Zero-Waste Peanut Squash Curry: A Sustainable and Delicious Meal

Introduction

In the pursuit of a more sustainable food system, the concept of zero-waste cooking has gained increasing traction. By maximizing the use of all ingredients and minimizing food waste, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint while creating nutritious and flavorful dishes. This zero-waste peanut squash curry is a perfect example of how to cook sustainably without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed (skin can be used for broth or soup) - 1 onion, chopped - 2 carrots, chopped - 2 celery sticks, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon grated ginger - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) - 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk - 1 cup peanut butter - 2 cups vegetable broth - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a little bit of oil until softened. 2. Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. 3. Stir in the butternut squash, coconut milk, peanut butter, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender. 4. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the curry until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Zero-Waste Cooking

- Use the entire vegetable: When peeling or chopping vegetables, don't discard the scraps. Save them for soups, broths, or compost. - Freeze vegetable scraps: If you don't have time to use vegetable scraps immediately, freeze them in a bag. You can then use them to make stock or compost them later. - Use vegetable broth instead of water: Vegetable broth adds extra flavor to dishes and can be made using vegetable scraps. - Composting: Composting food scraps and organic materials is a great way to recycle nutrients and reduce waste.

Conclusion

This zero-waste peanut squash curry is a delicious and nutritious meal that showcases the principles of sustainable cooking. By using all parts of the vegetables and incorporating plant-based ingredients like peanut butter, we can minimize our food waste and create flavorful dishes that are good for both the planet and our bodies. Embrace the zero-waste cooking mindset and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer!