2008 will launch the Year of the Rat for the Chinese and to celebrate, try out this lucky soup, Fatt Choy.
I've touched upon the qualities of Rat People previously: charming, ambitious and perfectionists. They are thrifty, have wide interests and are generally very successful in life. The cunning rat is sharp, level-headed and loves to gossip. Be careful though, Rat people are busybodies and are easy to anger when crossed.
What does the Year of the Rat bring the world starting Feb. 7, 2008?
According to some experts in Chinese astrology, the year will be marked by fluctuations in the stock market but in general, business will be booming and it's a good time to make long-term investment plans. Apparently, any ventures beginning at this time will be successful, but only if one prepares well.
As well, the year will be free from extreme events and wars and fewer catastrophes compared to previous years. You can drink to that!
When celebrating Chinese New Year's, consider cleaning the house prior to Feb. 7 (so as not to sweep away the good luck) and plan for some sumptuous meals: New Year's Duck, Whole Baked Fish, Pork Dumplings, Steamed Fish , Stir-Fried Pea Shoots and Filipino Fried Noodles.
Here's a lucky soup recipe. Lucky because it contains seaweed which translates as "Fatt Choy" in Chinese and the usual greeting for Chinese New Year's in Cantonese is Gong hei fat choi ! - "Congratulations and Be Prosperous."
Fatt Choy or Hairy Balls
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Fatt Choy, or 1 packet of it (sea weed, the very fine one that you get from Chinese grocery store)
- 1 lb. lean ground pork
- 1/2 finely chopped chestnuts( from a can)
- 2 sprigs spring onions
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon light soya sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of water
For the stock:
- 8 oz. pork spare ribs
- 2 litres water
- Salt and pepper to taste
To make soup: Put the ribs in the boiling water and boil for 20 minutes.
Directions
- Wash the Fatt Choy. Drain the water. Put a little oil & rub the Fatt Choy. Leave for later use to wrap the meat.
- Mix the lean ground pork with chopped chestnuts, scallions, seame oil, light soya sauce, salt, pepper and water. Make round balls ( about 3/4 in. round or smaller) with the mixture.
- Wrap the round meat balls with a thin layer of Fatt Choy.
- Arrange the balls on a greased enamel plate or baking tin and steam over boiling water for 20 minutes.
- When ready to serve, drop the cooked meat balls in the stock. Stir slowly so that the balls do not come apart.
