Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday celebrated to end the month-long fasting period of Ramadan. During Ramadan, people go without food or water during the daylight hours, but break the fast nightly and rise early to eat and drink before the sun comes up. After a month of prolonged fasting, the Eid al-Fitr is a welcomed celebration that includes feasting with friends and family.
This year, the holiday will be observed on June 15, in line with the rise of the new moon and the beginning of the 10-month Islamic lunar calendar. Observe this holiday the plant-based way by spending time with loved ones in the kitchen, whipping up these vegan versions of traditional Middle Eastern dishes.
7 Vegan Recipes to Celebrate Eid al-Fitr
1. Morrocan Tagine
This hearty, healthy stew is perfect for feeding a crowd (or freezing leftovers for one). It’s packed with nutrient-dense veggies such as eggplant, chickpeas, carrots, tomatoes, and dates which offer a surprisingly sweet balance to the spices. Although perfect for celebrations, you’ll want to make this tagine year-round.
Get the recipe here.
2. Quinoa Pomegranate Salad With Orange Tahini Dressing
Quinoa is an excellent choice for serving large parties. It easily cooks up in big batches, and it’s naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy the dish. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and homemade tahini dressing to really make this side dish pop.
Get the recipe here.
3. Salted Caramel Date Cake
No feast is complete without a decadent dessert. Before you set this gooey, sweet yet salty delight on the table, be sure to have a few recipes cards handy. Everyone will be asking for it (and for seconds).
Get the recipe here.
4. Oven-Baked Vegetable Samosas
No need to break out the deep-fryer for this one. Even though they’re baked, these veggie-stuffed savory pastries are light, fluffy, and perfectly crispy. Have an air-fryer? Save room in your oven and pop these in the air-fryer basket.
Get the recipe here.
5. Vegan Naan
There’s only one way to scoop up stews and spreads, and that is with bread. Traditional naan is made with dairy, but this thick and fluffy vegan version remains authentic without using animal products. Serve plain or stuff with lentils for a party-perfect handheld meal.
Get the recipe here.
6. Falafel Bites
Fafel is a staple among Middle Eastern cultures, and it’s relatively simple to make once you have the ingredients. Throw everything into a food processor, give it a whirl, scoop into balls, and bake (or air-fry). Clean out the food processor and make your own hummus or baba ganoush to serve on the side.
Get the recipe here.
7. Wicked Baba Ganoush Na’anwich
If it’s made by the Wicked Healthy brothers, you know it’s going to be good. This “na’anwich” is a feast of its own. The naan is piled high with a generous schmear of baba ganoush then topped with roasted eggplant, a punchy veggie relish, and a cool tahini drizzle. You’re definitely going to need a knife and fork for this one.
Get the recipe here.
