8 New Year's Recipes From Around The World

by HexClad Cookware

As the shortest days of the year begin to lengthen and we turn the page into a new year, what better way to celebrate than with delicious recipes from around the globe? New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are perfect opportunities to gather friends and loved ones around the table to share not just food, but also memories of the past year and aspirations for the one ahead.

This year, we’re drawing inspiration from rich traditions around the world. From savory dishes symbolizing prosperity to sweet donuts said to ward off unfriendly spirits, these recipes celebrate the universal themes of culture, connection and hope.

Below, discover some of our favorite recipes to welcome the New Year, inspired by traditions from Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.

New Year’s Eve Blini

No need to go out to put on the Ritz. Celebrate at home with this elegant-yet-cute hors d’oeuvre. Associated with Russian cuisine, blini are a type of pancake that have found a welcome home in the U.K., where they are commonly served as a NYE appetizer or New Year's Day nosh. And what better time to splash out? Top these tiny, savory pancakes with two different toppings: smoked salmon, pomegranate and crème fraîche or caviar with crispy onion.

Get the recipe for New Year’s Eve Blini.

Pozole Rojo

Though you’ll find pozole served in Mexico throughout the year, this hearty pork-based stew is a particular favorite for New Year’s celebrations. Pozole is ideal for cold weather, plus it can be doubled or quadrupled to make enough for a big party. For easy serving, set out an array of toppings—like lettuce, sliced radishes and avocado—and let guests ladle and garnish their own bowls.

Get the recipe for Pozole Rojo.

Skillet Tourtière & Ketchup Aux Fruits

According to our contributing recipe developer Michelle Marek, a meat-filled tourtière served with a fruit ketchup (think: chutney-esque) is an essential festive dish in Quebec. This double-crusted savory pie is worth the work: You’ll cook the “ketchup aux fruits”—a sweet-and-savory jam made with tomatoes, peaches and onion —before making a homemade pie dough ensconcing a spiced pork and veal filling.

Get the recipe for Skillet Tourtière & Ketchup Aux Fruits.

Smoky Chile Scallops with Asparagus & Preserved Lemon Butter Sauce

Looking for an easy yet sumptuous starter or main? This simple scallop and asparagus dish is the ideal pick. After marinating the scallops in a chile-infused olive oil, quickly grill them so they’re cooked just enough. Pair them with tender spears of asparagus and a lemony butter sauce for a worthy start to the year.

Get the recipe for Smoky Chile Scallops with Asparagus & Preserved Lemon Butter Sauce

Toshikoshi Soba (New Year’s Eve Noodles) with Mushroom & Shishito Tempura

For centuries, Japanese have eaten soba noodles on New Year’s Eve as a ritual (called "toshikoshi soba") to sever any bad luck from the previous year. Follow suit with your own bowl of brothy noodles topped with crispy tempura mushrooms and peppers. If you’re not practiced in the art of making tempura, it’s worth doing a practice run days or weeks in advance; no one will be sorry to taste-test your efforts!

Toshikoshi Soba with Mushroom & Shishito Tempura

Get the recipe for Toshikoshi Soba (New Year’s Eve Noodles) with Mushroom & Shishito Tempura.

German Lentil Soup with Sausage (Linsensuppe mit Würstchen)

Known as Silvester in Germany, New Year’s Eve is a big affair filled with endless fireworks and hearty dishes. This sausage-studded lentil soup, which is believed to bring luck and happiness for the new year, is no exception. Serve it on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, because either way is suitable in the German tradition.

Get the recipe for German Lentil Soup with Sausage (Linsensuppe mit Würstchen)

Smoky Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are a Southern tradition believed to bring good luck in the new year. Our riff adds the traditional collard greens (thought to deliver money) and cornbread (for gold!) Though bacon is traditional, this vegetarian version is still packed with flavor.

Get the recipe for Smoky Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas.

Dutch Donuts (Oliebollen)

According to Dutch folklore (and Paste Magazine), eating fried oliebollen—powdered, sugar-dusted, round beignets—on New Year’s Eve wards off an evil spirit named Perchta who hung around at the darkest time of the year. Fun fact: The origins of the donut can be traced back to the Dutch settlers who brought this style of treat over to America.