East and Southeast Asian communities worldwide are getting ready to observe the Lunar New Year, set to begin on February 17 this year and extend for a 15-day period. Each year in the Chinese zodiac is linked to an element within the cycle. As the Year of the Fire Horse approaches, it signifies a time for significant life transformations, characterized by intense action, personal development, and a heightened pace of life.
This particular zodiac year only occurs once every 60 years, meaning some individuals may not experience it again in their lifetime. In honor of the Year of the Fire Horse, we connected with author Angela Hui, who expressed her fondness for the Lunar New Year festivities and the cherished moments spent with loved ones. Additionally, she graciously shared a delightful recipe for you to try at home.
Before you embark on preparing the recipe, why not create your own paper fire horse using the traditional Chinese art of paper folding, courtesy of Tesco? Simply follow the instructions in the accompanying video after printing the provided sheet.
The Lunar New Year is often referred to as “Asian Christmas” in many households, signifying its importance as the most significant holiday in the calendar. It’s a time for family gatherings, paying tribute to ancestors, and welcoming good luck into the new year.
Personally, what I treasure most about returning home is the opportunity to cook alongside my mother, who is a professional chef. Despite the cliché, food serves as our primary means of communication. When we cook together, time seems to stand still. Engaged in conversation like old friends, we fold dumplings and chop vegetables side by side in peaceful harmony. The unspoken rhythm of the kitchen provides a sense of comfort, where words are unnecessary in each other’s presence.
Food not only shapes our preparations for the celebration but also plays a symbolic role in Chinese culture. It is customary to serve dishes that symbolize aspirations for the upcoming year. We eagerly delve into planning our family Lunar New Year menu days in advance, exchanging recipe suggestions, photos, videos, and voice messages. “A whole steamed fish is a necessity,” my mother insists, citing the auspicious phrase “年年有余, leen leen yow yu.”
In Cantonese tradition, the word for fish, “yu,” sounds similar to the words for abundance and surplus, reflecting the desire for ongoing prosperity. “What about dumplings?” I propose. Dumplings are associated with wealth, and the more you consume, the greater your supposed fortune. Resembling ancient gold ingots, their shape encourages indulging in abundance.
“We could try making money bag dumplings using cabbage wrappers,” I suggest. Our discussions continue until we finalize a selection of eight dishes symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and completeness.
Below, I have shared the recipe for steamed fish so you can recreate it at home. All the necessary ingredients can be conveniently purchased at Tesco. Remember to pair this dish with white jasmine rice and pak choi or choi sum for a complete meal.
[Include the provided recipe and ingredient list with instructions here]
While the Year of the Fire Horse heralds a period of change, fresh opportunities, personal growth, and a more dynamic lifestyle, the Lunar New Year also serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and cherish moments with family. It is a time to bid farewell to the old year, welcome prosperity for the new one, and, of course, make room for a second helping.
