samanu

Samana is a traditional Persian confection, often made during Nowruz, the Persian New Year. It is a sweet paste typically prepared from germinated wheat. The sprouting process converts starches into sugars, giving samana its natural sweetness. The preparation is labor-intensive and involves several stages. Wheat grains are soaked and then allowed to sprout for several days in a warm, humid environment. Once sprouted, the grains are ground or blended with water to create a milky liquid. This liquid is then strained and slowly cooked over low heat, often for many hours, until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency. Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts are sometimes added for texture and flavor. Samana is usually served at room temperature and can be decorated with more nuts or cinnamon. It is considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility due to its origins from germinated wheat. While commonly associated with Nowruz, it can also be prepared for other celebrations. The exact recipe and preparation methods can vary slightly from region to region within Iran and among different families.