There is something beautiful about simple
plant based dishes, don’t you think?
Often, vegetarians and vegans are classed
as having “boring” foods (which is crazy, I know! But hear me out…). Our foods usually
thrive on vegetables and fruit, and many people simply have not tasted the
wonders of plant foods. One too many times I have sat down for a meal at a
restaurant or café that is a little wary of veganism, and been presented (to my
delight) with a plate of vegetables. Sadly, I then see that the vegetables are
covered in oils and “jus” and “glazes” and other unnecessary frills. They don’t
taste of actual vegetables either, they just taste of the chef’s fancy sauces –
why is this? It’s because often they are not organic or home grown.
I know, I know, “organic food is
expensive”. But it doesn’t have to be. In season fruits and vegetables are
pretty darn cheap and organic versions are being sold practically everywhere
and I promise you they are so much more full of flavor. Because organic fruits
and veggies aren’t sprayed with pesticides, they give off natural defense
chemicals and other molecules such as antioxidants (hello clear skin!) to keep
the bugs off. It sounds pretty gross, but funnily enough us humans love the
flavors of their defense mechanisms. Organic fruit and vegetables also normally
contain more vitamins and minerals because of the natural unaltered soils, so
even though they are sometimes a little rough around the edges, might have a
speck of dirt on them or you might (if you’re lucky) find a little bug in your
lettuce, it’s the way to go for you taste buds, insides and the little bugs
themselves.
The thing I’m getting at is that simple
food can be so delicious. You don’t need clever coulis’, just a bowl full of
organic (or home grown!) vegetables and a bit of something extra. My mum told
me that when she visited Italy, she stayed in this’ house which had a huge
basil plant outside of their kitchen window which filled the air with the
gorgeous peppery and slightly minty aroma, and a massive bowl of freshly picked
cherry tomatoes still on the vine. The lady who owned the house cooked up some
fresh pasta, and mixed in the tomatoes, basil and a little bit of olive oil,
and apparently it was superb.
But, yes, there is a but – I also believe
that non organic veg is better than no veg. If you don’t have the money for it
or can’t find any, it’s better to just say “okay, I’ll stick with the non
organic stuff” rather than steer off and buy no vegetables. Also, there are
lists like the ‘dirty dozen’ and ‘clean fifteen’ which list which veggies and
fruits are safer when organic, and ones that don’t matter as much. For example,
your avocados are fine whereas an apple is a little more risky.
So next time you’re planning your meat free
Monday dinner, or just any meal, think about keeping it real and simple.
Instead of wasting money on expensive flavorings and sauces, buy some organic
local veg, and get creative! Simplicity is bliss.
