Isn’t it awesome that we live in a country that is culturally rich and ethnically diverse? It is a privilege and an honour. The immersive experiences and the access, whether to partake, admire, or learn are all appreciated and quite an education! Today begins the New Year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar – Year of the Rabbit, 2023.
The New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is full of tradition, rituals and foods filled with symbolism. Every year, for several years now, I make a dish that in my own small way, honours and celebrates the occasion. Last year, I made whole steamed fish, a traditional Chinese New Year dish which symbolises prosperity. This year, it’s Longevity Noodles with Shrimp, which symbolises happiness and long life. Longevity noodles are longer than the normal noodles and are uncut. They are cooked either fried, boiled or served in a bowl in broth. I made mine just as we would if making Chow mein. I am not trying to create an authentic dish, more to acknowledge and celebrate.
by Cynthia Nelson)
I’d recommend going to any of the many Chinese groceries around and getting these noodles. They are chewy and spongy when cooked. The texture is very pleasing, love them! You’ve got to try these noodles.
For this dish, the noodles are the star (as they should be). You will see the simplicity of the ingredients, they are flavoured with garlic, hot pepper, and scallions (green onions); I like to add a little toasted sesame oil to finish the dish. The veggies I serve on the side, which is usually stir fried pak choi.
Here are some other dishes you can make/have to mark/celebrate the occasion – dumplings, cook a chicken whole, spring rolls, shrimp, meatballs made with ground pork, vegetables and citrus like orange and tangerine. If there’s a freezer section at the grocery where you are shopping, you might find some treats there to cook up as
well.
It’s a 2-week long celebration so even if you don’t make anything today, you definitely have time.
Here’s my recipe for Longevity Noodles with Shrimp
INGREDIENTS
· 1 packet Chinese longevity noodles
· 1 pound large shrimp deveined, rinsed and pat dry
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
· 1 tablespoon butter (salted or unsalted)
· 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
· Minced hot pepper to taste
· 1 heaped cup chopped green onions (white/purple and green parts)
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions – cook in salted boiling water and rinse with cool tap water and drain well.
2. While the noodles are cooking, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Add oil to a large pan and heat on medium high. Cook shrimp in batches by placing them in the heated pan about 2 – 3 inches apart; cook for 1 minute on one side and another minute on the other side then set aside.
4. Lower heat and add butter, garlic, and pepper to the pan. Let the butter melt and the garlic and pepper soften; do not let the garlic develop a colour.
5. Raise the heat and add the drained noodles and toss to coat the noodles with the garlic and pepper infused oil.
6. Add shrimp and any drippings along with green onions and toss and cook for about 2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately.
COOK’S NOTES
· It is optional to drizzle some toasted sesame oil at the end and serve the noodles garnished with sesame seeds.
· If you can’t find longevity noodles, use regular chow mein noodles
Happy New Year to all celebrating!
Cynthia
cynthia@tasteslikehome.org
