Rite of Spring
Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 1:01AM 
Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is a celebration of spring and has taken place on the last Tuesday of every winter for centuries. Nowruz means “new day” and is symbolic of rebirth and renewal.
Last week we celebrated Nowruz at the home of our dear friends, the Zomorodis. Our gracious host, Minou, was there to welcome family and friends to the year’s most extravagant party. The festivities were in full swing by 7 o’clock and went late into the night with a very elegant spread of delicious food, Persian music, dancing and gold coins for the children.
The buffet tables, our favorite part, were overflowing with the bounty of spring. Traditional Nowruz foods, such as Sabzi Polo Mahi, fish served with special rice mixed with loads of fresh herbs, were piled abundantly on long silver platters. This rice is the perfect dish to capture the spirit of such a very special occasion. It represents the greenness of nature at spring.
Here’s an easy version of Sabzi Polo for you to make at home. Pair it with fried fish for a traditional Persian New Year meal.
Here’s to the first day of spring and new beginnings! Wishing you a year filled with love, peace, health and prosperity. Happy Nowruz!
To get the recipe and shopping list on your smartphone (iPhone, BlackBerry, Android device) or PC, click here.
Easy Herbed Rice
2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
3 ½ cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Rinse the rice, drain and repeat until the water is clear. In a medium-size saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, the drained rice and oil and bring to a boil, turn heat down until the water is simmering. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in herbs and let sit another 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Makes 4 servings
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Reader Comments (1)
Wow, looks delicious! Wish I knew some Persian people. Other cultures have such wonderful traditions!