The Winter Solstice Festival in the Chinese lunar calendar is one of the most important festivals of winter. According to tradition, it is believed that eating dumplings increases the warmth and well-being of the body. On the day of the winter solstice, eating dumplings has become a custom.
The Winter Solstice Festival is an important node in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the official start of winter. The festival generally takes place between December 21 and 23 each year, depending on the lunar calendar. The winter solstice is the day with the shortest days and the longest nights in winter, and it also symbolizes the beginning of the re-growth of the power of the sun, and people yearn for the arrival of sunshine and warmer days.
On the day of the winter solstice, every household will make dumplings. Dumplings are a traditional Chinese food with a long history. It is said that dumplings are shaped like ingots, symbolizing wealth and good luck. Eating dumplings also represents family reunion and auspiciousness.
Now, dumplings have become the representative food of the Winter Solstice Festival. In school cafeterias in China, dumplings are served on the day of the winter solstice to meet the needs of students.
In order to save time and improve efficiency, school canteens often simplify and adjust the filling of dumplings and the method of making dumplings. The dumpling fillings can be adjusted according to different tastes and dietary needs, such as pork, beef, chicken, seafood, etc., to satisfy the appetite of different students.
Making dumplings is a fun process for students. Under the guidance of the chef, children have the opportunity to experience the joy of making dumplings with their own hands. They can choose their favorite filling and learn how to wrap a perfect dumpling shape. This not only exercises the children's hands-on ability and sense of teamwork, but also increases their understanding and awareness of traditional Chinese culture.
Cooking dumplings is a process that requires a certain amount of skill and experience. When it comes to cooking dumplings, there are two commonly used methods: boiling with a lid and cooking without a pot. Boiling without a pot means boiling the water first and then putting the dumplings in boiling water to cook, which can keep the skin of the dumplings soft and the soup delicious.
Cooking in a pot is to add an appropriate amount of water and dumplings to the pot, cover the pot and cook it slowly, so as to maintain the shape and texture of the dumplings.
In order to make the dumplings cooked without breaking the skin, there are a few tips. First of all, choose the best dumpling wrapper, which is not easy to break. Secondly, when making dumplings, make sure to put the right amount of filling in the middle of the dumpling wrapper and not overfill. Also, when the dumplings are cooked in water, you can stir them gently to avoid the dumplings sticking to the bottom or breaking the skin. Finally, the cooked dumplings should be fished out with a strainer and drained to avoid continuing to boil and break the skin.
The arrival of the Winter Solstice Festival makes us feel a strong sense of warmth and happiness. The custom of eating dumplings has become a symbol of every family reunion. When making dumplings in the kitchen, the family communicates and laughs with each other, and the collision of tradition and modernity makes the festival even more colorful. On the day of the winter solstice, let's taste a bowl of hot dumplings, feel the love and warmth of the family, and wish everyone a happy winter solstice!