Unveiling Pakistan's Parsi Culinary Traditions

Dwelling primarily in Karachi, the Parsis of Pakistan carry the legacy of their Persian ancestors who embarked on a journey to Medieval India. Although their community is small in numbers, their impact on Pakistan's trajectory post-partition has been profound.

Celebrated for their architectural contributions, Pakistan's Parsis have played a pivotal role in the nation's constructional advancement. Eminent landmarks like Lady Dufferin Hospital and Virbaijee Katrak Maternity Ward stand as testaments to their legacy in Karachi.

Parsi tradition, culture and heritage are also preserved through the community's rich cuisine. Parsi food is a blend reflective of Iranian ancestry and local Gujarati cuisine. Nuts, vermicelli (sevaiyan), daal, and mixed vegetable dishes are regular components of a Parsi diet.

A prevalent ingredient, coconut features prominently in numerous Parsi recipes. Eggs and fish also hold a cherished place in Parsi cuisine, often complemented by a medley of ingredients including potatoes, tomatoes, almonds, cream, and butter.

In this version of Patrani Machi, chef Gulnar creates a delicious chutney combining green herbs, chillis, and coconut along with a slice of green mango. The banana leaf used ensures that no flavors are lost in the cooking process, and the fish remains perfectly succulent inside.

To prepare the chutney, the following ingredients are combined together in a blender:

Coriander
Kashmiri green chilli
Green garlic
Keri (raw mango)
Tamarind
Cumin
Vinegar
Sugar (optional)

Ingredients:

2 chopped onions
3 chopped tomatoes
½ tsp chilli powder
Pinch of turmeric
¼ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp garlic ginger paste
Salt
¼ cup oil 

Step 1: Heat oil in a pan and add onions (do not brown)

Step 2: Add remaining ingredients and cook on slow heat

Step 3: Once the tomato sauce has a smooth consistency, garnish with coriander or parsley and serve.

Gulnar's beautifully red Parsi-style prawn curry is a firm family favorite in her household. A fairly straightforward cooking technique creates a delicate gravy with a tangy twist from the tomatoes and green mango she incorporates. She reminds us to not overcook the prawns!