Lunar New Year Festivities in London
Celebrating the vibrant Lunar New Year, London joins in the festivity, embracing the rich traditions of this significant holiday. This year, the Chinese New Year, marking the Year of the Dragon, falls on Saturday, 10 February.
A key highlight of the Lunar New Year celebrations is the culinary experience. Drawing inspiration from the renowned celebrity chef Ken Hom’s culinary masterpieces can elevate your Chinese New Year feast, whether you opt for a quick meal or an elaborate banquet.
Ken Hom, a trailblazer in demystifying Chinese cuisine through his groundbreaking TV series, “Ken Hom’s Chinese Cookery,” marked 40 years since his debut on BBC television. His iconic cookery program was accompanied by a book of the same title, featuring timeless recipes that are perfect for Chinese New Year festivities.
Each dish in a traditional Chinese New Year meal carries symbolic significance: longevity with uncut noodles, prosperity with dumplings, togetherness and abundance with whole fish, fidelity with duck, prosperity with chicken, and soul-cleansing with mushrooms and bean curd.
Equipped with a Ken Hom wok, delve into his classic recipes for Spicy Sichuan Noodles and Chicken with Black Bean Sauce, ideal for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Chinese cuisine offers a healthy alternative post-Christmas indulgence, focusing on vegetables, lean meat, and minimal oil usage, aligning perfectly with the spirit of Chinese New Year.
Pairing your Chinese New Year feast with the right beverage is essential. Consider indulging in sake, particularly Junmai Daiginjo, known for its high-quality rice content. Alternatively, red wines like Les Marennes Pinot Noir Sancerre can complement the bold flavors of Chinese dishes.
As you savor the delectable noodles and raise a toast, extend your warm wishes to friends and family with the traditional greeting, Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Recipes
Spicy Sichuan (Dan Dan) Noodles
Prepare the following ingredients:
- 2.25 liters (4 pints) water
- 2 tsp salt
- 250g fresh or dried egg noodles
- 1.5 tbsp groundnut oil
- 3 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 2 tbsp peeled & finely chopped fresh root ginger
- 4 tbsp finely chopped spring onion
- 375g minced pork
- 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chili oil
- 2 tbsp chili bean sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 175ml chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, roasted and ground
- 2 tsp sesame oil, plus extra for tossing with noodles
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped spring onions for garnish
Follow these steps to prepare the dish:
- Boil water with salt in a large saucepan. Add noodles, separate while boiling.
- Drain and cool noodles under cold water. Toss with sesame oil.
- Heat the wok, add groundnut oil, garlic, ginger, and spring onions. Stir-fry, then add pork.
- Add remaining ingredients except sesame oil. Season with black pepper and cook.
- Reheat noodles in wok, mix well. Add sesame oil, garnish with spring onions, and serve.
Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
(A beloved dish for many first-time Chinese cuisine enthusiasts, easily recreated at home. The aroma of fermented black bean sauce combined with garlic and ginger is simply irresistible. This dish can be prepared in advance, reheated, or enjoyed cold).
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh root ginger
- 1.5 tablespoons coarsely chopped garlic
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
- 3.5 tablespoons finely chopped spring onions (scallions)
- 2.5 tablespoons coarsely chopped salted black beans
- 150 ml (5 fl oz) Chicken Stock
Method:
- Cut chicken into 5 cm (2 inch) chunks. Marinate with soy sauce, rice wine, salt, sugar, sesame oil, and cornflour.
- Heat a wok, add groundnut oil, then stir-fry chicken.
- Add ginger, garlic, shallots, spring onions, and black beans. Stir-fry.
- Pour in stock, simmer until chicken is cooked. Garnish with spring onions and serve.
Cheers to a Flavorful Celebration!