Haft Mewa

• Prep time: 20 mins (plus 24 hrs soaking)

• Cook time: 0 mins

• Total time: 24 hrs 20 mins

• Servings: 8

• Country of origin: Afghanistan

• Description: A symbolic compote drink made from seven dried fruits and nuts soaked in sweetened rosewater syrup, traditionally served for Nowruz (Afghan New Year).

• Presentation: Served cold in glass bowls with a mixture of rehydrated fruits and clear sweet syrup.

• Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup red raisins

  • 1/2 cup green raisins

  • 1/2 cup dried dark plums or apricots

  • 1/2 cup dried sweet cherries

  • 1/2 cup blanched almonds

  • 1/2 cup walnuts

  • 1/2 cup pistachios

  • 6 cups filtered water

  • 1 tbsp rosewater

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Wash all dried fruits and nuts thoroughly under cold water three times.

  • Blanch nuts to remove skins if using skin-on nuts.

  • Combine all cleaned dried fruits and peeled nuts in a large glass bowl or pitcher.

  • Pour filtered water and rosewater over fruits until completely submerged.

  • Cover container and refrigerate for at least 24 to 48 hours to allow natural juices to sweeten water.

  • Serve cold in bowls with fruit and syrup.

• Optional variations: Adjust dried fruit combinations using dried figs or oleaster (senjed).

• Cooking tips: Thoroughly washing dried fruits prevents syrup from turning cloudy during soaking.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 240 kcal

  • Fat: 9g

  • Carbohydrates: 38g

  • Protein: 4g