I have received this question more than once. Anytime I am explaining the “Haft-seen” (our table set up for Iranian New Year) and I get to the part about the “grass looking object” I get blank stares and confused expressions. But that is all part of the fun. Confuse them… and then surprise them!

The “grass” looking object on our table during the time of Persian new year are sprouts that are grown out of Lentils and it is called “Sabzeh”. (They can also be grown out of wheat but we have always used Lentils)

Here are step by step instructions. Its simple and I have faith that you can do this!

1. Place the lentils into a bowl and soak them in water for about 2-3 days. Watch them carefully because if the water is absorbed, add more water.

2. On day 3, place all the lentils on a moist cloth pretty evenly spread out (and you can put the cloth on a plate) and also cover with a moist cloth or can be paper towels as well.

3. For the next 2-3 days, you will start to see them grow. Keep the paper towels/cloth damp throughout the process. Also, spray them with some water off and on to keep the seeds moist too.

4. On about day 5, move the lentils to a new plate. On this plate, you don’t need to have the cloth on the bottom but just on the top. Place this plate by a window and they will begin to sprout.

5. Once the sprouts are about 1/2 inch long, you don’t need to cover them anymore.

6. Continue to spray with water through the day and watch them grow! It should take about 2 weeks for them to fully bloom so plan accordingly so they are ready for Norouz day.

That is it! Here is our sabzeh from last year