The second day of Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time for family gatherings and delicious food. While the first day is often dedicated to honoring ancestors, the second day shifts focus to strengthening family bonds and enjoying festive meals together. A centerpiece of this celebratory feast is often the Cơm mâm, or rice tray, a visually stunning and symbolically rich dish. This isn't your average plate of food; it's a carefully curated arrangement of dishes representing prosperity, abundance, and good fortune for the coming year.
This particular rice tray is designed for a delightful second-day Tết celebration, featuring a selection of both traditional and modern flavors. The vibrant colors and diverse textures of the ingredients are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate. Ready to recreate this impressive and flavorful meal at your own Tết celebration? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own magnificent Second Day of Tet Rice Tray.
Tools Needed
- Vacuum pot
- Grill
- Pots and pans
- Plates
Ingredients
- Meat (pork, beef, buffalo, or horse)
- Spices for meat marinade
- Onions
- Bamboo shoots
- Vermicelli
- Bones for soup
- Kohlrabi
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Mixed boiled vegetables
- Ham (pork, beef, buffalo, etc.)
- Cinnamon sausage
- Chicken (half a chicken)
- Rice
- Banh Chung (sticky rice cake)
- Fruits
- Leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Main Dishes
- Marinate the meat with spices and freeze it before Tet. Defrost before cooking.
- Grill the meat in an oil-free vacuum pot until cooked and slightly browned. Add onions for fragrance.
- Heat or fry the ham and sausage. Use different types of ham and sausage for variety.
- Cook or heat the chicken. Marinate it beforehand.
Step 2. Prepare the Sides & Soup
- cook bone soup with bamboo shoots, vermicelli, kohlrabi, carrots, and potatoes.
- Prepare the mixed boiled vegetables.
Step 3. Cook the Rice
- Cook rice.
Step 4. Assemble & Serve
- rice, meat, ham, sausage, chicken, vegetables, and soup.
- Serve with Banh Chung and fruits.
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Adjust the quantity of food based on the number of people. Make two trays if needed.
- Use long or square Banh Chung. If long Banh Chung is leftover, you can easily store it.
- This is a simple meal, suitable for those who want a quick yet delicious Tet meal.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. What are the essential dishes for a Vietnamese Tết meal?
Essential dishes often include Bánh Tét (sticky rice cake), Giò Chả (Vietnamese sausage), Chả giò (spring rolls), Canh khổ qua (bitter melon soup), and various salads and fruits. The exact dishes can vary by region and family tradition.
2. How can I make my Tết meal less stressful to prepare?
Plan ahead! Make a shopping list and prepare some components (like marinades or chopping vegetables) in advance. Consider using pre-made ingredients like spring roll wrappers or store-bought sauces to save time.
3. What's the significance of the food served during Tết?
Tết foods often symbolize prosperity, good luck, and abundance for the coming year. Round shapes represent family unity, while certain colors and ingredients hold specific meanings related to good fortune and health.
Creating a delicious and meaningful Vietnamese Tết meal is a wonderful way to celebrate this important holiday with family and friends. By following these simple recipes and incorporating your own traditions, you can create a truly memorable feast filled with flavor and symbolism. Chúc mừng năm mới – Happy New Year!