East and Southeast Asians around the world are preparing to observe the Lunar New Year, which is set to begin on February 17 and last for a 15-day period. Each year in the Chinese zodiac is linked to an element within the cycle. As we usher in the Year of the Fire Horse, this particular zodiac year signifies a time for significant life changes, characterized by high-stakes endeavors, personal development, and a heightened pace of life.
Given that the Year of the Fire Horse occurs only once every 60 years on the zodiac calendar, some individuals may not experience it again in their lifetime. To mark the occasion, we engaged in a conversation with author Angela Hui, who expressed her fondness for the Lunar New Year and the cherished memories created with loved ones. She also shared a delightful recipe that you can easily recreate at home.
Before you venture into the kitchen to try your hand at the recipe, why not craft your own 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.
Lunar New Year, often deemed as “Asian Christmas” for many families, stands out as the most significant holiday in the calendar for numerous individuals. It serves as a time for family reunions, paying tribute to ancestors, and welcoming good fortune.
One of the highlights for me during this festive period is the opportunity to cook alongside my mother, who is a skilled chef. Despite the commonality of the sentiment, our bond is encapsulated in food, which acts as our primary means of communication. When we cook together, time seems to fade away. Engaged in conversation akin to chatty relatives, we fold dumplings or slice vegetables in harmony. The unspoken rhythm in the kitchen provides a sense of comfort. Merely being in each other’s presence suffices, often rendering words unnecessary.
Food not only dictates our cooking process but also shapes the way we plan the celebration itself. In Chinese tradition, it is customary to serve symbolic dishes that embody aspirations for the upcoming year. We eagerly delve into discussions about the family Lunar New Year menu days ahead, exchanging recipe suggestions, photos, videos, and voice notes. “Whole steamed fish is essential,” my mother insists, citing the auspicious phrase “年年有余” (leen leen yow yu), symbolizing perpetual abundance and prosperity.
Proposing the idea of dumplings, I suggest money bag dumplings made with cabbage wrappers. We engage in a lively exchange, meticulously planning until our chat history brims with voice notes. Ultimately, we settle on a selection of eight dishes symbolizing prosperity, luck, and wholeness.
Below, I have shared my steamed fish recipe for you to prepare at home. All the necessary ingredients for this delectable dish can be conveniently sourced from Tesco.