Persian New Year + My Favorite Persian Recipes

In celebration of the Persian New Year (Nowruz) and beginning of spring I am sharing a little bit about the holiday tradition and my favorite Persian inspired recipes that I have created and shared on the blog over the past three years!

The Persian New Year marks the end of one year and the beginning of the next year, and occurs on the day of the vernal equinox. It often occurs on or about March 20th, which also happens to be my husband’s birthday!  Growing up a Christian I equate this to having your birthday fall on Christmas. So lucky him always gets the day off from work, but also has to share his birthday with a major holiday.

Marrying into a Persian family, Nowruz has become a very special day for me, full of tradition, family time and yummy food. One of my favorite traditions is the beautiful “Haft-seen” table (Which literally means seven S’s) that my mother-in-law puts together. It’s a collection of items, all of which start with the letter S in Farsi, that symbolize hope in the new year.

• Sabzeh: Sprout or grass , for rebirth and renewal
• Senjed: Dried fruit, ideally a sweet fruit from a lotus tree, for love
• Sib: Apples, for beauty and health
• Seer: Garlic, for medicine and taking care of oneself
• Sekeh: Coins, for wealth and fertility
• Serkeh: Vinegar, for the patience and wisdom that comes with aging
• Sumac: A Persian spice made from crushed sour red berries, for the sunrise of a new day

Another one of my favorite traditions is enjoying Persian tea and sweets at the time of the vernal equinox. It’s one tasty tradition:) Many Persian sweets are made with rose water, a flavor I have grown to love and enjoy!

Oh and lastly, eating Khoresht’s (aka Persian Stews) one of my favorite Persian dishes. Needless to say I have immersed myself in the traditions and foods over the past 10+ years that I have been with my husband. I have even by inspired to re-create some of my favorite dishes on the blog, which I am sharing with you below!

Persian Herb Frittata (KooKoo Sabzi)

Vegetarian Pomegranate Walnut Stew

Persian Vegetable Soup 

Persian Cucumber and Herb Salad

Happy New Year and Spring! Although it doesn’t quite look or feel like spring yet here in Boston!