Navroz 2023: Dhansak to Sali Boti, dishes to savour on Parsi New Year

As the Parsi community gears up to celebrate their New Year on August 16, there's more to look forward to than just the vibrant festivities and cheerful gatherings. The Parsi New Year, also known as Navroz or Nowruz, marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in the Parsi calendar, and what better way to usher it in than with a spread of mouthwatering traditional dishes that are brimming with cultural significance? From aromatic spices to unique flavours, these recipes are a testament to the rich heritage of the Parsi community.

3 things you need to know

• Parsi New Year: Celebrate culture with delicious traditional recipes.
• Aromatic spices define Parsi cuisine's rich and unique flavours.
• Navroz festivities unite the community in joy and togetherness.

Patra ni Machi (Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves)

This delectable dish is a Parsi classic that embodies the essence of the coastal region's culinary prowess. Fresh fish fillets are marinated in a blend of green chutney made from coriander, mint, and coconut, then lovingly wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that pairs beautifully with fragrant saffron rice.

(This delectable dish is a Parsi classic | Image: Twitter)

Dhansak

No Parsi celebration is complete without a hearty plate of Dhansak. This quintessential dish combines lentils, vegetables, and a choice of meat (usually lamb or chicken) in a rich gravy seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. Served with caramelized rice, it's a comforting and satisfying dish that reflects the community's Persian influences.

(No Parsi celebration is complete without a hearty plate of Dhansak | Image: Twitter)

Ravo

To satisfy your sweet tooth, Ravo comes to the rescue. This semolina-based dessert is a must-have on Parsi New Year. Slow-cooked with ghee, cardamom, and saffron, then garnished with slivers of almonds and pistachios, Ravo is a celebration of flavours and textures that symbolize prosperity and happiness.

(To satisfy your sweet tooth, semolina-based dessert Ravo comes to the rescue | Image: Twitter)

Sali Boti

Tender pieces of meat, often mutton or lamb, are slow-cooked in a blend of spices, tangy vinegar, and jaggery to create the mouthwatering Sali Boti. Topped with crisp potato straws known as "sali," this dish captures the unique sweet and savoury notes that Parsi cuisine is cherished for.

(It has a unique sweet and savoury notes | Image: Twitter)

Lagan nu Custard

Concluding the feast on a sweet note is the delightful Lagan nu Custard. A blend of milk, eggs, and sugar is flavoured with nutmeg and cardamom, then baked to create a creamy and comforting dessert. Topped with caramelized sugar, it's a perfect representation of the Parsi love for incorporating diverse flavours.

(Complete your celebration with Lagan nu Custard | Image: Twitter)

The Parsi New Year is a time of reflection, renewal, and togetherness, and these traditional recipes provide a heartfelt connection to the community's roots. As the aroma of spices fills the air and the clinking of cutlery resonates through Parsi households, these dishes not only tantalize the taste buds but also encapsulate the spirit of a culture that values tradition and flavour in equal measure. So, this New Year, gather your loved ones and indulge in the culinary treasures that the Parsi heritage has to offer.