New Years Eve with a Lentil Twist

Sicilian tradition says that prosperity is ensured for the year ahead if you eat lentils on New Year’s Eve.

No lentils, no money … why take the risk ????

To improve your chance of good fortune, the next day you should eat macaroni, as the Sicilian proverb says “He who eats macaroni on New Year’s Day for the whole of the year keeps trouble away”.

Another tradition involves throwing old plates, glasses, vases and pottery out the window to make room for the new. Although this is rarely practiced these days we have witnessed this tradition in our town so it does not hurt to keep aware of any open windows whilst walking down the street on New Year’s Eve at midnight.

Also wearing red underwear helps .... I will leave that one up to you ;-)

If you hope to be wealthy in 2015 try this simple Sicilian recipe for Lentil soup:

Zuppa di Lenticchie (Lentil Soup)

Zuppa di Lenticchie (Lentil Soup); serves 4
7oz Lentils, preferably from the Sicilian island of Ustica
4 Pints of Water
8 oz Canned Chopped Tomatoes
2 Celery Sticks, chopped
1 Onion, finely chopped
1oz Basil, chopped
3½oz Small Pasta
Black Pepper

Put the lentils, water, vegetables and half the basil in a large saucepan and slowly bring to the boil. Simmer whilst stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes or until the lentils are cooked. Season the soup and add the pasta for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is cooked. Serve in bowls sprinkled with the remaining basil.

Buon appetito and Buon anno.

See you in Sicily in 2015.

Happy New Year from White Almond - Private Sicily


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