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  3. A Persian New Year Feast

A Persian New Year Feast

By Food & Wine Updated May 09, 2019
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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio
The Persian New Year (called Norooz or Nowruz) lasts until April 1. To kick off the 13-day celebration, cookbook author Louisa Shafia (The New Persian Kitchen) made a traditional, superflavorful dinner alongside Michael Solomonov at Zahav, his modern Israeli restaurant in Philadelphia.
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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

To calm frayed nerves and get everyone energized before service, chef Mike Solomonov leads everyone in a 5-minute plank pose (here with side variation).

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

Shafia on the line in Zahav's open kitchen.

  • Philadelphia Restaurants

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

Assembling saffron frozen yogurt and cardamom pizzelle sandwiches.

  • Behroush: The Saffron King and His Amazing Journey

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

The ceremonial sofreh table with the haftseen—the seven items that begin with the letter "s" in Farsi, symbolizing qualities like beauty, health, and prosperity for the new year.

  • Cookbook Review: The Best Middle Eastern Home Cooking

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

Explaining to guests about the customs of Norooz, and the meaning of the sofreh table.

  • Philadelphia Travel Guide

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

The fresh herb platter, a part of every Persian meal, with radishes, walnuts, homemade lavash bread, and feta cheese with spices and olive oil.

  • Breads of the World

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A Persian New Year Feast
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Chef Mike Solomonov with a tray of yogurt with beets, seasoned with dried mint, garlic and olive oil.

  • Michael Solomonov: On the Hummus Hunt

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A Persian New Year Feast
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The mixed vegetable pickle, ubiquitous to any Persian meal, is seasoned with angelica powder, nigella seeds and tarragon.

  • The Peacemaking Power of Pita

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

Guests share stories about visiting Iran, and give Shafia advice about her upcoming trip this spring.

  • Peace, Love and the Perfect Potluck

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

Tahdig, the fried, crunchy rice from the bottom of the pot, is the highlight of any Persian meal.

  • Best Syrian Food Unveiled

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A Persian New Year Feast
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Persian Gulf-style spicy tamarind fish stew—made here with barramundi—is a specialty of Southern Iran, where hot chiles are an essential part of cooking.

  • A Lesson in Persian Food

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A Persian New Year Feast
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Iconic Persian green herb and kidney bean stew tastes like an herb garden in a pot, amped up by the bittersweet citrus flavor of dried limes.

  • Michael Solomonov's Israeli Restaurant Picks

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A Persian New Year Feast
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Lamb kebabs in pomegranate-walnut marinade, a specialty of Gilan province in Northern Iran, on top of sweet rice with carrots and nuts.

  • Delicious Kebab Recipes

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A Persian New Year Feast
Credit: Photo © Felicia D'Ambrosio

Rhubarb and rosewater sorbet and rice noodles—a fruity take on the traditional dessert faloodeh. Here, it's topped with labneh ice cream and pistachios.

  • Apt 2B Baking Co., on Baking with Iranian Ingredients and Whole Grains

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A Persian New Year Feast
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An ice cream sandwich, to celebrate a successful dinner.

  • Kate Krader's Philadelphia Food Tour

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A Persian New Year Feast
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Shafia celebrating in the kitchen, with co-chef Emily Seaman and chef Mike.

  • F&W Chef Superstar Michael Solomonov

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