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New Year’s celebrations are filled with traditions, many of which revolve around food.
From hearty meals that bring families together to symbolic dishes believed to bring good luck and prosperity, New Year’s cuisine is as diverse as the cultures celebrating it.
Whether you’re looking to recreate a classic dish from your heritage or try something new to ring in the year, traditional New Year’s recipes offer a rich way to start the year with delicious food and meaningful customs.
Here are 25+ New Year’s traditional recipes from around the world, each with its own history, symbolism, and flavor.
These recipes will help you create a festive meal filled with good fortune, warmth, and happiness.
Let’s explore a variety of dishes that represent abundance, longevity, and joy, and make your New Year’s celebration extra special!
25+ Delicious New Year’s Traditional Recipes for Good Luck and Prosperity

Embracing tradition through food is a wonderful way to connect with your heritage and celebrate the arrival of a new year.
Whether you opt for the richness of a Brazilian Feijoada, the symbolic Japanese Ozoni Soup, or a comforting Polish Pączki, each dish tells a story and carries with it wishes for good fortune.
By trying out these 25+ New Year’s traditional recipes, you’re not only creating a memorable meal but also honoring time-honored customs that bring people together.
Here’s to a year full of delicious flavors, prosperity, and, most importantly, shared moments around the table!
1. Classic Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is a Southern tradition that’s thought to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year.
This hearty dish combines black-eyed peas, rice, and pork (often bacon or ham), making for a flavorful, filling meal that symbolizes abundance and fortune.
Traditionally, the peas are said to represent coins, the rice represents wealth, and the pork symbolizes progress.
To make this dish, start by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a bit of oil until softened.
Add your choice of smoked ham hock or diced bacon and cook until slightly crispy.
Then, stir in black-eyed peas (either canned or dried, pre-soaked), long-grain white rice, and a flavorful broth (chicken or vegetable).
Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of hot sauce or cayenne for a little kick.
Simmer everything until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
You can garnish with freshly chopped green onions or serve it alongside cornbread for a complete meal that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year.
Full Recipe
2. New Year’s Day Roast Pork
Roast pork is a traditional New Year’s dish in many cultures, symbolizing good fortune and the promise of a fresh start.
The rich, tender meat paired with crispy, golden skin is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect centerpiece for your New Year’s Day feast.
Begin by seasoning a bone-in pork shoulder or loin with a mix of herbs and spices.
Use ingredients like garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a fragrant rub that will infuse the meat during roasting.
Let it sit for a few hours to marinate, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the pork.
Roast the pork in a hot oven, basting occasionally with its own juices.
The goal is to achieve a beautifully browned crust while ensuring the inside stays moist and tender.
You can make a quick gravy using the pan drippings, or serve the roast with a tangy apple sauce or mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
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3. Traditional Soba Noodles (Toshikoshi Soba)
In Japan, eating soba noodles on New Year’s Eve is believed to bring good luck, long life, and a smooth transition into the New Year.
The long noodles symbolize longevity, making this dish an important part of Japanese New Year’s traditions.
To prepare this dish, start by cooking fresh soba noodles in boiling water for a few minutes until tender.
Drain and rinse the noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process and ensure a silky texture.
For the broth, combine dashi (a Japanese stock made from kelp and bonito flakes) with soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar to create a balanced, umami-rich base. Heat the broth and pour it over the soba noodles.
You can customize the dish with toppings such as thinly sliced green onions, a boiled egg, tempura shrimp, or nori (seaweed).
Whether served hot or cold, Toshikoshi Soba is a delicious and meaningful way to welcome in the New Year with a sense of tradition.
Full Recipe
4. Twelve Grapes for Luck
A popular New Year’s tradition in Spain and several Latin American countries, eating twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight is believed to bring good fortune for each month of the upcoming year.
Each grape represents a wish or blessing for each month, and the practice is said to ensure happiness, prosperity, and success in the coming year.
To make this simple yet meaningful dish, all you need is fresh grapes—preferably seedless varieties—and a countdown clock!
As the clock strikes midnight, eat one grape with each bell chime, savoring each bite and thinking of a hope or intention for each month of the year ahead.
While the tradition is typically done on its own, you can enjoy the grapes alongside a glass of bubbly for an extra celebratory touch.
Full Recipe
5. Kue Cubir (Indonesian New Year Cake)
Kue Cubir, also known as “New Year’s Cake,” is a beloved dessert in Indonesia, often enjoyed during New Year celebrations and special occasions.
This cake is made from sticky rice flour and coconut, giving it a chewy texture with a sweet, rich flavor that perfectly complements the tropical fruits and ingredients that are often added.
It’s an aromatic treat that brings a sense of festivity and warmth to any New Year’s celebration.
To prepare Kue Cubir, start by mixing sticky rice flour with coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into a steaming dish and add grated coconut on top before steaming for 30-40 minutes until it sets into a firm, chewy consistency.
The cake can be served in bite-sized pieces or cut into squares, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of sweet tea or traditional Indonesian coffee.
This dessert is a symbol of community and togetherness, making it a great dish to share with family and friends as you celebrate the start of a new year.
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6. German Sauerkraut and Pork
In Germany, it’s customary to enjoy pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day to symbolize good luck and prosperity.
The combination of tender, flavorful pork paired with the tangy, fermented cabbage is a satisfying and hearty meal that reflects the warmth and abundance of the season.
Start by braising a pork roast or pork chops with a variety of aromatic vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery.
Add a generous portion of sauerkraut and season with caraway seeds, bay leaves, and a splash of white wine or beer.
Let the dish simmer for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together while the pork becomes tender and juicy.
The sauerkraut not only adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the pork but is also believed to bring good fortune for the new year, as cabbage is said to represent wealth.
Serve this dish with mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to kick off your New Year celebrations in a delicious way.
Full Recipe
7. New Year’s Day Champagne Chicken
A festive and elegant dish, Champagne Chicken combines the richness of poultry with the sophistication of sparkling wine, making it an ideal recipe for ringing in the New Year.
This dish is flavorful and decadent, perfect for a celebratory meal or special occasion.
To make Champagne Chicken, start by pan-searing boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant, then pour in a glass of champagne (or sparkling wine).
Allow the champagne to reduce by half before adding heavy cream, chicken stock, and a handful of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Return the chicken to the pan and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the luxurious champagne sauce.
Serve the dish with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a meal that’s both indulgent and celebratory—perfect for welcoming in the New Year with style.
Full Recipe
8. Italian Cotechino with Lentils
In Italy, eating lentils on New Year’s Day is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and pairing them with cotechino (a type of Italian sausage) makes for a delicious and hearty meal that brings good luck for the year ahead.
The lentils are believed to represent coins, while the cotechino represents the promise of abundance and good fortune.
To prepare this dish, cook the lentils with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots, and add a splash of red wine or broth for extra flavor.
In a separate pan, sauté slices of cotechino sausage until browned and crispy on the edges.
Once the lentils are tender and infused with flavor, combine them with the sausage and let the dish simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
This dish is traditionally served with a side of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the savory, flavorful broth.
Whether you’re following the Italian tradition or simply seeking a comforting, festive meal for New Year’s, cotechino with lentils is a dish that’s sure to bring good luck and good eating.
Full Recipe
9. Russian Olivier Salad (Salad Olivier)
Known as the “Russian Salad,” the Olivier Salad is a classic dish served during New Year celebrations in Russia and other former Soviet countries.
It’s a creamy, flavorful salad filled with a variety of ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser and a staple for festive gatherings.
To make Olivier Salad, start by boiling potatoes, carrots, and eggs until tender.
Once cooled, chop them into small cubes and combine them with peas, diced pickles, and cooked chicken or ham.
For the dressing, mix together mayonnaise with a touch of mustard and a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Stir everything together until it’s well coated, and refrigerate the salad to allow the flavors to meld.
This salad is often served in large bowls or individual portions, garnished with extra boiled eggs or fresh herbs for a finishing touch.
The Olivier Salad is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family as you celebrate the arrival of a new year, filled with hope and abundance.
Full Recipe
10. Southern Collard Greens with Ham
Collard greens with ham is a beloved dish in the Southern United States, traditionally served on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity.
The collard greens symbolize money (as they are said to resemble paper bills), while the ham is believed to represent progress and the promise of a fresh start.
To make this flavorful dish, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and a bit of smoked ham hock or ham pieces in a large pot until the ham releases its savory oils.
Add fresh collard greens (washed and chopped) to the pot along with chicken broth, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the greens simmer for about an hour or until they’re tender and flavorful.
The long cooking process infuses the greens with a rich, smoky flavor from the ham, making them a savory and satisfying side dish.
Serve them with cornbread and black-eyed peas for the ultimate New Year’s meal, full of good fortune and Southern tradition.
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11. Filipino Pancit Malabon
Pancit Malabon is a traditional Filipino noodle dish that’s often served during New Year’s celebrations. It’s a symbol of longevity, representing a long and prosperous life.
The noodles, thick rice noodles in this case, are coated in a savory, rich sauce made from shrimp, crab, and pork, giving it a delicious umami flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
To make Pancit Malabon, start by cooking the rice noodles and setting them aside.
Prepare the sauce by sautéing garlic, onions, and shrimp in a pan, then adding fish sauce, annatto oil (for color), and a bit of chicken or pork broth.
Once the sauce is rich and aromatic, toss in the noodles and combine everything until evenly coated.
Add in cooked pork belly and crab meat for that extra layer of flavor.
Garnish with hard-boiled eggs, shrimp, and chicharrón (crispy pork skin) for crunch.
This dish is often served with a side of calamansi (a small citrus fruit), which adds a zesty kick.
A plate of Pancit Malabon is not only a symbol of longevity but also a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, making it a perfect addition to your New Year’s spread.
Full Recipe
12. Greek Vasilopita Cake
Vasilopita is a traditional Greek cake that is baked to celebrate the New Year, particularly on January 1st to honor St.
Basil’s Day. This cake is typically baked with a coin hidden inside, and whoever finds the coin is believed to receive blessings and good luck for the year ahead.
To make Vasilopita, begin by preparing a simple cake batter using flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and a touch of orange zest for a fragrant aroma. Some recipes also include yogurt or milk for added moisture.
As you mix the ingredients, make sure to wrap a coin in foil and place it somewhere in the batter (traditionally, it’s done just before baking).
Once baked and cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and decorate it with a cross to represent the Greek Orthodox faith.
Slice the cake and serve it to family and friends, with the excitement of discovering who will find the coin.
Vasilopita is not only delicious and rich but also a meaningful way to celebrate the New Year with loved ones.
Full Recipe
13. New Year’s Tamales (Tamales de Año Nuevo)
Tamales are a cherished tradition in many Latin American countries, and they are often made in large batches to celebrate the New Year.
This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect for a festive gathering and is enjoyed by families as they celebrate together.
Tamales symbolize community and togetherness, as they are often made in big batches, requiring the help of family and friends to assemble and steam.
To make New Year’s tamales, start by preparing a masa dough, which is typically made from corn masa harina, chicken broth, and a generous amount of vegetable oil or lard for tenderness.
Once the dough is ready, spread a layer onto corn husks, and fill them with your choice of savory fillings like slow-cooked pork, shredded chicken, or even cheese and roasted green chilies.
For a festive touch, you can also include a slice of jalapeño or a spoonful of red or green salsa inside.
Wrap the tamales tightly and steam them for 1-1.5 hours until the masa is fully cooked. Tamales are often served with sides of salsa, guacamole, or Mexican crema for added flavor.
These flavorful bundles of joy are a perfect dish to share with friends and family as you welcome in the New Year, bringing warmth, comfort, and plenty of good cheer.
Full Recipe
14. Brazilian Feijoada
Feijoada is Brazil’s national dish, often enjoyed during celebrations like New Year’s and Carnival.
It’s a rich, flavorful black bean stew made with various cuts of pork and beef, simmered for hours to create a smoky, savory, and hearty meal that’s perfect for gathering family and friends around the table.
To prepare Feijoada, start by soaking dried black beans overnight, then drain and rinse them. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bay leaves in oil until fragrant, then add a mix of pork (such as sausages, pork belly, and smoked ham) and beef (typically beef ribs or brisket).
Once the meats are browned, add the soaked beans, along with water or beef broth to cover everything.
Season with salt, black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. Let the stew simmer for 2-3 hours until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Feijoada is traditionally served with white rice, collard greens, and orange slices, the latter believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year.
Enjoying this dish together is a symbol of togetherness, making it a perfect centerpiece for your New Year’s celebration.
Full Recipe
15. Japanese New Year Ozoni Soup
Ozoni is a traditional Japanese New Year’s soup made with mochi (glutinous rice cakes), vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
It’s a dish steeped in symbolism, representing good fortune, longevity, and happiness for the New Year.
The exact ingredients and preparation vary by region in Japan, but the central components—mochi, soup, and seasonal vegetables—remain the same.
To prepare Ozoni, begin by making a clear dashi broth (made from kombu seaweed and bonito flakes), which will serve as the soup base. Depending on your regional style, you may add soy sauce or miso for additional depth of flavor.
Cut a variety of vegetables like daikon radish, carrots, and spinach into bite-sized pieces, and simmer them in the broth until tender.
Add pieces of mochi to the soup and let them cook until they soften and become chewy.
In some versions, a small piece of grilled chicken or fish may be added, along with toppings like pickled plum or grated daikon.
Ozoni is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for the cold winter months and filled with symbolic meaning, making it a beautiful and flavorful way to ring in the New Year.
Full Recipe
16. Irish New Year’s Day Bacon and Cabbage
Bacon and cabbage is a classic Irish dish traditionally served on New Year’s Day.
The rich flavors of the salty, tender bacon paired with the savory cabbage make this dish a comforting and flavorful way to kick off the year.
In Ireland, this meal is believed to bring prosperity and good health, making it an ideal New Year’s meal.
To prepare this dish, start by boiling a large piece of Irish back bacon (or a pork belly joint) in a pot of water with aromatics such as onions, carrots, and bay leaves.
Allow the meat to cook slowly for a couple of hours until it’s tender and the flavors have melded. After removing the bacon, add chopped cabbage to the pot and cook it until tender, absorbing all the savory flavors from the broth.
Once everything is cooked, slice the bacon and serve it alongside the cabbage, with mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes on the side.
Some recipes include a mustard sauce or parsley sauce for added flavor, while others keep it simple with just a sprinkle of black pepper.
This dish is comforting, hearty, and represents the simplicity and bounty of Irish traditions, making it an excellent choice for a nourishing New Year’s meal.
Full Recipe
17. Lebanese Kibbeh
Kibbeh is a staple of Lebanese cuisine, often served during special occasions like New Year’s.
This savory dish is made from ground lamb or beef mixed with bulgur, onions, and spices, then shaped into football-like ovals or patties.
The combination of fragrant spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cumin creates a rich flavor profile, while the crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy filling.
To prepare Kibbeh, start by soaking fine bulgur in water until it softens. Combine it with minced lamb or beef, finely chopped onions, and a blend of spices.
Some recipes also incorporate pine nuts or raisins into the filling, giving it an extra layer of flavor.
Once mixed, shape the kibbeh into small ovals or patties and deep fry them until golden and crispy on the outside.
Kibbeh is typically served as an appetizer or main dish with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce.
It’s perfect for New Year’s celebrations, as it embodies the spirit of festivity with its rich flavors and communal preparation.
This dish represents abundance and hospitality, key elements of Lebanese culture, making it a perfect choice for welcoming the New Year.
Full Recipe
18. Swedish Janssons Frestelse
Janssons Frestelse, or “Jansson’s Temptation,” is a beloved Swedish casserole traditionally served during the New Year holiday and other festive occasions.
This creamy, comforting dish is made with potatoes, onions, anchovies (or a substitute like sprats), and heavy cream.
The layers of potatoes are baked to perfection, resulting in a rich, indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with meats and other festive foods.
To make this dish, start by thinly slicing potatoes and onions, then layer them in a buttered baking dish. Add the anchovies (or sprats) in between the layers of potatoes.
Once your layers are assembled, pour over a mixture of heavy cream and a bit of milk, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.
Bake the casserole in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Janssons Frestelse is typically served as a side dish during a Swedish smorgasbord (buffet), accompanied by pickled herring, gravlax, and crispbread.
Its creamy texture and savory flavor make it an irresistible choice for a celebratory meal, bringing a touch of Swedish tradition to your New Year’s table.
Full Recipe
19. Mexican New Year’s Eve Buñuelos
Buñuelos are a classic Mexican dessert traditionally served during the holiday season, including on New Year’s Eve.
These deep-fried dough fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar for a sweet and irresistible treat.
In Mexico, they’re often paired with a hot drink like atole or Mexican chocolate, making them the perfect dessert to celebrate the New Year with family and friends.
To make buñuelos, start by making a dough from flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Add in eggs, vanilla, and a little bit of milk to create a smooth dough that’s soft but not sticky.
Roll the dough into thin circles, and fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Once fried, immediately dust the buñuelos with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, which gives them that warm, sweet flavor.
Buñuelos are a fun and festive way to end a New Year’s meal, and they can be shaped into round fritters or flat discs.
Whether you serve them on their own or with a drizzle of syrup, they’re a delicious way to sweeten the start of a new year.
Full Recipe
20. Ethiopian New Year’s Doro Wat
Doro Wat is Ethiopia’s national dish and a staple at major celebrations, including New Year’s (Enkutatash).
This spicy chicken stew, often served with hard-boiled eggs and injera (a type of sour flatbread), is rich in flavor and deeply symbolic.
The stew is a celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage, featuring a deep, flavorful base made from berbere spice mix, garlic, and ginger.
To prepare Doro Wat, start by marinating chicken drumsticks or thighs in lemon juice, garlic, and ginger. Sauté onions in a generous amount of niter kibbeh (spiced clarified butter), allowing them to soften and caramelize.
Add berbere spice mix, which includes chili peppers, paprika, cumin, and other spices, to build depth and heat.
Then, add the chicken along with tomatoes, chicken stock, and hard-boiled eggs, and simmer the stew for a few hours until everything is tender and infused with flavor.
Serve Doro Wat alongside injera, which helps to soak up the rich stew, making it a flavorful and interactive meal.
The dish’s spices and hearty nature symbolize the warmth and togetherness of the New Year, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any festive meal.
Full Recipe
21. Polish New Year’s Eve Pączki
Pączki (pronounced “poonch-kee”) are Polish-filled doughnuts traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday, but they’ve also become a favorite treat for New Year’s celebrations.
These fluffy, fried doughnuts are filled with various sweet fillings such as jam, custard, or even sweet cheese, and they’re covered in a light dusting of powdered sugar or glaze.
The pączki symbolize indulgence and the joy of the holiday season.
To make pączki, start by preparing a yeast dough with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a bit of milk. Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, roll it out, and cut it into circles, then place a dollop of fruit jam (like rose or raspberry) or custard in the center. Pinch the dough closed and fry the filled doughnuts in hot oil until golden brown.
After cooling slightly, coat the pączki with powdered sugar or a sugary glaze.
These decadent doughnuts are a delicious and festive treat that embodies Polish tradition.
Whether served as a special breakfast or dessert, pączki are sure to bring sweetness and joy to your New Year’s celebration.
Full Recipe
22. Spanish Tortilla (Tortilla Española)
The Spanish tortilla, or Tortilla Española, is a traditional Spanish dish made with simple ingredients—eggs, potatoes, and onions—but packed with flavor.
This hearty and satisfying dish is a staple at celebrations, including New Year’s Eve, where it’s often served as part of a tapas spread or enjoyed as a light dinner.
It’s both comforting and versatile, served warm or at room temperature.
To make Tortilla Española, start by thinly slicing potatoes and onions. Sauté them gently in olive oil until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.
Then, whisk eggs with salt and pepper, and pour the mixture over the cooked potatoes and onions in the pan. Allow the eggs to set around the edges, and gently stir to distribute the egg evenly.
Once the bottom is golden, carefully flip the tortilla (using a plate to assist) and cook the other side until it’s set and slightly browned.
Tortilla Española can be served as a tapa or a main dish, often with a side of fresh tomatoes or a simple salad.
It’s a dish that symbolizes the Spanish spirit of simplicity and hospitality, making it a wonderful dish to share with loved ones as you celebrate the New Year.
Full Recipe
23. Croatian New Year’s Day Sarma (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Sarma, a hearty dish of stuffed cabbage rolls, is a beloved New Year’s tradition in Croatia and other parts of Eastern Europe.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, and symbolizes warmth, health, and prosperity for the year ahead.
The cabbage is thought to represent money, and the savory filling is a delicious way to bring family and friends together to share in the bounty.
To make Sarma, begin by blanching large cabbage leaves to soften them. For the filling, combine ground pork and beef with rice, onions, garlic, paprika, and salt. Spoon the mixture onto each cabbage leaf, roll them up tightly, and place the rolls in a pot.
Cover the sarma with sauerkraut or fresh cabbage leaves and simmer for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
Some recipes include smoked meats or bacon to add richness and depth.
Sarma is often served with mashed potatoes or rustic bread to soak up the flavorful juices. It’s a dish that represents family, tradition, and abundance, making it an ideal meal for New Year’s Day celebrations.
The comforting flavors and slow-cooked goodness make it a dish that’s sure to please a crowd.
Full Recipe
24. Middle Eastern New Year’s Mahshi (Stuffed Vegetables)
Mahshi, or stuffed vegetables, is a popular dish in many Middle Eastern countries, particularly during festive occasions like New Year’s.
It consists of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat (typically lamb or beef), pine nuts, and aromatic spices.
This dish is a symbol of abundance and togetherness, making it perfect for large family gatherings to celebrate the New Year.
To prepare Mahshi, begin by hollowing out the vegetables carefully to create space for the filling.
For the stuffing, combine rice, ground meat, finely chopped onions, garlic, pine nuts, cinnamon, and allspice.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stuff each vegetable generously with the rice and meat mixture, then arrange them tightly in a large pot.
Cover the stuffed vegetables with tomato sauce and water, and simmer for an hour or so, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to cook.
Mahshi is typically served with a side of yogurt or a simple cucumber salad for balance. This dish, rich in flavor and tradition, is a perfect way to celebrate New Year’s in a way that honors Middle Eastern culture and culinary heritage.
Full Recipe
25. Italian New Year’s Lenticchie e Cotechino
In Italy, Lentils and Cotechino (a traditional Italian sausage) are a quintessential dish to ring in the New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
The lentils, shaped like coins, are thought to bring financial fortune, while the cotechino sausage, made from pork and typically served with lentils, represents good fortune and abundance for the coming year.
To make Lenticchie e Cotechino, start by simmering dried lentils in water with garlic, onions, and a bay leaf until tender, which should take about 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the cotechino sausage by boiling it for around 2 hours, or following package instructions if using a pre-cooked version.
Once both components are ready, serve the sausage sliced, alongside the lentils, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh parsley.
This dish is often accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Lenticchie e Cotechino is a comforting, flavorful, and symbolic dish that’s perfect for bringing in the New Year with family and friends.
Full Recipe
Conclusion
Food has the unique power to bring people together, and New Year’s traditions serve as a reminder of the values we hold dear—family, health, and hope for the future. From savory dishes like Italian Cotechino and American Black-Eyed Peas to sweet treats like French Galette des Rois, these 25+ New Year’s traditional recipes are more than just meals—they’re part of a global celebration. As you try these recipes, let them serve as a reminder to embrace the traditions that make your New Year’s celebration meaningful and delicious. Wishing you a joyful, prosperous year ahead, filled with good food and great company!