Nowruz Green Menu

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Food of Life

By Najmieh Batmanglij

Published 2011

  • About
The traditional menu for the Nowruz gathering on the day of the equinox usually includes fish and noodles. It is believed they bring good luck, fertility, and prosperity in the year that lies ahead.
  • Noodle Soup (Osh-e reshteh)—Noodles represent the Gordian knots of life. Eating them symbolically unravels life’s knotty problems in the coming year.
  • Rice with Fresh Herbs and Fish (Sabzi polow ba mahi)—Fresh herb rice represents rebirth, fish represent Anahita, one of the angels of water and fertility.
  • Herb Kuku (Kuku-ye sabzi)—The eggs and herbs represent fertility and rebirth.
  • Bread, Cheese, and Fresh Herbs (Nan-o panir-o sabzi khordan)—Represents prosperity.
  • Wheat Sprout Pudding (Samanu)—Represents fertility and rebirth.
  • Sprout Cookies (Kolucheh-ye javaneh-ye gandom)—Represents prosperity and fertility.
  • Ice in Paradise (Yakh dar behesht)—Represent nourishment.
  • Saffron Sherbet, and Saffron Tea with Rock Candy (Sharbat-e Zaferan, Chai-e zafaran ba nabat)—Represent light and love.
  • Baklava (Baqlava); Chickpea Cookies (Nan-e Nokhodchi); Rice Cookies (Nan-e berenji); and Sugar Coated Almonds (Noghl)—Represent sweetness and prosperity.