Cooking at home is an excellent way to save money and reduce waste. However, sustainable cooking at home goes beyond just affordability and reducing food waste. It involves using ingredients grown in an eco-friendly way, supporting local farmers, and reducing one’s carbon footprint by consuming fewer animal products. This article provides a list of easy and sustainable recipes that can help make the planet a better place, one meal at a time.
Sustainable Cooking: The Basics
Before jumping into the recipes, here are a few basic tips for cooking sustainably:
Purchase Locally Sourced Ingredients
One of the simplest ways to cook sustainably is by sourcing ingredients locally. By supporting local farmers and producers, you help to cut down on emissions that come from transporting food from different parts of the world. Additionally, locally grown ingredients are fresher and often more nutritious.
Don’t Waste Food
One of the biggest contributors to food waste is throwing away ingredients that are still usable. Before discarding any ingredients, consider repurposing it into another dish or freezing it for later use.
Reduce Meat Intake
The meat industry is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing meat intake can significantly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint. There are several meat-free and vegetarian recipes that taste delicious and are easy to prepare.
Easy Sustainable Recipes
Cooking sustainably does not necessarily involve long and complicated recipes. Here are some quick and easy recipes that can help cook sustainably:
Buddha Bowl
Buddha bowls are a healthy and well-balanced dish that involves combining grains, protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Start by cooking a grain of your choice such as quinoa or brown rice. Prep vegetables such as kale, sweet potato, carrots, and cabbage. Cook protein such as black beans, chickpeas, or grilled tofu. Add healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, or seeds. Arrange everything in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy!
Veggie Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is a quick and easy way to use up any leftover veggies while keeping things sustainable. Start by prepping vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Heat up a wok or skillet over high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until cooked. Add a sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and ginger or a pre-made stir-fry sauce.
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a filling and nutritious soup perfect for a cold winter evening. Start by sauteeing chopped onions, celery, and carrots in a pot with olive oil. Add lentils and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender. Add a can of diced tomatoes, chopped kale, and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Serve with a slice of crusty bread.
Chickpea Curry
Chickpea Curry is a vegan dish that only requires a few ingredients. Start by sauteeing chopped onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan with oil. Add a can of chickpeas, a can of coconut milk, and a pinch of salt, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Simmer until the chickpeas are tender. Serve with brown rice or naan.
Tofu Scramble
Tofu Scramble is an excellent alternative to scrambled eggs while keeping things sustainable. Drain and crumble tofu in a pan with olive oil. Add chopped vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or spinach. Season with turmeric, salt, and pepper. Serve with whole-grain toast or avocado.
Conclusion
Cooking sustainably is a collective effort to reduce our carbon footprint and save the planet. These easy and delicious recipes are a good place to start for anyone who wants to try sustainable cooking at home. By using locally sourced ingredients, reducing food waste, and choosing plant-based alternatives for protein, we can make a real difference. So, let’s channel our inner chef and make an impact in the most sustainable way possible – through food!