People of East and Southeast Asian descent globally are preparing to observe the Lunar New Year, occurring on 17 February and spanning 15 days this year.
Every Chinese zodiac year aligns with an element within the cycle. As the Year of the Fire Horse commences, this zodiac cycle signifies a time for significant life transformations, high-stakes endeavors, personal development, and a heightened pace of living.
This particular year only repeats once every 60 years in the zodiac calendar, making it a rare occurrence for many individuals.
In celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse, we had a conversation with author Angela Hui about her fondness for the Lunar New Year, the cherished moments shared with family, and a delightful recipe for you to try at home.
Before you venture into the kitchen, why not craft your own fire horse through the ancient Chinese art of paper folding, provided by Tesco? Simply print the template below and follow the instructions in the accompanying video.
The Lunar New Year, often referred to as “Asian Christmas” by numerous households, stands as a key festivity in the cultural calendar, serving as a period for family gatherings, paying respects to ancestors, and inviting good luck.
One of the most cherished aspects for me during this time is cooking alongside my mother, a professional chef. Despite the cliché, food acts as our primary means of communication, enabling us to bond while preparing meals together.
As we cook side by side, time seems to vanish. Engaged in casual chatter, we fold dumplings and chop vegetables in harmony. The unspoken rhythm in the kitchen brings immense comfort, where mere presence suffices, often transcending the need for words.
Food not only dictates our cooking sessions but also shapes the commemoration itself. In Chinese tradition, serving symbolic dishes symbolizing aspirations for the forthcoming year is customary.
Days before the Lunar New Year, we eagerly discuss the family menu, exchanging recipe ideas, photos, videos, and voice messages. “Having whole steamed fish is crucial,” my mother emphasizes, citing the Chinese phrase “年年有余, leen leen yow yu,” denoting abundance and prosperity.
“What about dumplings?” I propose. Dumplings signify wealth, with the belief that consuming more leads to increased prosperity. Their shape mirrors ancient gold ingots, encouraging indulgence.
“Let’s try making money bag dumplings with cabbage wrappers,” I suggest.
Our discussions continue until we finalize a selection of eight dishes symbolizing affluence, luck, and wholeness.
Below, you’ll find my steamed fish recipe to prepare at home. All necessary ingredients for this delectable dish can be purchased at Tesco.
Ingredients
1 seabass, whole or filleted, gutted, and descaled (fishmonger assistance available)
1/4 tsp white <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/301964700?_gl=1*m2yelb*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..*_ga*MTkz