Year of the Rabbit.
Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and delicious food, and as it falls in Veganuary this year, you will probably discover several new plant-based options in the shops that are perfect for this special occasion. However, if you wish to make your own special feast, have a look at these ideas.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. The dates change each year according to the lunar calendar and this year it will start on Sunday 22nd January 2023. The holiday is celebrated over a period of 15 days and is marked by various customs and traditions such as family reunions, lion dances, parades, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money. The first day of Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China, and is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world.
One of the most popular traditions during the Chinese New Year is the Lion Dance, which is performed by a team of dancers dressed in lion costumes. The dance is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. It is common to see parades and fireworks displays during the Chinese New Year.
The Chinese New Year is also a time for wishing for good luck in the coming year. People often exchange greetings and wishes such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (wishing you to become wealthy) or “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year).
Popular Dishes
One of the most popular Chinese New Year dishes is dumplings, and there are plenty of vegan options to choose from. You can make your own dumplings at home using a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, carrots, and cabbage.
Another popular Chinese New Year dish is spring rolls. These can also be made vegan by using a filling of cabbage, peppers, and other vegetables.
Vegetable stir-fries are also a great option for vegans during Chinese New Year. They are packed with nutrients, and can be made with a variety of traditional vegetables such as pak choi, beansprouts, and chinese cabbage. These are great and can be made quickly with whatever vegetables you have. Throw in some marinated cubes of tofu towards the end of cooking, add in some soy sauce or vegan oyster sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!
For a sweet treat, try vegan Chinese New Year cakes such as “nian gao” which is glutinous rice cake. These cakes can be made using coconut milk and sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar. Let me know if I should create a recipe for these!?
Chinese New Year is also a time for hot pot and fondue, and these can also be made vegan by using a vegetable broth and a variety of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms for dipping.
Chinese New Year Recipes
Here are a few ideas to get you started on your New Year feast!
- 1 pack wonton wrappers
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 cup finely shredded white cabbage
- 1 cup grated or finely diced carrots
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 spring onions finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- * stock for cooking if preferred
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper.
- Take a wonton wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling in the centre.
- Fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
- Repeat this process until all of the filling is used up.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, and gently place the dumplings in the water. You can use stock if you prefer.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.
- Enjoy!
- 1 pack of spring roll wrappers
- 1 cup finely shredded white cabbage
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- Small handful finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced red pepper
- handful of peas or sweetcorn
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, onions, carrots, red pepper, peas/sweetcorn, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper.
- Take a spring roll wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling on one corner of the wrapper.
- Roll the wrapper tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll.
- Repeat this process until all of the filling is used up.
- Heat a pan with enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the spring rolls in the pan and fry until golden brown on all sides.
You can transfer to the oven to finish cooking (if you prefer less crunchy vegetables), or eat as they are.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.
- Enjoy!
What do I need?
Hopefully you can make yourself a delicious vegan Chinese New year feast! If you feel like treating yourself (or getting someone else to treat you)! here are a few useful things for the occasion. I receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links (this is at no additional cost to you)!
Serving
This depends on what you make, but ideally you will make a fabulous feast worthy of New Year celebrations! Serve for lunch or dinner and if time (or effort) is short, buy a few bits to go with your homemade offerings. You could go simple with rice or noodles and one other item, or be all elaborate and make 4 or 5 different dishes!
Storage
Check each recipe for the storage instructions – generally most foods can be made ahead and kept for 2-3 days covered in the fridge. If freezing foods (spring rolls freeze well), portion or separate with greaseproof paper, label and freeze.
Sharing
I really hope you have a go at making something for Chinese New Year. I love seeing your adaptions and interpretations of my recipes and I’d love to see your foodie photos – especially if you’re making a few items! Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
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