Nowruz mubarak from Real Food for Real Kids!
Nowruz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian New Year. It celebrates new beginnings, as families come together to embrace the vibrant traditions of Persian culture.
It’s a time to visit relatives, exchange gifts, and of course, enjoy some delicious family favourite meals. Perhaps the most exciting part is the Haft-Sin tradition. This is a table presentation of seven food items that begin with the Persian letter S. The presentation usually includes the following (with variations):
- Sumac (Somagh – سماق)
- Vinegar (Serkeh – سرکه)
- Apples (Seeb – سیب)
- Wheat (or sometimes lentils, barley, etc) grown in a dish (Sabzeh – سبزه)
- Sweet pudding (Samanu – سمنو)
- Oleaster (Senjed – سنجد)
- Garlic (Seer – سیر)
learn about Nowruz
Spice up your meal planning and try serving Sabzi Polow Mahi for dinner! It’s a delightful dish featuring fish and an abundance of fresh herbs and spices. The flavours are dynamic, but mild enough for kids to appreciate as well!
You can also gift a book to your little ones. Seven Special Somethings, written by Adib Khorram and illustrated by Zainab Faidhi, is a tale of a helpful young boy who thoughtfully hopes to add his own item to the Haft-Sin. As he explores the possibilities of what could make it better, the story unravels the beauty of Nowruz traditions while showing us the importance of together time. Get your copy here!
What are some traditional Nowruz meals your family enjoys? Leave a comment below!