
3. Add ice cubes and serve chilled.

Rooh Afza is a refreshing drink commonly served during iftar parties in Pakistan. It is also used to break the fast during Ramadan.

Kachori

Kachori is made using the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Water as required
• 1 cup yellow split peas (chana daal)
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oil, and salt.
2. Gradually add water to make a firm dough.

1. In a separate pan, boil the yellow split peas until they are tender.
2. In another pan, heat the oil and add cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until fragrant.
3. Add the boiled split peas to the pan with the spices and mix well.
4. Roll out the dough into small circles and place a spoonful of the split pea mixture in the centre.
5. Fold the edges of the dough to seal the filling and shape it into a ball.
6. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
7. Fry the kachoris until golden brown, and then remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
8. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

Kachori is a popular snack in Pakistan and make a popular dish in Iftar party menus. It can be filled with a variety of fillings, such as spiced potatoes or minced meat.

Lemonade

The following are the things that usually go into lemonade:

• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 cups water
• Ice cubes
• Mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a pitcher, mix together the lemon juice, sugar, and water.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add ice cubes and stir to combine.
4. Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

Lemonade is a refreshing and common drink making an essential part of Iftar party menus in Pakistan.

Fruit Chaat

Fruit chaat is made using the following ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped mixed fruits (such as apples, bananas, oranges, and pomegranates)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chaat masala
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed fruits, lemon juice, chaat masala, fresh mint leaves, and salt.
2. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Fruit chaat is a popular dish during iftar parties in Pakistan. It is a refreshing, healthy snack often served alongside other snacks and drinks.

Keema Samosa

Here are some of the things that are used for making Keema samosas:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ajwain seeds
• 1/4 cup oil
• Water as required
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, ajwain seeds, and oil.
2. Gradually add water to make a firm dough.
3. In a separate frying pan, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned.
4. Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until fragrant.
5. Roll out the dough into thin circles and cut them in half.
6. Form each half into a cone shape, fill with the meat mixture, and seal the edges with water.
7. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
8. Fry the samosas until golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
9. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

Keema samosas are a popular dish often included in iftar party menu in Pakistan. They are similar to regular samosas, but with a savoury meat filling. They are often added to Iftar party menus in Pakistan.

Haleem

In the making of haleem following ingredients are used:

• 1 cup wheat grains
• 1/2 cup split chickpeas (chana dal)
• 1/4 cup split yellow peas (moong dal)
• 1/4 cup split red lentils (masoor dal)
• 1/2 cup boneless lamb or beef, cubed
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as required
• Ghee or clarified butter for garnish
• Fried onions for garnish
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash the wheat grains and soak them in water for at least 6 hours.
2. Wash the split chickpeas, split yellow peas, and split red lentils and soak them in water for at least 1 hour.
3. In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked wheat grains, soaked split peas and lentils, cubed meat, chopped onions, vegetable oil, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.
4. Add enough water to cover the mixture and cook on medium heat until the meat is tender and the grains are fully cooked.
5. Use an immersion blender or a food processor to blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
6. Add more water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Heat the haleem in a pot and garnish with ghee or clarified butter, fried onions, and lemon wedges.
8. Serve hot with naan or roti.

Haleem is a traditional Pakistani dish that is a commonly dish included in Iftar party menu. It is a thick and hearty stew made with wheat grains, lentils, and meat, and is typically eaten with bread.

Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is made using the following ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb boneless chicken, cubed
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a pot, bring water to a boil and cook the rice until it is about 80% done. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
3. In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and fry the sliced onions until they are golden brown. Remove the onions from the pot and set them aside.
4. In the same pot, add the ginger paste and garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the spices are fragrant.
6. Add the cubed chicken and cook until it is no longer pink.
7. Add salt to taste and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
8. In a large pot or oven-safe dish, layer the cooked rice and chicken mixture. Top with the fried onions.
9. Cover the pot or dish and bake in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavours have melded together.
10. Serve hot with raita or chutney.

Chicken biryani is a flavorful rice dish that makes a common dish in Iftar party menu. It is made with basmati rice, chicken, and a variety of spices and is typically served with yoghourt raita or chutney.

Mango and Banana Shake

Mango and banana shake is made using the following things:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup plain yoghourt
• 2 tbsp honey
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine the diced mango, banana, milk, yoghourt, and honey in a blender.
2. Add a handful of ice cubes and blend until the shake is smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
4. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Mango and banana shake is a refreshing drink that is perfect for iftar party menu in Pakistan. It is made with fresh fruit, milk, yoghourt, and honey and is a great way to cool down after a long day of fasting. You can choose different types of mangoes to experiment with your drink.

These were some of the popular Iftar party menu dishes that are made during Ramadan in Pakistan. For more information on similar topics such as Ramadan calendar 2023, visit Graana.com.