What do food recipes have to do with quitting plastics?

It is my desire to show how LUSH life is when you avoid all the plastic wrapped foods, plastic wrapped sauces, and food in plastic to-go containers. I have to get creative in the kitchen to stay keen on this lifestyle. My tongue likes exotic flavours and fancy, delicious dishes!

One of the key elements to going PLASTIC FREE is changing your shopping style. Instead of buying plastic wrapped lentils or lentils soaking in a (plastic lined?) can, buy them in bulk and store them in a large jar (reuse a big coconut oil jar). Instead of buying individual pepper shakers or the small individual paprika spice jar, buy your spices in larger quantities that go further and store in small jars (reuse a salsa jar).

When you have bulk ingredients of many things, your kitchen is much more inviting to turn up your inner chef. Your pantry is lined with all the spices you will need or at least enough to tackle almost any recipe.

Another handy trick we have been experimenting with is planting some of our food scraps in the garden. Chives and garlic are going wild, which is epic considering they are choice ingredients in almost any meal.

The more you can have handy and accessible in your little home bubble, the more independent you are. The more sustainable you are. The less you are vulnerable to the convenience of plastic wrapped chives or kale or garlic slung in plastic nets, etc. Stock up on spices, visit the farmer's market for fresh produce, and then adjust recipes you find to fit with what you already have at home or what fits in your budget.

You don't want to be spending heaps, so find your little tricks to save money here and there. You can save money by making your own versions of plastic wrapped sauces, buying bulk helps you only use what you need instead of opening a packet and having food waste, and it keeps you healthy as can be knowing your meal was made with love and not any questionable ingredients and unpronounceable chemicals!

This recipe was first taught to me by my Byron Bay housemates Clare, Ebony, & Daini. I was blown away at the concept of savoury pancakes. Here is my take on it.

Ingredients

1 cup moong dahl/split mung beans rinsed, soaked overnight, drained (speed up soaking in boiling or hot water for at least an hour)
15 fenugreek
1 cup fresh coriander/cilantro
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1-2 garlic cloves (or 1/4 tsp asafoetida)
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp chopped fresh chili (your choice of spice factor)
1/2 thumb of sliced ginger
1 tsp pink himalayan sea salt
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp bicarb/baking soda
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
2 chopped scallions
1 - 1 1/2 cup water
1 tbsp Olive/coconut oil or ghee for pan

Directions:

Blend mung beans, spices, powders, all ingredients together starting with just 1 cup of water. Depending on your alterations of the recipe, you want to create a smooth, thick batter. Adding water until it is the right semi-thick consistency. Be careful not too add too much water or the pancakes will be difficult to cook. 'Tis an art!
In a skillet, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat. When hot, ladle about 1/2 cup of the batter into the pan. Using the bottom of the ladle, spread the batter out into a roughly 7 inch pancake. Fry for a few minutes until bubbles appear on the top and the bottom is nicely browned. Sprinkle a bit of oil on top of the pancake, flip, and cook for another minute or two or until the other side is browned. Can store on a plate in a warm oven. Repeat until all of the batter is used, brushing skillet with oil between pancakes.
You can get creative with your pancake toppings! I like to make a salad on top of the pancake with roast veggies, a tamari-tahini dressing, lots of avocado, and a sprinkle of freshly toasted nuts or seeds. Also good with a dipping sauce, spicy chutney, fresh sprouts, cilantro yogurt mix, an egg or goat's cheese (if you're into that kinda thing). Get experimental. Yum for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

The more creative you are in your kitchen or crafty in your home, the more inspired you will be to live a plastic free life. The more fun you will have avoiding plastics. The more empowered you will be in your personal existence! The less your impact on the earth. The greater your karma. The more beautiful and connected your existence.

Yew.

Vegan Mung Bean Pancake Recipe