Introduction
There seems to be a general awakening for people concerning the impact of our eating habits on the environment, hence the reason for a growing number of people turning to a plant-based diet for sustainability and health. Greenhouse gas emissions have lessened along with water source preservation and land resources saved, to mention a few. This blog post will take you through some of the most delicious plant-based recipes that consider the taste buds and the environment's most care and concern. Whether you're a long-time vegan or someone who's just looking to add a bit greener to your diet, these recipes are sure to give you flavor sensations!
Breakfast: Oats Upma
Start your day with this healthy and filling Oats Upma. Made from rolled oats, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this is a variation of the traditional Upma that is not only filling, but it provides you with tones of fiber and nutrients. Oats have a very low carbon footprint and need very little water compared to animal-based products.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup mixed vegetables, finely chopped (carrot, peas, bell peppers)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
A pinch of turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
Dry roast the oats in a pan until they turn slightly golden and set aside.
In the same pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add cumin seeds.
Add chopped onions, and green chilli, and sauté until onions turn translucent.
Add the mixed vegetables along with the turmeric powder and salt. Cook the veggies till tender.
Add the roasted oats and mix well. Cook further for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot.
Lunch: Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Try this rich, filling Chickpea & Spinach Curry for lunch. On a domestic scale, chickpeas are found in almost every Indian household and certainly serve as a perfect source of plant-based protein and iron. Coupled with spinach, this dish is brimming with vitamins and minerals, making it ideal for someone looking to practice sustainable eating.
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked chickpeas
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
Method:
Heat some oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add onions and garlic. Sauté it until the onions are golden brown.
Add tomatoes; cook them till they are soft and mashed up.
Add garam masala, coriander powder, and salt; cook for a minute.
Add chickpeas and spinach. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve hot with brown rice or wheat roti.
Dinner: Stuffed Capsicum
End your day with a light and delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers dish. Not only will this recipe look good but it will also provide you with a lot of health benefits. The bell peppers are full of vitamins A and C, while the stuffing made from quinoa and black beans provides both protein and fibre.
Ingredients:
4 large bell peppers
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup black beans, cooked
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Method:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut bell peppers and remove seeds.
Heat oil, sauté onions.
Add tomatoes, quinoa, black beans, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Fill peppers with quinoa mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley.
Including plant-based meals in your diet does not have to translate to giving up taste or satisfaction. These recipes will ensure you have good, tasty, and healthy food without feeling cheated and, at the same time, living sustainably for generations to come. Remember, small changes in our eating habits can make a big difference to save the environment. So why wait?