East and Southeast Asians across the globe are preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year, commencing on the 17th of February and extending over a 15-day period. Each year of the Chinese zodiac is associated with an element, and as we usher in the Year of the Fire Horse, this zodiac cycle signifies a time for significant life alterations. This year symbolizes high-stakes actions, personal development, and a heightened pace of living.
The Year of the Fire Horse occurs only once every 60 years in the zodiac calendar, making it a rare and impactful occasion for many individuals. To commemorate this special year, we engaged in a conversation with author Angela Hui, who shared her affection for the Lunar New Year and the cherished moments spent with loved ones, including a delightful recipe for you to try at home.
Before you delve into the culinary realm, why not create your own fire horse through the traditional Chinese art of paper folding, provided by Tesco? Simply access the printable sheet below and follow the instructions in the accompanying video.
The Lunar New Year holds a special place in many hearts, often referred to as the “Asian Christmas” and considered the most significant holiday in the calendar. It is a time for family reunions, paying homage to ancestors, and welcoming good luck into our lives.
One of the most treasured experiences of returning home is cooking alongside my talented chef mother. Food serves as our shared language, allowing us to communicate without words. As we prepare meals together, time seems to fade away, and we engage in heartfelt conversations while crafting dumplings or chopping vegetables side by side. There is a comforting rhythm in the kitchen that transcends spoken language, where mere presence speaks volumes.
Food not only dictates the celebrations but also shapes our plans for the Lunar New Year. In Chinese tradition, serving symbolic dishes signifies hopes for the upcoming year. Engrossed in planning our family’s Lunar New Year menu, we exchange recipe ideas, photos, videos, and voice notes. “Whole steamed fish is essential,” my mother insists, linking it to the wish for abundance and prosperity in the coming year.
Dumplings also hold a significant place in our menu planning. Representing wealth, the more dumplings consumed, the wealthier one is believed to become. Their shape resembling ancient gold ingots, indulging in a generous serving is highly recommended. “How about money bag dumplings made with cabbage wrappers?” I propose.
We deliberate back and forth, strategizing until our conversation history transforms into a collection of voice notes, ultimately settling on eight dishes symbolizing prosperity, good fortune, and completeness.
Below, I’ve shared my steamed fish recipe for you to recreate at home. All the necessary ingredients for this delectable dish can be conveniently purchased at Tesco.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole or filleted seabass, gutted and descaled
– 1/4 tsp white sugar
– 1/2 thumb of ginger
– 1 spring onion
– 1 handful of fresh coriander
– 1 tbsp light soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Serve with:
– White jasmine rice
– Pak choi or choi sum (optional)
Instructions:
– Rinse the fish thoroughly and remove any scales.
– Prepare for steaming using a bamboo steamer or a wok with a lid and steam rack.
– Steam the fish with sugar sprinkled evenly for enhanced flavor.
– While steaming, slice ginger and spring onion into matchsticks.
– Check for doneness and garnish the fish with ginger, spring onion, and coriander.
– Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the fish.
– Heat vegetable oil until slightly smoking and drizzle over the fish.
– Serve with rice and greens.
Although the Year of the Fire Horse signifies a period of transformation, new beginnings, and a faster pace of life, the Lunar New Year serves as a gentle reminder to pause, unite with family, bid farewell to the old year, welcome prosperity in the new year, and, of course, make space for indulging in delicious meals.