Sustainable Holiday Recipes: Delightful Dishes for a Greener Celebration

The holidays are perfect for tradition, but the season is also a perfect time to try new things - like homemade dishes vs. store bought ones. Here are some delightful and sustainable holiday recipes to spruce up your holiday menu this year!

Ingredients:

• 10 eggs
• 2 cups of white corn flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 large cube of sweet rapadura
• 3 liters of water
• Cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves to taste

Preparation:

1. Separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the whites until stiff. Add the yolks and beat for 10 more minutes.
2. Sift the corn flour and gradually add it to the eggs while beating at low speed until well combined.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour a ladle of the mixture and fry until golden on both sides.
4. For the syrup, break the rapadura into pieces, add water, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, and boil until it reaches a honey-like consistency.
5. Coat the pancakes with the syrup and serve hot or cold.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg of corn flour
• 1.5 kg of chicken
• 1 kg of pork
• 1 chopped onion
• Annatto, plum raisins, chilies, tomato puree, cilantro leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, olives, capers, tomatoes, garlic, bell pepper
• Banana leaves
• Bijao leaves
• Thread

Preparation:

1. Wash and boil the banana leaves for 20 minutes.
2. Mix the corn flour with water to form a dough.
3. Cook the chicken and pork with the spices and vegetables.
4. Place a portion of dough on a banana leaf, add the meat mixture, and wrap it securely with thread.
5. Steam the tamales until cooked through.

If you’re not feeling that adventurous in the kitchen, we have a few other ideas which count towards sustainable holiday actions. Transform your family dinner into a sustainable feast with these tips:

• Use plant-based proteins like lentils, beans, and tofu.
• Incorporate seasonal vegetables and local farm items to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Make use of leftovers creatively to minimize food waste.

These recipes and tips not only celebrate the holiday season but also promote sustainability by reducing waste and using eco-friendly ingredients. Enjoy your sustainable holiday cooking! 🌱🎄

*Recipes from Sustainable Harvest Org