There are many ways to go about ensuring a lucky new year, especially when it comes to making dinner. Every culture and every family have their own traditions and beliefs, but my own favorite lucky food is very simple, easy to make, and the perfect blank canvas to dress up any which way depending on one’s mood. As encouraged by just about every Asian culture, I made sure to have noodles on both New Year’s Eve and Day, just to make sure my luck was secured. I’m not taking any chances this time around!

Mine were matcha soba noodles, to be precise, although you could probably get away with just about anything- Even plain old spaghetti. Why? It’s said that eating long noodles are supposed to symbolize a long life.

Bathed in a light miso and soy broth, I chose to adorn my bowl of green buckwheat pasta very simply, with just a few veggies and mushrooms, although tofu would have made a nice topper, too. Since it’s hard to come by decent vegan dashi or Japanese-style broth, this incredibly basic soup was nonetheless a special treat.

It’s still not too late to whip up one midnight snack of long, slurpable noodles, so get in the kitchen and cook up some good luck!

Fish-Free Dashi

4 Cups Vegetable Stock
1 Heaping Tablespoon Instant Wakame Flakes
3 Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms, Finely Chopped
2 Tablespoons Tamari or Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Barley Miso Paste
1 – 2 Scallions, Thinly Sliced

In a medium saucepan, simply combine all of the ingredient, stir well, and bring it just to the brink of boil. Never allow miso to boil, as that destroys it’s healthful nutrients. Ladle over cooked noodles and vegetables as desired.

Makes 4 Cups

Printable Recipe