Butternut cooked two ways or rather roasted butternut, used two ways …. either way, I have always wanted to use this chef’s cooking term but unfortunately, these recipes are not as gourmet as the title might suggest. But they are healthy and tasty! Day 9 of lockdown and my fresh produce had become rather scanty. I had been avoiding the shops before the official lockdown so I did a normal
meatLESS Monday
Meatless Monday or Meatfree Monday is an environmental initiative to reduce the consumption of meat and ultimately the carbon emissions resulting from this human dietary habit. While I do not strictly advocate that people should follow vegetarian or vegan diets, especially without careful planning and assistance from a dietitian, there is much to be said for the regular consumption of plant proteins as meat substitutes. These same plant proteins, namely legumes and soya, are high in fibre and therefore further beneficial.
If you cannot bear the thought of too many a meat free meal, make the effort to do so just once week. Your health and the environment will be better for it. Monday makes sense following a possible indulgence in meat on the weekend. Besides, South Africans love to braai so we really should do our bit.
And if even one week sounds like too much of an ask, legumes make for great, an economical, meat extenders. Feeding large families requires good budgeting and clever shopping. Instead of buying low grade, high fat or imported meat products because they are cheaper, buy better, leaner meat and add butter beans, chickpeas, lentils or split peas. The options are endless.