Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time for family, festivities, and of course, a bountiful feast! Traditionally laden with meats, the Tet tray (mâm ngũ quả) and accompanying dishes can be adapted to include delicious vegetarian options, making the celebration inclusive and equally vibrant. This recipe provides a simple yet satisfying approach to a vegetarian Tet tray, ensuring a delicious and symbolic start to the new year, filled with auspicious meanings for prosperity and good fortune. We've carefully selected ingredients that are both readily available and packed with flavour.
This vegetarian feast focuses on creating a beautiful and flavorful spread, mirroring the traditional Tet offerings but with plant-based alternatives. From vibrant colours to symbolic shapes, every element contributes to the overall aesthetic and celebratory spirit. Ready to create your own stunning and delicious vegetarian Tet tray? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- pots
- pans
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- Winged beans
- Young squash
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Lettuce
- Green beans
- Grapefruit
- Roasted peanuts
- Dried rice
- Corn
- Sugar
- Vegetarian seasoning
- Cooking oil
- Chili sauce
- Vegetarian fish sauce
- Soy sauce
- Vegetarian satay
- Fresh coconut water: 1 liter
- Salt
- Old oyster mushrooms
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Tapioca starch or cornstarch: 2 teaspoons
- Dried seaweed (optional)
- Vegetarian floss (optional)
- Vietnamese coriander and leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Broths
- wash and cut winged beans, young squash, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, green beans, grapefruit, corn, carrots, and oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil 1 liter of fresh coconut water. Add salt and then add other vegetables (except squash) and boil for 3 minutes.
Step 2. Cook the Main Dishes
- Remove boiled vegetables. Add remaining vegetables (except squash) to the coconut water broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with sugar, vegetarian seasoning, and vegetarian fish sauce. Add squash and simmer until soft.
- Dry rice until hard. Cut carrots, corn, and green beans into small pieces. Heat cooking oil and fry the dried rice until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Fry onions until fragrant. Add corn, carrots, and green beans. Stir well. Add the crispy rice and stir for about 2 minutes. Season with vegetarian seasoning and sugar. Add a little water and stir.
- Saute green onions. Add mushrooms and stir for 1 minute. Add vegetarian satay and water. Stir for another minute. Season with sugar and vegetarian seasoning. Add green beans and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Saute onions. Add tomatoes and tofu. Season with sugar, vegetarian seasoning, chili sauce, and vegetarian fish sauce. Cook until tomatoes melt and sauce thickens.
Step 3. Prepare the Sauces and Salads
- Stir-fry mushrooms until dry. Season with cooking oil, sugar, vegetarian seasoning, and water.
- Mix Vietnamese coriander, shredded carrots, and salad dressing (lemon juice, sugar water, filtered water, vegetarian fish sauce). Add mushrooms and grapefruit. Gently mix and garnish with roasted peanuts.
Step 4. Finishing Touches and Assembly
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to the soup. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Add green onions and cilantro.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- For the best winged beans, grow them in a location with both shade and sunlight.
- To make the vegetable soup thicker, add tapioca starch or cornstarch.
- Add a little crispy fried rice to your fried rice for extra texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your family's preference.
- For the salad dressing, adjust the ratio of ingredients to your liking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes! Many fruits and vegetables can be swapped for similar ones based on availability and preference. Focus on maintaining the vibrant colours and symbolic meanings.
2. How far in advance can I prepare the Vegetarian Tet Tray?
Most components can be prepared a day or two ahead. Assemble the tray a few hours before serving to ensure freshness and optimal presentation.
3. Are there any specific symbolic meanings to the fruits and vegetables used?
Yes! Many fruits and vegetables hold symbolic meaning in Vietnamese culture. For example, oranges represent prosperity, and mandarins symbolize wealth. The recipe notes will highlight these meanings.
Creating a beautiful and delicious vegetarian Tet tray is easier than you might think! This recipe provides a flexible framework, allowing you to personalize it with your favourite fruits and vegetables while still capturing the essence of the holiday. Enjoy your vibrant and flavourful vegetarian Tet celebration!