Let’s face
it, 2024 was not as we expected it to be. Wars, financial crisis, health
problems and what not! 2025 will also have its share of difficulties, but if we
start off right, there is a possibility of making things better.
Even if you're not superstitious, there's no harm in enjoying some fun with
the traditions
that have been celebrated worldwide for centuries. After all, who couldn’t use
a little more health, happiness,
and prosperity—especially
if the form of food in our everyday diet. To help you start your New Year
right, we've gathered our favourite ingredients for good luck food, so you can enjoy your New Year.
1. Black Eyed
Peas
Beans and
peas have been around generations in our diet, for as long as we remember it.
It is a rustic meal, that provides us proteins and fibre. In many of the
European folklore, eating black-eyed peas is related to bringing in luck in the
form of money. You can have them with meat, potatoes and carrots to form a
hearty stew/soup. You can make a salad or a pea bruschetta. You can also add
them in Bolani filling, and pair with some sour cream or yoghurt dip.
2. Noodles or
Spaghetti
Anything long
like noodles or spaghetti is thought to bring good luck all year round. But
please, do not break them when you cook. There are many videos on the internet
where people break their spaghetti or noodle to fit them in the pan. But this
is the worst form of self-sabotage that you can do this new year. You can
include this humble form of carbs in any way you like. Be it in the form of
ramen or spaghetti with lemon or bacon!
3. Afghan Bolani
Afghan Bolani
originates from the fact that you make your dough round and fold it in half
with various fillings inside thereby trapping your luck for the whole year. You
can also try some dumplings or Pelmeni for the new year. The concept is the
same, keeping your luck safe and sound inside the dough! Feel free to play
around with the fillings. Use can make a vegan version or with meat.
4.
Round sweets
Anything that
is round in the Chinese philosophy means completing a circle. They are believed
to bring in full circle of luck throughout the year. Try round desserts like
donuts, round mini cakes, cookies and even pancakes. For more Asian variations,
do try mochi in our diet.
5. Grapes
There is a
custom in Spain, where when the clock strike 12 midnight, they celebrate New Year's Eve
by a tradition known as "Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte" or “The Twelve
Grapes of Luck”.
The tradition is said to date back to the late 19th century, when
Spanish grape growers encouraged people to eat the grapes as a way to consume
the overabundant harvest. It’s believed that finishing the 12 grapes before the
clock strikes midnight will help ensure a year filled with happiness, success,
and good fortune.
6. Fish
In Italy and
Poland, eating carp or herring symbolizes abundance, prosperity and fertility. It
is a popular New Year Eve tradition and sometimes also followed throughout the
year. So, stock up on your herrings as eating fish meaning financial abundance!
In the Chinese culture also, fish is a traditional New Year's food
because its Chinese word, "yu," sounds like the word for abundance,
symbolizing a wish for abundance in wealth, food, and happiness in the year
ahead.
7. Lentils
Lentils, the
versatile grain is a power packed protein that is consumed in many cultures in
the new year. The coin-like shape of lentils symbolizes money, and
it is believed that eating them will bring financial prosperity and good fortune
in the coming year. Italians are big on consuming lentils and traditionally is
a part of their New Year meal. You can add lentil filling if you are making an
Afghan Bolani or dumpling or even in the form of stew. You can also make
gluten-free lentil bread!
8. Pomegranate
Seeds
Pomegranate has
always been associated with fertility. Being a fan of the British TV series,
Tudor, pomegranate was the symbol of Queen Catherine, the first wife of Henry
VIII. In Greece, the entire fruit is thrown on the floor,
causing a cascade of seeds to spill out, symbolizing abundance
and prosperity
for the New
Year. Pomegranate is rich in antioxidant, Vitamin C, and Fibre.
There are several minerals which makes it an excellent fruit for those with
heart ailments and blood related diseases. You can have pomegranate in salads, mix
it with cream cheese for bruschetta, or mix it in any dip of your choice.
9. Oranges and Honey
A healthier inclusion are oranges and honey, a perfect combination of sweet
and sour. The pair talks about balance or the energy of Yin and Yang in your
new year. Orange symbolize wealth and luck. Honey is said to have consumed
since the time of Jesus to symbolize prosperity and abundance. Add honey and
orange to bake some chicken or salmon. You can also make a fruit salad with
honey, cheese and nuts or add them to some home-made cakes. Perfect with some
black tea!
10. Olieballen
Last, but not
the least is our favourite Olieballen. Did you know that the round shape of the
olieballen symbolizes a full circle of life? The tradition dates back to the
Germanic Gods, who believed in a feast before the cold winter months,
which was thought to bring protection and good fortune for the coming year.
Let us know
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