What you can and can't cook for the New Year of the Dragon 2024

The patron saint of the year 2024 according to the Eastern calendar is the Green Wood Dragon. As is known, the new year in Southeast Asian countries comes later than in the generally accepted Gregorian calendar. Therefore, it will officially begin on February 10, 2024, and end on January 28, 2025.

In Chinese ancient myths the dragon acts as the ancestor of mankind, an outstanding national sage, the first Chinese emperor. At the dawn of civilization in China, he was worshipped as the main totem.

Unlike the previous year of the Rabbit, which is believed to be characterized by calm and tranquility, the year of the Dragon brings with it a sense of unpredictability, drama, excitement and tension. It is believed that those born under the fire sign of the Dragon have similar characteristics and are known for their passionate and opinionated nature.

Sisukord

What should not be cooked

On the New Year’s table in the year of the Dragon should be rich and unusual dishes. And what products should be excluded from the holiday diet?

Rabbit

First, you should refuse to cook dishes from rabbit. According to one of the legends, the Dragon saved the animal from trouble. These are opposite signs, so rabbit is definitely not a place on the New Year’s table, it will scare away good luck.

Chicken

In the year of the Dragon on the table should be rich dishes, and chicken in Eastern culture is a symbol of poverty. It should be replaced with duck or turkey.

Smoked sausages and canned food

In 2024, it is better to refuse a variety of canned foods and smoked sausages. On the table should be fresh products.

Kiwi

Kiwi on the New Year’s table is also forbidden. Preference is better to give citrus fruits, fresh apples, pears and pineapples.

Onions and white pepper

Onions (both green and turnip) and white pepper are perceived in the East as a symbol of parting. Therefore, these products should not be put on the New Year’s table. However, they can be prepared in the form of a roast together with other vegetables.

Seened

Mushrooms are a symbol of anxiety and disappointment. According to Chinese philosophy, they bring worries and problems. Therefore, do not use this product to prepare festive appetizers.

Flambé

These are dishes cooked under natural fire conditions. The products are poured with alcohol (vodka, brandy, whiskey or other strong alcohol) and then set on fire. As a result, the alcohol burns out, and the dish has a peculiar aroma and taste. It is better to refuse such dishes.

Fresh and tasteless dishes

In the year of the Dragon on the table should be dishes with a peppery flavor.

What to put on the table

The main dish is better to make meat (except rabbit and chicken) or fish. At the festive table in the year of the Dragon, fish cooked whole, with the head and tail, will fit perfectly. Such a dish, according to Chinese tradition, symbolizes a good end of the passing year and a successful beginning of the New Year.

In addition to fish, the main dish can be pork, symbolizing financial growth, or beef, which promises advancement in career. Cooked for the New Year, duck will give peace and tranquility, and turkey will help to stop problems in relationships.

One should not forget about spicy dishes and appetizers. Garlic, ginger and hot red pepper will add piquancy.

Fresh vegetables (it can be both slices and various salads) and fruits should be on the table. Do not forget about tangerines, which symbolize prosperity, and the color of citrus fruits due to its similarity to gold means wealth.

Dekoratsioon

To attract luck and prosperity in the new year, in the decor of the New Year’s table and rooms should be used silver, gold, red colors, as well as various shades of green.

As for decorations, you can use wooden toys and pendants with the image of the dragon, electric and paper garlands, as well as scarlet Chinese lanterns.

What you can cook in the year of the Dragon: a recipe for a festive dish

“According to the eastern calendar, the symbol of 2024 will be the Green Wood Dragon – a true gourmet who loves meat and poultry dishes. I can safely assume that many hostesses on New Year’s Eve will want to diversify the festive table with the favorite food of this mystical animal”.

The chef shared a step-by-step recipe for duck confit.

Koostisained:

A whole duck;
carrots – 2 pieces
celery – 1 piece;
vegetable oil or olive oil – about 1 liter, depending on the size of the duck and the container for marinating;
fruit to taste: apple, pear, pineapple, orange and other citrus fruits.

Ingredients for 1 liter of marinade:

clean water – 1 liter;
salt – 40 g;
suhkur - 10 g;
Badian - 2 tärni;
kaneel - 1 tikk;
fresh thyme – 1 sprig.

Ingredients for duck sauce:

fresh-frozen raspberries – 100 g;
sugar – to taste;
cream – 50 ml.

1. samm: Choose a dish according to size: for marinating and cooking duck in the oven. Rinse the duck well under running water.

2. samm. Prepare the marinade: take a clean marinade container, pour water into it, add the salt, sugar, cardamom, cinnamon and fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then cool to room temperature.

3. samm. Immerse the duck in the cooled marinade for 24 hours and cover with a lid or foil.

4. samm. After 24 hours, take the duck out of the marinade. While the duck is drying out, coarsely chop the carrots and celery and place on the bottom of the dish in which the dish will be baked.

5. samm. Place the duck on top of the vegetables and pour vegetable or olive oil over it – so that the bird is completely hidden.

6. samm. Preheat the oven to 140 degrees and put the duck to bake for 3-4 hours.

Step 7. When ready, carefully remove the dish from the oven so as not to burn the oil and let it cool slightly, then carefully remove the whole duck and transfer it to a perforated tray or colander to drain off excess fat.

Step 8. Prepare the sauce: whizz the freshly frozen raspberries in a blender, balance the acidity and sweetness with sugar, and add the cream and whisk again until smooth. Serve the sauce in a gravy boat.

Step 9 Prepare the garnish: wash the fruit and cut it into small slices just before serving.

Mashed potatoes, bulgur, quinoa or, for example, couscous can be an alternative to the fruit salad.