As the year comes to a close, we at 3 Guys from Brooklyn would like to extend our warm wishes for a Happy New Year to all our valued customers. May the upcoming year bring you abundant health, happiness, and prosperity. There are many fascinating traditions and foods from around the world that are believed to bring good luck for the new year and we’d like to share them with you.
Black-Eyed Peas and Greens: Southern Charm
In the southern United States, it is customary to start the new year by consuming black-eyed peas and greens. These foods symbolize prosperity, with black-eyed peas representing coins and greens signifying money. Including them in your New Year's meal is believed to bring financial abundance and good fortune.
Long Noodles: A Symbol of Longevity
In many Asian cultures, long noodles are prepared and consumed on New Year's Day. The length of the noodles represents longevity, and it is believed that by eating them, one can obtain a long and fulfilling life. Be sure not to break or cut the noodles while cooking or eating, as it may bring bad luck.
Lentils: Wealth and Prosperity
In Italy and other parts of Europe, lentils are considered lucky foods for the new year. Their coin-like appearance is associated with wealth and prosperity. It is believed that by consuming lentils, one invites financial abundance and good fortune for the coming year.
Pomegranates: Fertility and Good Fortune
In Greece and other Mediterranean countries, pomegranates hold significant symbolism for the new year. The abundance of seeds inside the fruit represents fertility, while their vibrant red color signifies good fortune. Eating pomegranates on New Year's Day is believed to bring luck, prosperity, and a fruitful year ahead.
Grapes: 12 Lucky Grapes at Midnight
In Spain and some Latin American countries, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. Each grape represents good luck for each month of the upcoming year. This custom brings together family and friends, creating a joyful atmosphere as everyone eagerly consumes their grapes and makes wishes for the year ahead.
Let’s start the year off with this delicious recipe of our Lucky Lentil Soup:
Ingredients:
2 cups lentils, rinsed thoroughly
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the lentils, broth, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and cooked through.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the hot lentil soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve it hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.
As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, incorporating these traditional foods into your New Year's meal can be a delightful way to embrace the customs that bring good luck around the globe. Whether it's indulging in black-eyed peas and greens, savoring long noodles, or enjoying lentils, pomegranates, or grapes, may these symbolic foods bring you prosperity, happiness, and an auspicious start to the new year.
Wishing all our customers a Happy New Year filled with health, joy, and abundance!