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Did you know pomegranates are revered as a symbol of good fortune? Or that legumes, greens, noodles and even pork are also believed to ensure good luck? When it comes to New Year's traditions, every culture around the globe has at least one food believed to bring good luck.
We investigate the "good luck" foods of the world, to help you plan your New Year's Eve menu - especially if you are the least bit superstitious.
Find out which cultures eat what on New Year's Eve and increase your chances for success and happiness in the new year!
Good Luck Foods for New Year's Eve Plus 21 Recipes
1. Long noodles
Long noodles, long life! Noodles signify longevity in many Asian traditions. The tradition goes that the noodles are never to be broken or shortened during the cooking process. These “long-life noodles” are typicalled represented by toshikoshi soba noodles in Japan, yi mein noodles in China.
Try these recipes:
Egg noodles with tofu and vegetables
Chinese noodles with mushrooms
2. Pork
In many countries around the world, pigs symbolize progress and a fat wallet. Some say it's because they never walk backwards. In any case, it's a delicious choice for New Year's Eve dinner, so don't miss out on your chance of picking up some good luck on the last day of the year for prosperity ahead.
Try these recipes:
Beer-braised pork on polenta with shallots and carrot sauce
Pork chops in mushroom marsala sauce
3. Oranges and tangerines
Bright, fragrant oranges and tangerines are a sign of prosperity in China. The joyful colour of these citrus fruits and their abundance over the winter period makes them a lucky fruit typically passed out during Lunar New Year.
Try these recipes:
Citrus tart with blood orange slices
4. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are associated with abundance and fertility, especially in Turkey. They are red in colour, like the human heart, therefore symbolises life, and their plentiful round seeds represent prosperity.
Try these recipes:
Red cabbage salad with pomegranate and brazil nuts
Butternut squash and quinoa salad with pomegranate
5. Greens
Munch down on your greens on New Year's Eve, and hope for extra green notes in your wallet too! Greens such as kale, spinach, collards and cabbage represent good fortune in many countries across the continents, from America to Europe.
Try these recipes:
Spinach and ricotta balls with parmesan
Spaghetti with green cabbage, capers, gherkins, olives, shallots
6. Black-eyed peas
Some say it's the shape of black-eyed peas that, like lentils, look like coins and therefore symbolise wealth. Some on the hand, believe that it's because during the Civil War era, the beans supposedly prevented families from starvation. Whether this is true or not, there's no harm in believing. Have these little beans simmered in a stew with ham hock and greens, for a Hoppin' John or Carolina Peas and Rice like they do in the south on new Year's Day.
Try these recipes:
7. Lentils
Lentils have long been associated with coins, thus eating lentils at New Year's Eve dinner is a tradition held throughout in countries such as Italy, Czech Republic, and Brazil. Whether it's served alongside cotechino (like in Italy), pork chops or over rice, eat lentils and hope for your pockets to fill up in the new year.
Try these recipes:
Vegetarian shepherd's pie with lentils
Lentil bake with vegetables and sausage
Curry lentil soup with turmeric
