East and Southeast Asians worldwide are getting ready to observe the Lunar New Year, set for February 17 this year, lasting for a span of 15 days. Each Chinese zodiac year is linked with an element within the cycle. Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse signifies a time for significant life changes, associated with high-stakes action, personal development, and a dynamic pace of life. This zodiac year occurs only once every 60 years, making it a rare and special occasion.
In light of the Year of the Fire Horse, we had the opportunity to chat with author Angela Hui, who expressed her affection for the Lunar New Year and the cherished memories created with loved ones, alongside sharing a delectable recipe for you to try at home. Before you embark on your culinary journey, why not engage in crafting your own fire horse through the ancient Chinese art of paper folding, courtesy of Tesco? Simply print the provided sheet and follow the instructions in the accompanying video.
The Lunar New Year holds a special place as a significant holiday, often referred to as “Asian Christmas” for many families, marking the most important occasion in the calendar. It is a time for family gatherings, paying homage to ancestors, and welcoming good fortune.
One of the most cherished activities during this period is cooking with family, particularly for author Angela Hui and her chef mum, where food serves as their love language. The act of cooking together creates a special bond, where conversations flow effortlessly as they prepare traditional dishes, embracing the unspoken kitchen rhythm that brings them closer without the need for words.
Food plays a pivotal role in shaping the Lunar New Year celebration, with symbolic dishes representing aspirations for the upcoming year. The process of planning the family menu becomes an exciting affair, with Angela and her mum exchanging ideas, recipes, and thoughts to curate a menu that symbolizes prosperity, luck, and completeness. From whole steamed fish symbolizing abundance to dumplings signifying wealth, their menu is carefully crafted to usher in a year of good fortune.
To help you partake in the celebration, below is a recipe for steamed fish that you can easily prepare at home. All the necessary ingredients can be conveniently purchased at Tesco. Remember, the Lunar New Year signifies not just a time for change and growth but also a moment to pause, come together with family, bid farewell to the old year, welcome prosperity for the new one, and of course, make room for indulging in delicious food.
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