The Ultimate Parsi Dessert Platter for a Festive Party: Must-Have Treats & Pairings

Don't you think a celebration is never complete without a dessert table full of sweet treats? As Navroz, the Parsi New Year, comes knocking on 21^st March, there is no better reason to indulge your sweet tooth. A joyous and warm celebration, Navroz ushered in spring and the promise of new beginnings. The Parsi community with its rich Persian culture infuses age-old traditions and an appetite for good food into this celebration. Widely observed in March throughout the world and in July-August in India, Navroz is a season filled with laughter, prayers, and mouth-watering delicacies in every Parsi home.

If you are planning to celebrate, why not create a stunning Parsi dessert platter? A well-curated dessert spread not only adds a sense of festivity but also allows guests to experience a range of traditional Parsi sweets. From creamy custards and nutty sweets to crisp biscuits, each treat is a part of the traditional celebration. Let's dive into the must-have treats and perfect pairings to make your dessert platter the star of your festive party.

Lagan Nu Custard

This rich Parsi baked custard is a star of celebratory meals. Prepared with full fat milk, fresh cream, eggs, and seasoned with the warmth of spices such as cardamom and nutmeg, it provides an opulent, creamy experience. The caramelized top layer, beautifully golden, provides a subtle crunch to each spoonful. Combine Lagan Nu Custard with a drizzle of rose syrup or serve it with fresh berries to further enhance its richness with a light, floral note.

Mawa Ni Boi

A token of good luck, Mawa Ni Boi is shaped like a fish to signify prosperity. Prepared using mawa (khoya), cardamom, and sugar, it provides a heavy, fudge-like texture. It tastes mildly sweet with a smooth bite and is ideal for special occasions. Pair Mawa Ni Boi with a saffron warm milk glass or spiced tea to accompany its nutty and aromatic character.

Nankhatai

These classic Indian shortbreads are a dessert platter must-have. Prepared using flour, ghee, and a touch of cardamom, they are light, crumbly, and melt in your mouth. The subtle essence of ghee and spices makes them perfect to be enjoyed with masala chai or a delicate, herbal tea, and it evokes a comforting atmosphere.

Ravo

Ravo is a semolina dessert cooked in milk, sugar, and cardamom and topped with lots of nuts and raisins. Ravo is usually served hot and adds a warm, homely touch to the dessert course. To give Ravo a modern touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or top it with a dash of cinnamon, infusing a warm depth to this traditional dish.

Dar Ni Pori

This dessert has a lovely surprise in its sweet lentil stuffing, flavored with cardamom and dry fruits. The crust is buttery and flaky, while the stuffing is soft and fragrant. Dar Ni Pori is ideal for special occasions, as it brings to the table the essence of old Parsi handiwork. Serve it with a glass of floral green tea to counteract the richness of the pastry with a soothing drink.

Parsi Sev

Prepared with roasted vermicelli, sugar, ghee, and garnished with nuts and raisins, Parsi Sev is crispy and lightly sweet. It can be enjoyed during special occasions and provides a pleasant contrast to rich desserts on the platter. Bring out the Parsi Sev flavor by complementing it with a dollop of sweetened yogurt or a spoonful of clotted cream, adding a creamy touch to its crispiness.

Malido

This sweet, scented dessert is a mixture of semolina, wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and scented spices. It's soft and moist, sometimes complemented by strips of nuts. Malido is served at religious ceremonies but is also a star on holiday dessert platters. Pair it with a serving of coconut ice cream or a dish of fresh fruit to introduce a cool contrast to its warm, spiced flavor.

Shirini Parsi Cookies

These cookies are soft, airy, and dotted with raisins, offering a gentle sweetness with a hint of rosewater. They are perfect for those who enjoy a lighter dessert option on the platter. Pair Shirini Parsi Cookies with a warm cup of green tea, which helps cleanse the palate between bites and adds a subtle herbal touch to the dessert experience.

Kopra Pak

A rich, chewy coconut fudge, Kopra Pak is prepared with desiccated coconut, sugar, and cardamom. With its sweet, natural and slightly tropical flavor, it's a great standout for the dessert table. Serve Kopra Pak with a tangy fruit compote or a slice of fresh mango to provide a lively, fruity element to this classic confection.