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!
White Corn Pancakes
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:
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the whites until stiff. Add the yolks and beat for 10 more minutes.
- Sift the corn flour and gradually add it to the eggs while beating at low speed until well combined.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pour a ladle of the mixture and fry until golden on both sides.
- For the syrup, break the rapadura into pieces, add water, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, and boil until it reaches a honey-like consistency.
- Coat the pancakes with the syrup and serve hot or cold.
Panamanian Tamales
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:
- Wash and boil the banana leaves for 20 minutes.
- Mix the corn flour with water to form a dough.
- Cook the chicken and pork with the spices and vegetables.
- Place a portion of dough on a banana leaf, add the meat mixture, and wrap it securely with thread.
- 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