Dishes to Relish on Parsi New Year in August

Navroz or Nowruz is an important festival celebrated by the Parsi community. It is the day that marks the beginning of the new Iranian calendar and is also known as Parsi New Year.

On this auspicious occasion, Parsi families, apart from sending gifts and greetings to their loved ones, dress up in their traditional clothes and enjoy a get together with their families and friends. Like all the festivals, Navorz celebrations would be incomplete without a special meal.  

To celebrate the Parsi New Year, the Parsis prepare an elaborate feast, which is known as the Navroz meal. This year, Navroz falls on 16th August 2024. So, if you are looking to try some Parsi food, you must try these dishes on Navro

Dhansak

A popular Parsi dish, Dhansak is made by cooking goat meat with lentils and an assortment of vegetables. If you eat non-vegetarian food, it is one Parsi dish that everyone must try. A single morsel of the dish will leave your smiling from ear to ear. You can have it with chapati or naan, but Parsi like to have Dhansak with caramelised rice, which is topped with fried onions. 

Patra ni Machhi

No Parsi celebration is complete without this popular Parsi food. Machhi means Fish, and Patra is leaves, and hence the dish gets its name because the fish is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The banana leaf adds another layer of aroma and flavour to the fish, perfectly complementing the use of spices.  

Typically, the dish is served with a side of rice. All Parsi families have their secret Patra ni Machhi recipe, which is passed from generation to generation. The taste may differ based on the type of fish and the spices used. But, they are all delectable and worth tasting. 

Akoori 

Akoori is the Parsi community’s version of scrambled eggs and it is usually eaten for breakfast but you can have it anytime of the day, and it is sure to make your tummy and heart full. Made with eggs, tomatoes, onions, cumin seeds, ginger, garlic and fennel seeds, the dish is served with bread toast. But, if you are having it for lunch, you can also eat it with roti or chapati as it tastes heavenly.  

 Lagan nu Custard

Parsi New Year celebration calls for a sweet, and most families make Lagan nu Custard. It is decadent and a signature Prasi sweet dish. It is made with condensed milk, sugar, eggs, custard powder and a pinch of nutmeg. The spice adds an earthy flavour and cuts the sweet. It is a must-try delicacy during Parsi new year. 

Parsi Sev

Another delicious dessert in the list, Parsi Sev is usually made on special or festive occasions like Navroz. It is an easy-to-make sweet dish featuring Sevaiyyan or vermicelli as the main ingredient. It is made by roasting vermicelli and nuts in pure desi ghee, which is then added to sugar syrup that is flavoured with spices like saffron, nutmeg and cardamom. It has a unique aroma and the taste so rich that you can stop yourself going for a second serve. 

Sali Boti

Sali Boti is a flavourful Parsi dish made with succulent pieces of mutton cooked in a rich tomato and onion gravy, seasoned with a blend of spices. The dish gets its name from the crispy potato straws, known as "Sali," which are generously sprinkled on top, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

Typically served with steamed rice or chapati, Sali Boti is a hearty meal that perfectly balances the tender meat with the crispiness of the potato straws.

Kolmi no Patio

Kolmi no Patio is a spicy and tangy prawn curry that is a staple in Parsi households. The prawns are cooked in a tangy tomato-based gravy with a hint of sweetness, balanced with spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. The dish is known for its vibrant red colour and zesty flavour.

This dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice or a soft, warm chapati, making it a delightful main course for seafood lovers.

Parsi Mutton Cutlets

Parsi Mutton Cutlets are deliciously spiced patties made from minced mutton mixed with potatoes, herbs, and spices. These cutlets are then breaded and fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and flavourful on the inside.

Served with a side of green chutney or ketchup, Parsi Mutton Cutlets make for an excellent appetizer or snack that is sure to impress your guests.

Marghi na Farcha

Marghi na Farcha is the Parsi version of fried chicken, featuring juicy pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of spices, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to perfection. The result is crispy, golden-brown chicken with a flavourful and moist interior.

These fried chicken pieces are often served as an appetizer or as part of a main meal, accompanied by mint chutney or a tangy tamarind sauce.

Ravo

Ravo is a traditional Parsi dessert made from semolina (rava), milk, sugar, and ghee, flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts and raisins. It is often prepared during festive occasions and special celebrations. The creamy texture and rich flavour make it a comforting and indulgent sweet treat.

Ravo is typically served warm, and it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Parsi cuisine is a treasure trove of unique and flavourful dishes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Parsi community. Whether you are looking for a hearty meal, a delectable dessert, or a flavourful snack, these Parsi dishes are sure to leave you craving for more. So, go ahead and explore the delightful world of Parsi cuisine, and treat yourself to these mouth-watering delicacies!