Simplicity on the Plate: Embracing Minimalism in Plant-Based Cooking

“Researchers at Cornell University estimate we make 226.7 decisions each day on food alone. And as your level of responsibility increases, so does the multitude of choices you have to make. It’s estimated that the average adult makes about 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day.” Full link here 

Imagine, 226 decisions every day, around food! 

We live in a world that often bombards us with choices and one area where simplicity can be helpful is keeping it simple as it applies to our meals. Cooking once and utilizing the ingredients in a variety of ways is a time saver and easy on our brains when it comes to lunch or dinner.

Below, you will find helpful tips.

Embrace Minimal Ingredients

Minimalism in plant-based cooking begins with a pared-down list of ingredients. Instead of overwhelming your shopping list with many items, focus on a select few high-quality, seasonal ingredients. By allowing the natural flavors of vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes to shine, you create dishes that are delicious. 

Streamlined Cooking Techniques
Roasting, steaming, and sautéing are simple yet effective methods that preserve the nutritional value of your ingredients while enhancing their natural taste.

Less Clutter, More Conscious Choices

Minimalism isn't just about decluttering physical spaces; it's also about making conscious choices. Apply this by focusing on whole foods and reducing reliance on heavily processed alternatives. Opt for ingredients in their natural state, and you'll discover a world of vibrant flavors.

Mindful Meal Planning

Instead of juggling multiple recipes and complex meal schedules, embrace simplicity by planning a few versatile meals that can be repurposed throughout the week. This not only saves time but also reduces food waste.

Cultivating a Connection with Food
By simplifying your approach to plant-based cooking, you foster a deeper connection with the food you consume. Take the time to savor each bite, appreciating the  flavor and texture. 

Minimalist Plant-Based Recipes

To get you started on your minimalist plant-based journey, here's a simple yet flavorful recipe:
Cook once, use twice
Tips from our kitchen

Rice or quinoa: Cook enough rice to feed your family for 2 meals

Roast your favorite vegetables:
Example: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, bell peppers, sweet potatoes. Wash, chop and place on parchment paper in the oven at 350 degrees for roughly 15-17 minutes. Time depends on how large/small you cut up your vegetables. Slice up the broccoli stems, they can be roasted as well.

Beans: Two ways to do this. 1. You can purchase cans of beans, open, rinse and use. 2. You can purchase a 1lb bag of beans, soak them overnight and cook them. 3. Take the 1lb bag of dry beans and cook them in an Instant Pot.
Pro tip: 1 cup of dry beans = 3 cups. Cost of 1 lb dry beans is roughly $1.59, cost per cup,  26 cents.

Greens: spinach, lettuce, thinly sliced cabbage or kale make the perfect base to your bowl.

Sauces & Seasonings: I’m not going to lie, this is where it’s at!
Create a quick peanut sauce, double the batch and use it for more than one meal.  Or, whip up a batch of ginger miso dressing. One of our favorite ways to eat our veggies is with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. If you live in the area of Plymouth, NH, Chase Street Market carries balsamic vinegar in bulk so you can purchase the amount that you’d like. 

Putting it all together
Place your greens in a bowl, top with rice, beans (½ cup is a serving), veggies (choose 1 or 2) and top with your sauce.

Minimalism in plant-based cooking isn't about depriving oneself; it's about savoring each ingredient and enjoying the simplicity that comes with it.

As always, we are happy to cook for you! Click this link to see what we are cooking up!