Persian new year, or Noruz (meaning “New Day”) is celebrated by Iranians all over the world on the first day of spring (usually on March 21st). There is much preparation involved for welcoming the new year: lots of curtain-washing and house-cleaning (known as xane tekani, literally meaning “house shaking”), but also lots of grocery shopping in order to prepare the special food traditionally served on new year’s eve, Sæbzi Polo ba Mahi. Why so much preparation is necessary? Well, because quite a bunch of different herbs (sæbzi) are used in this food, and they all have to be cleaned, washed, chopped and cooked! There is also rice (polo) and fish (mahi) involved! Here’s a recipe for 4 people in case you have the patience and passion to give it a try:
One bunch of each of these herbs (and it’s a good idea to learn their Persian names as well): parsley (jæfæri), dill (ševid), coriander (gešniz), spring onions (piyazče), fenugreek (šænbælile)
Two cups of rice (preferably basmati, but any type of long grain rice would work)
Four fish filets (in Iran usually trout is served, but any type of fish you like would work)
Oil
Butter
Salt
Saffron (without which the food won’t taste Persian enough!)
Start by cleaning, washing, and chopping the herbs finely (and I mean finely!) Then wash the rice and put it into a pot; add lots of water, a bit of salt and oil, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the rice to soften (it usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of rice). Drain it when it’s ready.
In another pot, pour a spoonful of oil, and add one third of the drained rice. Then cover the rice with one third of your finely chopped herbs. Continue layering (one layer rice, one layer herbs) until you have no rice and herbs left. Now, pour over the pot two spoonfuls of melted butter mixed with brewed saffron. Cook on high heat for couple of minutes, then reduce to low and let it slowly cook for an hour.
You can prepare the fish filets any way you like. Iranians usually fry them, but it would be healthier if you bake them in the oven.
After the fish is ready, serve it over the herbed rice (which should be smelling heavenly by the time your guests arrive!) Nuše jan (bon appétit)!
