Sofreye Haft Sin Sofreh is a Persian tablecloth. On this tablecloth 7 symbolic elements are dished up for Norooz our Persian New Year, which begin with the letter “S” in Farsi. The number seven is a sacred number. Watch Video on Instagram
On the last Tuesday evening before the Persian New Year, we celebrate Chaharshanbeh Suri – The Persian Festival. Several rituals are performed on this fire festival to purify the body and mind. Chaharshanbeh means Wednesday, and Suri means light and also fire. In my childhood, this caused some confusion. Why is it called Wednesday and celebrated on Tuesday? It’s the last night to Wednesday before Norooz, the Persian New Year, a festival celebrated at the spring equinox. The Origin of this festival dates back to the Zoroastrian era based on the Tsarathustra’s beliefs. On this day, we celebrate the victory of light over darkness. After all, we are approaching the equinox in a few days. The Fire Festival is an announcement of spring and the revival of nature. Watch Video on Instagram
The Persian Halva Safarani حلوا زعفرانی is very different from the Halva you know from Turkish or Arabic stores. This recipe is an old and classic version made from wheat flour and oil or butter. Saffron is responsible for a beautiful color and at the same time revitalizes the soul. Sugar adds sweetness, rose water a light floral aroma and warming cardamom a light tangy citrus note. We often enjoy this uncomplicated yet spectacular dessert with Nan-e Barbari for breakfast. Halva means “sweet” and dates back to 7th century Persia. If you prepare it with oil like I did in this recipe, you even have a delicious vegan dessert. Let it melt in your mouth!
