The Ghost Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that honours the spirits of the deceased. Held on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, this year’s UK date of Sunday, 18 Aug 2024, it is believed that during this time, the gates of the afterlife open, allowing spirits to roam the world of the living.

Families offer food, burn incense, and perform rituals to appease these wandering souls and ensure their comfort in the afterlife. It's a time of remembrance and respect, where special dishes are prepared to nourish both the living and the dead. One such dish is Longevity Noodles with Stir-Fried Vegetables, symbolising a wish for long life and good fortune.

The Ingredients You Need

To create this delightful and auspicious dish, gather the following ingredients:

  • For the Longevity Noodles:

  • For the Stir-Fried Vegetables:

  • 1 cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms

  • 1 cup of julienned carrots

  • 1 cup of snow peas, trimmed

  • 1 cup of bell peppers, sliced

  • 1 cup of bean sprouts

  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce

  • 1 teaspoon of sugar

  • Fresh coriander and green onions for garnish

How to Cook This Dish

1. Preparing the Noodles:

  1. Cook the longevity noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a large wok or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  4. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.

  5. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring well to coat the noodles evenly.

  6. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:

  1. In the same wok, add another 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  2. In a large wok or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

  3. Add the shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry for 2 minutes.

  4. Add the julienned carrots, snow peas, and bell peppers, and continue to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

  5. Add the bean sprouts and stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar.

  6. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.

  7. Remove from heat.

3. Bringing It All Together:

  1. Plate the stir-fried noodles and top with the vibrant stir-fried vegetables.

  2. Garnish with fresh coriander and green onions for a burst of colour and freshness.

  3. Serve immediately, enjoying the balance of flavours and textures.

Conclusion

The Longevity Noodles with Stir-Fried Vegetables is not just a delicious dish but a meaningful one, embodying wishes for health, prosperity, and long life during the Ghost Festival. Whether you’re celebrating the festival or simply looking to enjoy a nutritious meal, this recipe brings a touch of tradition to your table.

Ready to cook up more delightful dishes like this? Visit Sing Kee Foods for all your ingredients and more traditional recipes. Let's honour the past while savouring the present, one bite at a time.

A bowl of vegetable and pepper noodles, a delicious and colorful dish.
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