Vegetables in Snow: A Festive Dish for Winter Holidays

Winter is a season of celebrations, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious and healthy food? One dish that is perfect for winter festivities is vegetables in snow. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any holiday table. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and recipe of this festive dish.

The Story Behind Vegetables in Snow

The origin of this dish is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in China, where it is known as "Ants Climbing a Tree." The name is derived from the appearance of the dish, where the finely chopped vegetables resemble ants climbing up a tree covered in snow. Over time, the dish has become popular in other parts of Asia and the world, with variations in the ingredients and preparation method depending on the region.

The Ingredients

The basic ingredients of vegetables in snow are finely chopped vegetables and ground meat. The vegetables typically used include carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, celery, and onions, while the meat can be pork, beef, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Other common ingredients include ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice wine.

One unique feature of this dish is the use of noodles or vermicelli to represent the "tree" covered in "snow." The noodles are cooked separately and then mixed with the vegetable and meat mixture before serving. Additionally, some variations of the dish may include egg, bamboo shoots, or bean sprouts.

The Recipe

Here is a simple recipe for vegetables in snow that you can try at home:

• 1 pound ground meat (pork, beef, chicken, or tofu)
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 ounces vermicelli or noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook the vermicelli or noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
3. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
4. Add the meat and vegetable mixture and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the cooked vermicelli or noodles to the wok and toss with the meat and vegetables until well combined.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Vegetables in snow is a festive and delicious dish that is perfect for winter holidays. Its unique appearance and healthy ingredients make it a great addition to any holiday table. Whether you're celebrating Chinese New Year, Christmas, or any other winter festival, give this dish a try and impress your guests with its flavor and visual appeal!

A delicious bowl of vegetables in snow

winter holidays, healthy food, Ants Climbing a Tree, vegetables, ground meat, noodles, vermicelli, recipe