Nowruz

Nowruz is the Persian New Year, which begins on March 19 this year, at the Spring Equinox, and is celebrated in Iran for two weeks. The word Nowruz means New Day in Persian. It’s an ancient Persian belief that creation of the world took place on the first day of spring.

Agenda today:
1. Prepare the sabzeh: 

Two weeks ago I planted some seeds in a shallow bowl, called the sabzeh in Iran, a symbol of new life. Lentils or wheat are traditional; I planted a mixture of wheat and rye grain that I had in the cupboard for a cover crop.

This week the sprouts are tall enough to make a good show. To prepare them for the table, we wrap them up with a red ribbon. 

2. Dye a few eggs: 

Yep, colored eggs are a traditional part of Nowruz. The favorite colors are red, green and yellow, but all colors are used. 

3. Make Shir Berenj (Persian Milk & Rice Pudding):
In Farsi, shir means milk and berenj means rice. This pudding is one of the 7 symbolic foods on the Nowruz table, symbolic of taste and health.

Ingredients:

• 1/2-c. rice
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/8-c. sugar
• 1/8-c. rose water
• Cinnamon

Yield: Serves 2- 1- Rinse rice with cool water and soak, preferably overnight, or at least two hours before cooking.

2- Drain the rice and place in a pot with 1/2-c. water on medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle boil, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Then gradually add milk, stirring frequently to avoid getting a crusty bottom.

3- Once milk is absorbed by all the rice grains, about 40 minutes, add sugar and rose water. Stir well and cook for another 15-20 minutes. Make sure you are cooking on the lowest heat until it thickens.

4- When the pudding is well-cooked transfer it into bowls. Garnish with cinnamon or jam.

4. Make Koloocheh Cookies:

Koloocheh is a Persian cookie with a rich date and walnut filling, baked for special occasions. 



Ingredients:

• 3-1/2 c. flour
• 1/8 tsp. each baking soda and powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 2/3 c. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 c. water,
• 1/4 c. rosewater
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 c. pitted dates
• 1 c. walnuts
• 2 Tbsp. tahini
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cumin; whisk together. Make a well, and add unsalted butter and vegetable oil; mix well with your hands. 

2. Add water, rosewater, and honey. Continue to knead for 5 minutes, then cover with plastic and rest 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, make the filling: Combine pitted dates, walnuts, tahini, and cinnamon, and blend in a blender to make a paste. 

4. Oil and flour a pan. Preheat oven to 350° F. 

5. Divide the dough into 8 parts. Pat each ball of dough into a flat disk and put a scoop of filling in the center. 

Fold the edges over and pat it closed. 

6. Press each cookie flat with a plate or a cookie stamp,






and poke a few holes with a chop stick.

7. Place on the pan, brush with oil, and bake 25-30 minutes. 

5. Set up a haft sin:

A few days before Noruz every household spreads a tablecloth on the carpet or table called the Sofreh-e Haft Sin, or Cloth of Seven Dishes. 

Traditionally the cloth is white, but we use an appliqued cloth that my art class students have been making. We were inspired by Persian embroidered suzani, and we work on it a little each year.

After we spread the suzani out on the table, we have a hunt to find the symbolic items to put on the haft sin table- including seven bowls filled with seven symbolic foods, each beginning with the Persian letter sheen.

• Sharab- wine, for happiness
• Shakar- sugar, for sweetness
• Shir- milk, for nourishment
• Shireh- fruit syrup (usually grape), for vigor
• Shahd- honey, for productive teamwork
• Shirini- candy, more sweetness
• Shir berenj- rice pudding, for health

Other symbols of spring are also placed on the table; each family has its own traditions, but the common items are: 

• Sabzeh sprouts, for new life
• A mirror to reflect the images of creation 
• A candle for each child, to represent wisdom and happiness 
• A Holy Book or book of poetry
• Spring flowers 
• Colored eggs, for fruitfulness 
• Coins, for prosperity 
• Rose water for healing 
• Cookies for a sweet life 

6. Nowruz Ceremony:

Family and friends gather to wait for the Nowruz ceremony, which traditionally happens at the exact moment of the equinox. Everyone greets each other with "Nowruz Mubarak!" - Happy New Day! 

Next the oldest person holds up a mirror and each person looks into the mirror and smiles. The mirror is for reflecting a person's past, and reminding a person to reflect on future goals and pledges. In Zoroastrian theology, the soul receives a reflection of a person's thoughts, words and deeds.