Rooted in Tradition: Recipes Celebrating Nowruz in Central Asia March 2026 | Page 15

Haft Mewa

Seven dried fruits and nuts come together in a naturally sweet syrup.

INGREDIENTS

500 g red raisins 500 g green raisins 500 g black raisins Less than 500 g senjed( dried oleaster fruit); can substitute dried apricots or dried mulberries, or any readily available dried fruit 500 g walnuts 500 g pistachios 500 g almonds Cardamom

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Two nights before Nowruz, prepare the fruits. Wash all dried fruits and raisins thoroughly and dry them. Place all the fruits in a large pot and add warm water: 1 part fruit to 3 parts water. Cover the pot and store it in a cool place.
2. One night before Nowruz, prepare the nuts. Soak walnuts, pistachios, and almonds in warm water. Peel the nuts after soaking. These prepared fruits and nuts are collectively called“ Haft Mewa”( Seven Fruits).
3. Serve on Nowruz Day. Add a little cardamom to the Haft Mewa before serving.
Fun Facts: Senjed( also known as Russian olive, silver berry, or oleaster) is a small, silvery berry from the Elaeagnus angustifolia shrub, widely used in Persian and Central Asian cuisine. It’ s a key presence on the Haft Sin( Haft Seen) table for Nowruz, symbolizing love.
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