Navroz or Nowruz, falls on 21st March this year and is rejoiced as a Nav meaning new and roz meaning day, i.e. new day. Also known as the Iranian or Persian New Year, the day marks the beginning of a new year according to the Persian calendar. It is also a special day for the Parsis as they celebrate their new year too. The Parsi culture has a long-standing influence of the Persians because their ancestors used to live in Persia before the overthrow of their secular leader and the capture of Arab Muslims. This lead most of them to migrate to India and settle here.
On the occasion of Navroz, Parsis prepare a host of delicacies, ranging from meaty dishes like Salli Chicken to seafood varieties like Patra Ni Macchi. Then there are a plethora of desserts like lagan nu custard that are also prepared on this day. Recently, Anil Kapoor took to his Instagram stories to share an image of a Navroz special setup and wish everyone a "Happy Nowruz" message. The spread features beautifully-lit silver lamps, red and yellow flowers and the holy book of Persians. There’s a mirror with a designed silver frame on the side and a bunch of fruits that are placed on the other. It also has a long text explaining the significance of Navroz and its meaning.
Since Navroz is not just about a new year but also about welcoming the spring season, the fruits include pomegranates, apple and grapefruits. There is another plate with sliced pieces of cake on it and some golden fruits kept in a basket. Now that Navroz is here, why not make use of the fruits and whip up delicious recipes.
1. Berry Pulao
This is a popular Parsi dish which is made from rice. Unlike savoury pulaos, this pulao is loaded with nuts, fruits and sugar. The sweet rice dish is tossed in caramelized onions and the pistachios add the crunch to the pulao.
2. Labneh Dip With Pomegranate
This is a creamy, yoghurt-based dip that is a staple in Middle-Eastern regions. The creamy dip is topped with fresh pomegranate seeds and served with a side of bread and vegetables.
3. Pear And Pomegranate Juice
A refreshing drink in the sweltering heat, this juice is filled with nutrition and taste. Made with the goodness of pomegranates and pears, the juice is naturally sweet without any added sugar. Sprinkle some black salt to enhance the taste of the juice.