We all have our own customs and beliefs and the diversity of both in our country is unmatched. With so many religions and communities, we have a large number of rituals, traditions and celebrations associated with them. Some communities were always a part of India while others migrated to our land and settled here. Parsis are one such group of people who fled from Persia or present-day Iran to escape the Arab Muslim rule there and took shelter in the Indian hinterland. Believers of Zoroastrianism, this ethnic community slowly and gradually spread their culture and flavours on our soil.
Today, you’ll find plenty of Parsis settled in Mumbai and an even larger number of Parsi cafes thronging the streets of Colaba and Marine Drive. Given their cultural background, the Parsi New Year collides with the Persian or Iranian New Year. Also known as Navroz or Nowruz, the day marks the commencement of the spring season as we enter a Nav (new) Roz (day). Parsi households would be seen prepping for this occasion in full swing and the kitchens would be filled with the aromas of Patra ni Macchi, Salli chicken and much more.
Since it’s a celebratory time, it cannot be possible to savour the day without some sweets. Adding sugar and a whole lot of happiness to your Navroz, we bring to you some decadent Parsi desserts that you can prepare at home on this special day.
1. Lagan Nu Custard
More of ice cream and less of custard, this Parsi dessert is a rich combination of milk, sugar and eggs. The creamy and smooth pudding is yellow in colour and loaded with a whole lot of nuts. As the name suggests, the dessert is served at weddings (lagan) usually but is also a favourite at the Navroz spread.
2. Malai Khaja
Khaja, for those untouched by the phenomenon, is a crispy and flaky pastry which is popular in Odia, Bohri, Bihari and Parsi cuisines. The crispy exterior is balanced by the gooey and milky interior of malai and nuts. After deep-frying, the khaja is dipped in sugar syrup for additional sweetness.
3. Sweet Seviyan
The Parsis love their sev aka vermicelli a lot. This is a classic Parsi sweet, where the vermicelli is cooked along with sugar, ghee, cardamom and water. Garnished with almonds and cashews, it is a usual suspect on Navroz.
4. Doodh Pak
This might remind of you kheer but it isn’t that. A favourite in even Gujarati households, this Parsi dessert is made from condensed milk that is thickened along with rice and then flavoured with nuts and saffron.