Nowruz, which translates to the beginning of a new year in Farsi, is celebrated by the people of the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Levant, the Southern Mediterranean, and now the rest of the world across diasporic communities.

On the occasion of Nowruz, which is symbolic of spring, life and new beginnings, Bruijn brings to you the recipe of Haft Mewa - a sweet compote made of seven dried fruits and nuts with great cultural significance in Afghanistan.

Recipe: 
Pistachios 
Walnuts
Senjed or Persian Olives
Mamra Almonds
Dried Apricots 
Green Raisin
Hazelnuts
Rose water

Boil some water separately and take off the stove. Add the nuts to the hot boiling water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Gently peel the skin off the pistachios and almonds using your hands. Wash the rest of the dried fruits in warm water (raisins, walnuts, dried apricots, hazelnuts, and Persian olives/Senjed). In a big bowl, combine all dried fruits and add hot water to let the flavors meld into a delicious syrup. Add a tbsp of rose water. Leave it at room temperature overnight and serve cold the next day. Place the rest in the fridge to keep it cold and fresh.

It goes to notice how beautifully the Afghans pay tribute to the own indigenous produce to mark the start of the harvest season.