Persian Rice Ring
Photo: James Lenhart / Contributor
For over 3,000 years, Nawroz — in Persian “naw” is new and “roz” is day — the Persian New Year, which symbolizes renewal and rebirth, has been celebrated during springtime in central and western Asia along with parts of the Balkans.
This year it falls on March 19, and we can join Iranians in celebrating Nawroz by making some of their prized dishes. This Persian rice ring is a showstopper, and though the recipe is complicated and lengthy, it’s not hard to make. I’m always looking for ways to reduce the amount of meat I eat, so the mushrooms and lentils are added to contribute texture and flavor to the filling.