Happy Nowruz 2019! Persian New Year Traditions and Haft Seen Photos

Nowruz, which means "new day" in Persian, marks the arrival of spring, nature's renewal, and the beginning of the new year. This year, sal-e tahvil (vernal equinox) falls on Wednesday, March 20, at 5:58 pm here in New York. 

This ancient festival, with roots dating back thousands of years, is celebrated not only in Iran but also by Iranians around the world, as well as in countries such as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Nowruz is a time of togetherness with family and friends, sitting around a sofreh-ye haft seen, feeling gratitude for the year past, and looking forward with hope to what lies ahead.

Traditions continue throughout the 13 days of Nowruz. Following the Nowruz celebration, the traditional did-o-bazdid (visiting friends and family) starts, and the festivities end on the 13th day of Nowruz, which is called sizdah- bedar (getting rid of 13). This day is traditionally spent outdoors, picnicking in nature. On this day, sabzeh is released into running water, carrying away any negativity and misfortune from the home.

Preparation for Nowruz begins weeks earlier with khaneh tekani (spring cleaning), clearing away dust and clutter to welcome renewal. A guiding Zoroastrian teaching remembered during this time is beautifully simple: Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.

At the heart of Nowruz is the haft-Seen table (haft=seven, seen=the letter "s" in Farsi). Each of these items starts with "s" and carries a symbolic meaning:

سبزه  Sabzeh - wheat, lentil, or mung sprouts need to be germinated a couple of weeks before the sal-e tahvil to have a long and green sabzeh.

1. Sabzeh (sprouts) - rebirth and renewal
2. Samanoo (wheat pudding) - patience 
3. Seeb (apple) - beauty
4. Seer (garlic) - health
5. Sekeh (coin) - prosperity
6. Senjed (oleaster) - love
7. Serkeh (vinegar) - age 

In addition to these seven items, other items often included are a mirror (reflection), candles (light), goldfish (life), sumac (the spice of life), colored eggs (fertility), and a book of poetry by Hafez, or a prayer book. sweets, sonbol (hyacinth), and other spring flowers.

The Nowruz feast often includes sabzi polow (rice and herbs) with mahi (fish), reshteh polow, kookoo sabzi, ash reshteh, and dolmeh, among many other dishes that might differ from region to region.

Sal-e No Mobarak! Happy Nowruz!

Esfahani-Style Pancake Recipe, Long-Awaited Trip to Iran and My 10 Year Blogging Anniversary

After many years, I finally took a long-awaited vacation to Iran with my two daughters. It was an unforgettable journey filled with incredible moments. Our trip was meant to reconnect with family, explore historic sites, and ignite in my daughters a love for my homeland. Over the course of three weeks, we visited Esfahan, Shiraz, and Tehran. The experience exceeded all expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly embraced by family on both sides and graciously guided through the beauty and history of these remarkable cities.

This blog was born in the early days of December ten years ago, during a time when I was searching to find a way to cope with the loss of my mother. What began as a small project soon grew into something that brought me immense joy and fulfillment. Over the years, it has become a space to share my love for Persian food and culture, and to connect with so many wonderful readers around the world. I am grateful for the kind and heartfelt messages I've received throughout the years, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

One of the highlights of our trip was getting to enjoy new dishes and old favorites. A memorable new discovery was my sister-in-law's special pancakes, which she prepared for breakfast on our very first morning in Esfahan. This ingenious پنکیک pancake is actually closer to scrambled eggs than the American-style pancake, made with more eggs than flour.. It's quick to prepare, yet just as delicious. 

Instead of spooning the batter into the pan to make several thin pancakes, the entire mixture is poured in at once and cooked slowly over low heat until golden and set. 

Esfahani Pancakes - پنکیک اصفهانی 

Ingredients
Serves 4

-4 eggs
-4 tablespoons flour
-1 cup milk
-A pinch of salt
-1 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
-1/2 tablespoon sugar *optional
-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter

For the topping:
Syrup, honey, grape molasses, fresh fruits, or s little extra butter

Method:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add the milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
3. Beat the eggs lightly with a fork or whisk, then add them to the flour mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the oil or butter, then pour in the entire batter. Reduce the heat to low.
5. Cover and cook until the pancake is fluffy and golden on the bottom. 
6. Cut the pancake into four equal pieces.
7. Carefully flip each piece with a spatula, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 
8. Serve immediately with your favorite topping.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year! May 2019 be a happy, healthy, and prosperous year for everyone!