19+ Lunar New Year Cake Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 2, 2024
The Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate new beginnings and gather with loved ones. One of the most cherished traditions during this festive season is the making and sharing of the Lunar New Year cake, also known as Nian Gao. This sweet and sticky rice cake is a symbol of prosperity, good luck, and the promise of a new year filled with abundance. In this article, we will guide you through a professional and well-organized introduction to this beloved dish, complete with a delicious lunar new year cake recipe that you can easily recreate at home.
Start The New Year Right with Hoppin’ John Served Over...
Main Ingredients: Chard, Bacon, Garlic, Yellow Onion, Dried Thyme, Salt
This twist on the classic Hoppin’ John recipe adds a delicious layer of flavor by serving it over creamy polenta. The combination of the hearty black-eyed peas and the smooth polenta make for a perfect comfort meal to start off the new year.
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New Year Stew
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Smoked Ham Hocks, Cooked Ham, Water
For those looking for a heartier version of Hoppin’ John, this recipe transforms the dish into a thick and hearty stew. The addition of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and a variety of spices give this dish a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Hoppin John -Hopping Straight into the New Year
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion, Garlic
This recipe puts a spin on the traditional Hoppin’ John by adding in some delicious and nutritious veggies such as bell peppers, celery, and carrots. Not only does it add some extra flavor, but it also adds some much-needed nutrients to kick off the new year on a healthy note.
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Lucky New Year Penne Pasta
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Gluten Free Penne Pasta, Butter
Who says Hoppin’ John has to be served with rice? This recipe swaps out the rice for penne pasta, making it a delicious and unique twist on the traditional dish. The pasta is cooked in a flavorful broth made from chicken broth, beer, and a splash of vinegar, giving it a tangy and savory taste.
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Happy New Year! Kumquat Champagne Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Kumquats, Grand Marnier, Sugar, Champagne
What’s a new year’s celebration without a festive cocktail? This recipe combines the sweetness of kumquats with the bubbly goodness of champagne to create a refreshing and celebratory drink. Cheers to the new year!
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Hoppin' John for the New Year
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Green Pepper, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Black Eyed
For those looking for a traditional and authentic Hoppin’ John recipe, look no further. This classic recipe is made with black-eyed peas, diced ham, and plenty of flavorful seasonings. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to bring good luck in the new year.
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New Year Hoppin' John Good Luck Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Black Eyed Peas, Pork, Bacon, Curry
This recipe takes Hoppin’ John to a whole new level by adding in some tasty rice pilaf. The combination of the black-eyed peas, rice, and chicken broth creates a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for celebrating the new year.
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Black-eyed Peas and Collards–A Happy New Year
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic
Collard greens are another traditional dish believed to bring good luck in the new year. This recipe combines the lucky greens with the lucky black-eyed peas to create a delicious and healthy dish. It’s a great way to start the year off on a lucky and nutritious note.
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Lucky New Year Black-Eyed Peas in Sweet Shoyu
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Water, Sugar, Shoyu, Fine Sea Salt
This recipe adds a touch of sweetness to the traditional Hoppin’ John by using sweet shoyu sauce. The combination of the tangy and savory sauce with the black-eyed peas creates a unique and delicious flavor that is perfect for celebrating the new year.
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Pressure Cooked Black Eyed Pea Soup for the New Year
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Yellow Split Peas, Millet, Onion
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a lucky and delicious meal on New Year’s Day, this recipe is for you. Using a pressure cooker, this soup comes together in no time and is packed with the traditional flavors of Hoppin’ John. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for a cold winter day.
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Black Eyed Pea Hummus Rings in the New Year Healthfully
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Tahini, Garlic, Fresh Parsley
Hummus is a staple in many households, but this recipe gives it a lucky twist by incorporating black-eyed peas and collard greens. Not only does it add some extra flavor and nutrition, but it’s also a fun and unique way to ring in the new year.
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Black Eye Pea Ham and Collard Green Curry for the New...
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Cooked Ham, Curry Leaves, Cinnamon
If you’re looking for a spicy and flavorful twist on Hoppin’ John, look no further. This recipe adds some heat and exotic flavors with the addition of curry powder and coconut milk. It’s a fun and delicious way to celebrate the new year.
This classic Hoppin’ John recipe is brought to life with the addition of smoked ham hocks, giving it a rich and smoky flavor. It’s a simple and satisfying way to enjoy the traditional lucky dish on New Year’s Day.
Another festive cocktail to add to your New Year’s celebration, this punch is made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and champagne for a sweet and bubbly drink. You can even add in some black-eyed peas for a lucky twist!
This recipe takes a healthier approach to Hoppin’ John by using turkey sausage instead of traditional pork. It’s a lighter and leaner option to enjoy the lucky dish without sacrificing any flavor.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, this recipe adds in some jalapeno peppers for a little heat. It’s a great way to add some extra flavor and kick off the new year with a little spice.
If you still have some leftover Christmas cheer, why not use it in this festive and delicious punch? Made with cranberry juice, ginger ale, and a splash of vodka, this punch is sure to be a hit at your New Year’s celebration.
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Bessie’s Best New Year Blackeyes
Main Ingredients: Blackeye Peas, Water, Meat, Butter Oil, Large Onion
This recipe adds some extra protein and flavor with the addition of bacon and ground beef. It’s a hearty and delicious twist on the traditional Hoppin’ John that is sure to bring good luck in the new year.
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Hoppin' John a New Year Tradition - Dee Dee's
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Large Carrots, Baking Soda, Ham
This recipe takes a healthier approach to Hoppin’ John by using brown rice and turkey bacon. It’s a great way to enjoy the traditional dish without feeling guilty, and it’s just as delicious as the original.
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Lucky Black-eyed Pea Salad for the New Year!
Main Ingredients: Lettuce, Black Eyed Peas, Red Onion, Bell Pepper, Black
If you’re looking for a lighter and refreshing way to enjoy Hoppin’ John, this recipe is for you. The combination of black-eyed peas, corn, and bell peppers creates a colorful and flavorful salad that is perfect for celebrating the new year.
The History of Lunar New Year Cake
The origins of Lunar New Year cake can be traced back to ancient China, where it was first made as an offering to the Kitchen God before the start of the new year. Legend has it that the Kitchen God would report to the Jade Emperor about the household's behavior throughout the year, and offering him a sweet treat would ensure a favorable report.
Over time, the tradition of making Lunar New Year cake evolved and spread to other parts of Asia, including Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea. Today, it is a staple dish in many Lunar New Year celebrations around the world, with each culture adding its own unique twist to the recipe.
The Symbolism of Lunar New Year Cake
Aside from being a delicious treat, Lunar New Year cake holds great cultural significance. The round shape of the cake represents unity and completeness, while the sticky texture symbolizes family and community bonding. The ingredients used, such as glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, are also believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
The Recipe: How to Make Lunar New Year Cake
Now that you know the history and symbolism behind Lunar New Year cake, it's time to try your hand at making it! Below is a simple and delicious lunar new year cake recipe for you to follow:
1 ½ cups glutinous rice flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
1. In a large bowl, mix together the glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the coconut milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly add this mixture to the rice flour mixture, stirring until smooth.
3. If desired, add red food coloring to give the cake a festive color.
4. Grease a round cake pan and pour the batter in. Steam the cake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool before cutting into slices and serving.
Enjoy your homemade Lunar New Year cake with your loved ones and usher in a year of good luck and prosperity!
