Celebrate Navroz 2024 With These 6 Iconic Parsi Dishes

As the festivals are approaching, the Parsi communities are delighted to celebrate their new year, Navroz. Navroz, or Nowruz, is the most significant festival for the Parsi community. The Parsi families come together with special gifts and greetings, donning their traditional attire, to celebrate this auspicious new beginning, symbolizing rejuvenation, happiness, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness. The most important thing about Navroz is its traditional Parsi dishes, which reflect the rich culinary heritage of the Parsi community. In this article, let’s explore the beauty of Parsi's delightful table.

Navroz dishes you must try:

Sali Boti

The traditional festival of Navroz is incomplete without Parsi delicious delicacies. One of the most important dishes of the Parsi community is Sali Boti, which is prepared with luscious pieces of mutton, cooked in tangy and aromatic gravy, seasoned with aromatic spices (cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon), along with red chilli powder, garam masala, and ginger-garlic paste. The Parsi meat dish is topped with crispy potato straws, also known as Sali. The thinly sliced and deep-fried potato sali is generally sprinkled over the meat dish just before serving.

Patra ni Macchi

Patra ni Macchi holds a significant place on the Parsi plate during the Navroz celebration. As the name suggests, Patra means leaf, and Macchi denotes fish. This is a traditional meal of the Parsi community. The Parsi dish features tender, fresh fish fillets marinated in a tangy aromatic paste usually made with coconut, coriander, mint, and green chillies. The marinated fish is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked to perfection. This elegant fish dish is appealing and worth tasting. The dish Patra ni Macchi is served with rice by the side.

Berry Pulao

Berry Pulao is another mouth-watering dish that combines the sweetness of berries with fragrant basmati rice and aromatic spices with succulent pieces of mutton. This meal is ideal for marriage and other special occasions. The recipe is quite easy and appealing, and the preparation includes cooked rice with caramelised onions, tender meat, and spices, resulting in a delicious dish. The juicy berries add a tangy and sweet taste. Don’t forget to impress your guests with its vibrant presentation and unusual flavours.

Parsi Akoori

Another impressive Parsi dish is Parsi Akoori, a hearty meal that contains scrambled eggs infused with spices and herbs. The dish is mainly eaten for breakfast, but you can enjoy it anytime you want. The dish is crafted with eggs, tomatoes, onions, ginger-garlic paste, and cumin seeds that will satisfy your soul and fill your heart with its taste. This dish can be served with roti, chapati, or toasts for a heavenly treat.

Dhansak

Dhansak, another cornerstone of Parsi culture, is made with goat meat, flavorful lentils, and vegetables with an array of aromatic spices, especially dhansak masala. The comforting dish is served with caramelised brown rice and a tangy salad. It is one of the must-try dishes of Parsi culture for non-vegetarians, and it is both comforting and satisfying. 

Lagan Nu Custard

Sweets add flavour to your taste buds, and it is mandatory to have desserts after eating any delicacies. Lagan Nu Custard is a luxurious dessert on the Navroz menu, made with condensed milk, sugar, eggs, custard powder, and a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg. The dish is baked until golden brown and then garnished with dry fruits, including almonds and pistachios. It is a must-try delicacy during the Parsi New Year. 

You can also have these dishes on Navroz-

Jardaloo Sali Marghi

Chicken Farcha

Ravo

Parsi Sev

Doodh na Puff

Navroz is a reminder of togetherness with a pinch of tradition, and the celebration is incomplete without delectable cuisines on the table. It is more than a New Year celebration for Parsi communities. The vibrant festival is a symbol of gathering and enjoying the rich culinary heritage, with good wishes for everyone. This Navroz, enjoy a little more and experience the greatness of having a good life.