Happy Nowruz (Persian New Year)
Spring is my favorite time of year. First, it means we are nearing the end of winter, but it also represents one of my favorite Persian celebrations – Nowruz (pronounced “no-rooz”).
Nowruz is a festival that marks the Persian New Year and the official beginning of spring. Nowruz begins at the spring equinox, when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are equal length (this year, it occurs at 10:33 am on Sunday, March 20th). Nowruz is celebrated for a two-week period in Iran and for me it holds memories of so many wonderful family traditions.
Nowruz in Farsi means “new day.” Most everyone in Iran, not to mention the millions of Iranians and non-Iranians who celebrate the holiday elsewhere around the world, observe the Persian New Year by doing a deep clean of their homes, celebrating a season of new life, and wishing for good luck in the year ahead.
On New Year’s Day, many families share a special meal as part of the celebration. The main course is typically Sabzi Polo Mahi, herb rice with fish. Fish has long symbolized life and good luck and green is the color symbolizing fruitfulness.
Some families also serve Kookoo Sabzi, an aromatic frittata filled with fresh herbs and eggs. Though this dish isn't considered a main dish, it certainly is always a favorite of mine.
It is believed that eating Kookoo Sabzi will bring prosperity and happiness in the year to come. The herbs take center stage in this dish, not the eggs. Just enough eggs are used to bind it all together.
My version of Kookoo Sabzi is made of only fresh herbs, although you can (and many Persians do) purchase dried herbs. This recipe is very versatile, and you can add different herbs and greens (dill, spinach, fenugreek, etc.). The dish is full of flavor and makes a wonderful dish all year long, and not just during springtime.
You can also make a sandwich with it and wrap it in some lavash (flat bread) with a bit of feta cheese and some radishes.
Luckily, here in Houston, we have many international grocery stores and we are fortunate to have several stores where you can purchase everything needed for this recipe. Phoenicia Specialty Foods, located in West Houston at 12141 Westheimer Road, is one of my favorites and you can find all the herbs (fresh or dry), zereshk (barberries), and bread needed for this recipe.
When you don’t have the time to make this dish yourself, you’re in luck! You can try out several variations at the following locations right here in West Houston:
Cafe Caspian - Persian fixture with a welcoming vibe, warm flatbread fresh from the oven & classic Iranian dishes
Avesta Persian Grill - Authentic Perian & Middle Eastern Cuisine. They bake their own special bread and serve various appetizers, stews and rice dishes.
Darwish Restaurant - Traditional Persian & Mediterranean dining experience.
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