There is no end to the string of festivities that happen in India all year round. While the English calendar is universally followed, the Parsis celebrate their new year according to the Zoroastrian one. The immigrants from Persia who settled in India formed the Parsi community, as we know it and today marks the beginning of a new year or Navroz for them.
Navroz is a combination of two Persian words, ‘nav’ meaning new and ‘roz’ meaning day. Since it is the first day of the year for them, it is a day of celebration and food. The fact that Parsis are hard-core foodies is no stranger to us. From rich and creamy eggs for breakfast to meaty delicacies for the main meals, they relish delectable food all day long. There is an authentic Parsi feast that is prepared on this day and we’ve got you fully-covered with a Navroz special menu.
Starters
1. Marghi Na Farcha
The crispy, fried chicken dish is a great appetiser to begin the meal. Juicy and succulent pieces of boneless chicken are cut into small cubes and marinated in ginger-garlic paste, cumin, cloves and cinnamon. The chicken is deep-fried and served hot with mint-coriander chutney and onion rings. Wait till it turns golden-brown before taking it out.
2. Parsi Fried Fish
With a simple and basic preparation, the Parsi-special fried fish is made on Navroz for starters. Usually, white fish is taken and rubbed with turmeric powder, red chilli powder and lemon juice. Fried in hot oil until golden-brown, the fish is garnished with coriander leaves and served hot with a spicy dip. This is a crispy starter with a soft and moist fish filling.
Mains
1. Kolmi Papeto Tetralo
If you’re a fan of seafood, then this Parsi dish is just for you. A delicious combination of prawns and potatoes, the dish is cooked in a thick tomato puree. The prawns are tossed in chilli garlic paste, which is then mixed with potatoes and given a tangy touch with the gravy. This is a perfect main course to be served with rice.
2. Salli Boti
For the meat lovers, there isn’t much explanation required when it comes to boti. The rich and hearty dish is made with chunks of juicy mutton, cooked in a hot and fiery masala, made of onions, tomatoes and ginger-garlic paste. The thick curry is then topped with finely-sliced fried potato sticks known as salli. This adds a distinct taste to the Parsi delicacy and can be savoured with pav or rotli (Parsi roti).
Desserts
1. Lagan Nu Custard
Could you make out the story behind the name of the dish? Well, it is a wedding-special dessert that is also made on several other celebratory occasions. The dish gets its name from lagan meaning wedding. The custard is fresh, creamy, soft and chilled and perfect to end the heavy Parsi meal. Made with eggs, milk and sugar, the pudding is doused with chopped nuts and served.
2. Mawa Cake
A quick and easy cake preparation that is intrinsic to Navroz celebrations is this mawa cake. The dessert is made by combining wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and butter. Mixed together, the cake is churned well till bubbles are formed and is baked to perfection. It is finished off with slivered pistachios and almonds.