What is prepared for New Year Lunch? In the Czech Republic, Definitely Lentils!

What is prepared for New Year Lunch? In the Czech Republic, Definitely Lentils!

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  • On New Year’s Day, the Czechs typically eat lentils, believing that a lentil dish, be it a soup or a side dish, will ensure money for the upcoming year. The origin of this myth is unknown: it might be due to lentils shape, resembling money. Therefore, the fear of money shortage makes consuming this healthy legume rich in proteins, B vitamins and iron it even those who are not especially fond of it. According to another superstition, New Year’s dish should not include poultry or anything that fly, to prevent good luck flying away from us. Therefore, traditional New Year’s lunch menu consists often of so called “sour lentils” accompanied with smoked meat or poached egg and gherkin. And how is sour lentil recipe prepared? Before cooking, you should rinse the lentils and let stay in water for a few hours. Then drain, pour in fresh water and boil until soft. Cut onion in small cubes and stir fry until golden brown, add some flour and a bit of water, making thus yellowish roux. Pour over with broth, add bay leaf and thyme. After 10 minutes, take out bay leaf and mix with boiled lentils. Season with vinegar or lemon sauce, add salt and sugar and boil over, if necessary: you will get a healthy delicacy that will bring you money, though 100% reliance on the magical power of lentils is not recommended.

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