Learning more and more about what I don't know

Author

Paula Mohammed
March 19, 2025

From Goa to Nowruz, it was a great week.  Featured recipe at the bottom of the page is straight from Goa. 

I like to think I am fairly knowledgeable on travel and culture (and other things 😀 ).  But I am learning over and over again how little I know and how much there is to explore, and what better way to do it than through connecting with people from different cultures over food….. 

Nowruz, the Persian New Year is almost here.  Nowruz is celebrated on the spring equinox, celebrating a new year and marking the arrival of spring (Leila Nabizadeh).  

I love this celebration, it is non-religious, focuses on nature and includes a lot of spring cleaning and de-cluttering (Khaneh Tekani) leading up to the 13 days of celebration.  In my opinion it is a very sensible and beautiful celebration.  I have learned so much about Nowruz from IMK Host Leila over the past 5 years and yesterday at a Nowruz Corporate Team Building event that we put on I am still learning more!  Here are 3 more things I learned about Nowruz….did you know:

  1. There is Uncle (Amu) Nowruz?  Similar to Santa Claus.

  2. A part of the “fresh start” and “renewal” elements of Nowruz also include buying new clothes!

  3. Tying Grass Knots (Dozdah Bedar Ritual):  Young people tying knots with blades of grass, while making a wish for love, marriage, or happiness. This practice represents binding one’s fate to a positive future.

Last night I remembered to jump over the flame and say “ Zardeeyé man az tō, sorkheeyé tō az man” which translates to: I give you my yellowness (paleness and sickness) and I take from you your redness (good energy, health and warmth).

Happy Nowruz in advance everyone! 

My dear friend Leila Nabizadeh

Who else did not know about the Goan/Portuguese Connection? 

Last week I mentioned my interview with Lara Victoria and that is now the latest episode on the podcast.  I left that interview, hungry, but also with a strong desire to go to Goa.  BUT more than anything I was shocked at how little I knew about Goa, Goan people, the cuisine, history and culture.  This is why I love doing what I do.  I know that Goa was colonized by the Portuguese, but I did not know that it was under Portuguese rule from 1510 - 1961…500 years.  I invite you to get immersed in the Goan culture with Lara Victoria, who is actually a sommelier and much more.  In the first few minutes of this chat we end up talking about wine, which really should have an episode all of it's own.  Enjoy!

Have you ever wondered what makes Goan cuisine so special? What if the secret ingredient isn’t just the spices, but the sun itself?

In this episode, Paula sits down with Lara Victoria, a food and wine expert with deep roots in both Bombay and Goa. Lara shares her journey from pastry chef to sommelier, weaving in the rich cultural influences that have shaped her love for food and hospitality.

Together, they explore the vibrant flavors of Goan cuisine, from the legendary Goan sausages to the Portuguese-inspired vindaloo. Lara explains the relaxed Goan way of life, known as Susegad, and how the region’s unique blend of Indian and Portuguese heritage has influenced its food, music, and traditions.

Paula and Lara also discuss the deep role of hospitality in Indian culture, the hidden gems of Goa’s food scene, and even the art of pairing wine with Indian dishes. Whether you’re planning a trip to Goa or just love learning about food from around the world, this episode is packed with flavor, history, and inspiration.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

  • The must-try dishes of Goa, including chicken shakuti and chorizo pão

  • The Portuguese influence on Goan cuisine and how it evolved over time

  • How Lara transitioned from banking to hospitality and found her passion in wine education

The beauty of Goan hospitality and why Sussegad is a lifestyle worth embracing. Grab a cup of chai (or a glass of wine!) and join Paula for a delicious deep dive into Goa’s food, culture, and history with Lara Victoria.


FEATURED RECIPE

Lara's featured recipe: Ghosht Do Pyaza 

HELPFUL LINKS

Happy Travels and Happy Cooking!

-Paula

P.S. I love hearing from you. Just hit reply to this email to say “hi” or let me know if you are celebrating Nowruz or have been to Goa!

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