There are a few times a year when cooking really takes center stage. Ramadan is definitely one of those times. Sharing a meal with family members and loved ones is a great way to connect, catch up, and really focus on the things that matter.  Who doesn’t love bonding over some seriously tasty eats? While you likely have some family favorites for Iftar that are a must every year, we’ve found some delicious recipes to help you break the fast. Who knows, you might even find a couple that will become a new family favorite.

Bhajiya (Fried Chickpea-Battered Potatoes)

Ever met a potato you didn’t like? We don’t think you’re about to with this addictive food item. While it could easily pull double duty as a snack or appetizer, does it really matter when you eat it as long as you eat it? Potato chunks are dredged in a chickpea and rice flour batter that is well spiced with turmeric and a little chile powder for bite. Saveur will show you how to make these crispy golden wonders. This is one Iftar side dish that will be gone before you know it.

Roasted Eggplant and Brown Rice With Turmeric Tahini

This gorgeous looking side dish is simple, elegant, and could easily pull double duty as a main course. It would also be a fabulous option to have on hand in case you’ve got some vegetarians in the fam. It’s a brightly flavored dish where everything melds into a symphony for the taste buds. Expect this to be a hit. Find it here.

Chickpea Mango Fusion Salad

This easy as pie salad is a terrific Iftar side dish. Salads are a great palate cleanser, and they are an inexpensive way to feed a crowd. The gentle burst of chickpeas is lovely against the crunch of bell pepper. The sweetness of the mango really ties all the flavors together, while that citrus hint of lime lends a welcome undertone of tartness. You could always add some kidney beans to the mix if you wanted to stretch it a bit further with almost no additional cost. Head on over to  Nour Zibdeh for the how to.

Macaroni Mozzarella Bechamel Sauce

So, time to break that fast and you’re looking for an Iftar dish to satisfy some carbs and cheese cravings. Here it is! Munaty Cooking spills the tea on how to make this delectable version. While you might be inclined to argue this is a main dish, we would argue right back that we don’t like to limit ourselves! If you’ve got a lot of clamoring mouths to feed, this will definitely work as a side dish to heavier stews or hardy meat and seafood dishes.