Haft Mewa

Haft mewa is a sweet New Year dish from Afghanistan made by soaking dried fruits and nuts in water. Its name means “seven fruits,” and it is prepared for Nowruz, which welcomes spring. The dried fruits absorb the water and soften, and the fruits’ sweetness also passes into the soaking liquid.

Drawing the Sweetness of Dried Fruit into Water

Raisins, dried apricots, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and other ingredients are combined. Some households count raisins separately by color or variety, while others use different fruits, so the way the seven are chosen varies. Unlike sweets made by cooking rice or flour until set, this dish rehydrates dried ingredients, and the fruit and liquid are enjoyed together.

In the method presented by Afghanaid, dried apricots and raisins of different colors are soaked in water, while walnuts, almonds and pistachios are soaked separately in hot water and their thin skins are peeled off. The fruits, nuts and soaking liquid are combined, rose water is added if desired, and the mixture is left in the refrigerator for about two days. It is served by spooning the fruit and liquid together into small bowls or cups. Over time, the fruits plump up and the liquid becomes sweet. Unlike a syrup made by boiling down sugar, this sweetness comes from the fruit.

Welcoming Spring in a New Land

The recipe that Ahmadi, who is from Afghanistan, shared in the United States includes substitutions with ingredients that are easier to find. Even though the name says “seven,” the actual number of ingredients is not always seven. Even after leaving their homeland, people can prepare the taste of the New Year with the dried foods they have on hand.

One family from Afghanistan had the siblings prepare the fruit together before the New Year and soak it in liquid overnight. This was preparation for welcoming visitors and for the day the family gathers. Samanak, made by cooking sprouted wheat for a long time, is also made for the New Year, but haft mewa, by soaking dried ingredients in advance, produces a different sweetness and texture.

Ahmadi describes New Year’s Day as a day of putting on new clothes, praying, and visiting family and friends. The bowl of fruit prepared for guests is part of the gatherings that welcome spring.

The Nowruz table also includes haft-seen, an arrangement of seven items whose names begin with the same letter. Haft mewa is eaten and consists of seven dried fruits and nuts; while the two share the number seven, they play different roles on the table.

Glossary