Eco-friendly cuisine is all about cooking food that is in harmony with the environment. By making a few simple changes to your cooking habits and choosing eco-friendly ingredients, you can reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainable agriculture. Here are some easy recipes to get you started on your eco-friendly cooking journey.
Breakfast – Oatmeal with Fresh Fruit
Oatmeal is the ultimate eco-friendly breakfast food. It’s healthy, nutritious and doesn’t contribute to deforestation like some other breakfast foods can. Here’s a recipe for a quick and easy oatmeal breakfast that you can customize with your favourite fresh or frozen fruits.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- A pinch of salt
- Your favourite fresh or frozen fruit
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Method:
- Add rolled oats, water and a pinch of salt to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the oats for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the oats are cooked to your desired consistency, add your favourite fresh or frozen fruit.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.
Lunch – Chickpea Salad
Chickpeas are a sustainable source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads. This chickpea salad is a quick and easy lunch that is packed with flavour and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Add the chickpeas, sliced red onion, chopped cucumber, red pepper and tomato to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Dinner – Vegetable Stir Fry
Stir-fried vegetables are a healthy and eco-friendly dinner option. They’re also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you may have in your fridge. Here’s a recipe for a quick and easy vegetable stir fry.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of chopped kale
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry until fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots, red bell pepper, broccoli florets and chopped kale to the pan.
- Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and honey.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Conclusion
Cooking eco-friendly meals doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By choosing sustainable ingredients and making a few simple changes to your cooking habits, you can create delicious and nutritious meals that are good for the planet.