The Chinese culture is rich in symbolism and tradition, and Chinese New Year is no exception. The Chinese New Year is celebrated at the start of spring, generally with fireworks, costumes and large meals. Chinese New Year food is symbolic and represents good luck, health and long life. If you understand the symbolism of the food, you can make your Chinese New Year that much more of a meaningful celebration. Here are some of the most common foods and what they represent.
Fish is a common staple in the Chinese diet and is a central dish during the New Year. In Chinese, the word “fish” actually means the same as “surplus” or “abundance.” The fish is usually served steamed with the head and tail intact, a display that is thought to bring in a good beginning and end to the year. Shrimp is often served with the fish, and it symbolizes overall happiness and well-being.
Boiled dumplings are also traditionally served at a Chinese New Year dinner. In northern China, the dumplings are filled with meat and are eaten to usher in wealth and good luck for the New Year. Sometimes a coin will be inserted into one of the dumplings, and the person who bites into it is destined to have plenty of wealth in the year ahead. When dumplings are cooked with noodles, it is likened to golden thread and golden ingots. In southern China, dumplings also represent golden ingots and are said to bring wealth.
Asian Dumpling Soup
Yield
Makes about 8 cups; 4 servings
Ingredients
1 can (49 oz.) low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 pound frozen potstickers or won tons
1/2 cup sliced green onion
Asian (toasted) sesame oil
Preparation
In a 5- to 6-quart pan, add chicken broth, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add potstickers or won tons and simmer, uncovered, until hot in center (cut to test), 6 to 8 minutes. Add sliced green onion. Serve in bowls and add Asian (toasted) sesame oil to taste.
Nutritional Information
Calories:395 (9.4% from fat)
Protein:16g
Fat:4.1g (sat 1.5)
Carbohydrate:72g
Fiber:2.7g
Sodium:1221mg
Cholesterol:16mg
Found this recipe on www.myrecipes.com
Enjoy!
Danna
