The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Asia. It is a time for families to reunite, exchange greetings, and enjoy traditional delicacies. If you're looking to celebrate this festive occasion, why not whip up a delicious and sumptuous meal for your loved ones? Here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started.
- Dumplings
Dumplings are a must-have during the Lunar New Year. These small pockets of joy symbolize wealth and prosperity as they resemble ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. There are countless variations of dumplings, from pork and cabbage to shrimp and chive, to vegetarian options. The possibilities are endless. Make the dough from scratch or buy pre-made wrappers, stuff them with your favorite filling, and boil or pan-fry until cooked.
- Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are another popular dish during the Lunar New Year. They represent wealth and prosperity as they resemble gold bars. Unlike dumplings, spring rolls are wrapped in a thin sheet of pastry and deep-fried until crispy. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients, such as minced pork, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and glass noodles. Serve them with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
- Noodles
Noodles symbolize longevity, and thus, they are a must-have during the Lunar New Year. There are various types of noodles to choose from, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, and wheat noodles. You can stir-fry them with vegetables and meat, or serve them in a soup with dumplings or meatballs. Don't cut the noodles too short, as long noodles are believed to bring good luck and long life.
- Whole Fish
In Chinese culture, fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity. During the Lunar New Year, it is customary to serve a whole fish, with the head and tail intact, to represent a good beginning and end to the year. Steamed fish is a simple and healthy way to prepare it, and you can top it with ginger, scallions, soy sauce, and cilantro. Make sure to leave some leftovers, as it is believed that eating fish on the second day of the Lunar New Year will bring even more wealth and prosperity.
- Glutinous Rice Cake
Glutinous rice cake, or nian gao, is a sticky and sweet cake made from glutinous rice flour and sugar. It symbolizes a higher income and promotion every year, as the Chinese word for "sticky" sounds similar to "year higher." You can make it plain, or add ingredients such as red bean paste, Chinese dates, or coconut. Steam it for 30-40 minutes until it becomes soft and sticky. You can also pan-fry it with egg to make a crispy and savory snack.
- Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion, including the Lunar New Year. You can use leftover rice and add a variety of ingredients, such as eggs, carrots, peas, and ham. For an extra touch of festivity, you can add diced Chinese sausage or lap cheong, which is a type of dried pork sausage that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. Serve it with a side of vegetables or stir-fried meat.
- Tangyuan
Tangyuan is a sweet glutinous rice ball filled with sesame paste, peanuts, or red bean paste. It is a traditional dessert that symbolizes reunion and harmony, as it is often served during family gatherings. You can make the dough from scratch, or buy pre-made ones from the store.
Conclusion:
The Lunar New Year is a time of great significance and celebration for many people in Asia and around the world. It is a time for family gatherings, exchanging greetings, and enjoying traditional delicacies. By preparing a delicious and sumptuous meal that incorporates traditional dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, noodles, whole fish, glutinous rice cake, fried rice, and tangyuan, you can make the Lunar New Year even more special and memorable for your loved ones. These dishes not only taste great, but also carry symbolic meanings that represent prosperity, longevity, and harmony. So, embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year, get cooking, and enjoy a delicious feast with your family and friends!
Planning a New Year’s Eve party can help make the celebrations more enjoyable.
Planning a New Year’s Eve Party:
You will need to find a space that you can easily reach and that has enough space for everyone you are inviting.
Take some time to think of the perfect space for your New Year’s Eve party.
2. Who should attend the party:
You will want to consider who you want to invite to your New Year’s Eve party and how many people should come.
A new year means a whole new you.
Now that 2020 is finally here, it’s time to get your life organized.
Nothing slows you down during the day like a messy home or office.
