Happy Norooz (aka Persian New Year)!
Our Sofreh Haft Seen for Norooz
Happy first day of Spring and Persian New Year! Around this time of year, my Facebook feed is filled with friends and relatives posting photos of their sofrehs for Norooz. Remember mine from last year?
This year’s sofreh is even more obscure…
Recipe: Dal Adas,A�Lentil Stew from the South of Iran
This red lentil stew a�� Dal Adas a�� is insanely delicious and holds a special place in my heart. It’s something I make almost weekly and it’s one of the few Persian dishes I can whip together quickly with the utmost confidence a�� most other Persian recipes require more calculated, concentrated technique. It’s a simple lentil “khoresht” (the standard word for “stew” in Farsi) from the south of Iran. The dish is noticeably inspired by Indian dal; it made its way to Iran thanks the many Indian merchants who’ve done trade at the southern port cities.
My mom taught me this recipe and my grandmother taught it to her. From her adolescence until today, my mom’s been the perennial feminist, rebel, and artist. Before I was ever so much as a glimmer in her eye, she was off getting multiple college degrees in Iran, traveling through Europe, perfecting her disco hustle, and working in the office of The Queen. Throughout it all, she’s always made this recipe as an easy go-to that satisfies.