Czechs believe that you should eat lentils on New Year’s Day because they will bring you good fortune. There is a Czech saying that goes: “Jak na Nový rok, tak po celý rok” which translates as “As on New Year’s Day, the same throughout the whole year.” Many countries in Europe believe that the way you ring in the new year will set the tone for the upcoming year. This generally means that people will dress up to look and feel their best selves. Some traditions, however, take it way more literally than others.
Eat Lentils on New Year’s Day
Lentils are served on New Year’s Eve after midnight. The lentils, with their coin-like shape, represent luck and prosperity for the whole year. Living in the Czech Republic, it was impossible to avoid lentils on January 1st. All the bars and pubs serve it as a special, and if you have any older neighbors, they might invite you over to eat lentils.
Recipes
There are many ways to eat lentils, which can be surprisingly deliciously. My personal favorite is to cook them with a few herbs and mix them with fried onions. If you fry the onions first and pour in the cooked lentils for a few minutes before serving, they will take on the flavor of the onions. Of course, skipping the onions is a healthier option. Especially if healthier eating is part of your New Year’s Resolutions! Oh, and a side of sauerkraut makes the meal complete. You can follow this recipe for better instructions on your perfect eat lentils, get rich New Year’s Day meal!
Lentil Nutrition Facts
200 grams of lentils contain:
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 39.9 grams
- Protein: 17.9 grams
- Fat: 0.8 grams
- Fiber: 15.6 grams
- Thiamine: 22% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Niacin: 10% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 18% of the RDI
- Folate: 90% of the RDI
- Pantothenic acid: 13% of the RDI
- Iron: 37% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 18% of the RDI
- Phosphorous: 36% of the RDI
- Potassium: 21% of the RDI
- Zinc: 17% of the RDI
- Copper: 25% of the RDI
- Manganese: 49% of the RDI
Summary
This is just a superstition, but why not try it? Lentils are healthy and nutritious, and contrary to popular belief they are also delicious! If eating a few of these could make you richer, would you try it? I’ll definitely be incorporating lentils into today’s meals. However, I might forgo the onions since today is day one of hitting the treadmill and eating better! Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing my tips on fun ways to stay fit at home with virtual races tomorrow!
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