Are you looking for a way to use up corn and reduce kitchen waste while still making something delicious? Polenta flour and polenta bites are a fantastic zero-waste recipe to try, and they’re as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Let’s dive into this fun and eco-friendly project!

Why Zero Waste Polenta Flour?

Polenta flour is made from grinding dried corn kernels into a coarse meal. By using just 2 cups of corn (which costs around $0.99), you can create a batch of polenta that’s both tasty and economical. Grinding more than 2 cups in one go saves energy and time, allowing you to make a larger batch of flour in a single effort.

To make your own polenta flour:

Blend and Strain: Place 2 cups of dry corn into your blender and grind until you get coarse flour. You may need to blend and strain multiple times to achieve a texture that includes both powdery and coarse bits. This mixture gives a great texture to your polenta bites!

Making Polenta Bites

These polenta bites are an excellent way to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup sage, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups cornmeal (your freshly made polenta flour!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a pan add the olive oil and stir fry the onion, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper when nice and golden add the milk and water and turn to medium heat until nice and hot.
2. Add slowly the cornmeal while stirring with a whisk so it’s easier to not have lumps.
3. Bring to a boil and lower the heat.
4. Add the Parmesan.
5. Remember to stir so the polenta will cook evenly but do not stir the bottom as it’ll be quite thick and will prevent the polenta from burning.
6. Cook it for about 45 min.
7. This recipe requires a quite hard polenta so almost no moisture to be able to then cut it into cubes.
8. When ready transfer the polenta to a container and make a layer roughly 3cm thick.
9. Let it cool completely then cut it in cubes and grill it on both sides.
10. Eat it while still hot.
11. You can serve it with Parmesan and parsley or some stew, or a mushroom sauce and sausages.
12. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days

Nod to Tradition

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. My grandpa used to make a similar dish, and I’m thrilled to carry on the tradition. Not only does it allow me to share a piece of my heritage, but it also highlights the joy of using simple, sustainable ingredients.

Making your own polenta flour and bites is a satisfying way to embrace zero-waste cooking. Plus, it’s a fun process that connects you with the food you eat. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting on your sustainability journey, this recipe is a delicious way to contribute to a greener planet.

Enjoy making your polenta flour and bites, and feel good about the zero-waste benefits along the way! 🌽✨

When life gets busy, finding the time to prepare a satisfying and healthy snack can be a challenge. That’s why I’m excited to share a recipe that’s not only budget-friendly but also perfect for those of us who love sustainable, zero-waste cooking. This Spinach Tofu Pie is one of those delightful dishes that are both fun to make and even better to eat—whether you’re in a rush or just looking for a tasty snack that doesn’t break the bank.

A big shoutout to my fiance, Iasmina @lajatattoo, who always comes up with the best ideas when our schedules are packed and we barely have time to stop and eat. This Spinach Tofu Pie is a lifesaver, and it’s super easy to whip up. Plus, thanks to my bro @jacks_patch for the genius microgreens idea that adds that extra touch of freshness and flavor!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This Spinach Tofu Pie is not just another snack; it’s a flavorful, plant-based treat that fits right into your busy lifestyle. The combination of spinach, tofu, and vegan cheddar creates a savory filling that’s both satisfying and nutritious. And let’s not forget the puff pastry—it gives the pie that perfect, flaky texture that makes each bite irresistible.

Making this pie is also a great way to practice zero-waste cooking. By using ingredients that you likely already have on hand and being creative with what’s in your pantry, you’re not only saving money but also reducing food waste. Plus, it’s fun to make! The process of rolling, interlacing, and baking is a hands-on experience that makes cooking more enjoyable. And trust me, even if it gets a bit messy, the result is totally worth it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 puff pastry rolls
• 200 g spinach
• 300 g tofu
• 150 g plant-based cheddar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Nutritional yeast
• Sour cream (optional)
• Microgreens for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Take the 2 puff pastries out of the fridge and let them warm up to room temperature. This will help to unfold the dough later without breaking it.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and stir-fry garlic and onion until golden.
3. Add spinach, tofu, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cheddar, and nutritional yeast, and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Set aside and let cool completely
5. Spread the filling evenly on top of the unrolled puff pastry.
6. Roll it up again, cut it in half, and interlace the 2 parts (it’ll be a bit messy but don’t worry it’ll be delicious anyway)
7. Add everything on a pie baking tray in this case round as we like it to look like a savoury cake but any shape will work.
8. Bake at 160/180* for about 40min (Keep an eye on it)
9. Serve with some sour cream and microgreens.
10. Enjoy hot or cold

Why You’ll Love It

This Spinach Tofu Pie is perfect for gardeners who appreciate fresh, plant-based ingredients and for anyone interested in creating zero-waste meals. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make, whether you’re cooking solo or with friends.

So the next time you’re in a rush but still want something tasty and budget-friendly, give this Spinach Tofu Pie a try. It’s sure to become a go-to in your snack rotation!

Happy cooking!

The Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. They’re also rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Incorporating onions into your diet can support heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve digestive health thanks to their high fiber content. Now, let’s explore how we can make the most of this nutrient-packed vegetable in a zero-waste recipe.

Zero Waste French Onion Soup Recipe

This recipe is not just a delicious meal but also a sustainable way to cook. By using every part of the onion, including the skins, you can create a rich and flavorful soup while reducing food waste. Here’s how you can do it.

Ingredients:

• 50 g plant-based block butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 800 g organic onions
• 1 tsp sugar
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 250 ml white wine
• 900 ml homemade veggie stock
• 4 slices baguette
• 100 g vegan cheddar

Pro tip: Save the onion skins to make powder and use it as a condiment.

Instructions:

1. Add your olive oil to a pan
2. Add finely grated garlic and roughly sliced onions – cook until golden and soft
3. Mix in your plant-based butter and flour
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine and add your vegetable stock. You can make your own stock powder by saving, dehydrating, and grinding the skin of mixed vegetables
5. Stop cooking it when half the liquid evaporates
6. Dry and grind the skin of your onion
7. Add your soup to a heat-resistant bowl and Toast some bread to place on top.
8. Grate plant-based cheese and cover your bread with a generous amount
9. Bake in the oven until the cheese melts
10. Add finely chopped chives and your onion powder

Embracing Zero Waste in the Kitchen

This zero-waste French onion soup is a perfect example of how easy and rewarding it can be to incorporate sustainable practices into your cooking. By using every part of the onion, you’re not just creating a delicious meal—you’re also making your kitchen more sustainable. The onion powder made from the skins can be stored in an airtight container and used to enhance soups, stews, and sauces. This simple shift towards zero-waste cooking can lead to healthier, more flavorful meals while positively impacting the environment.

So, the next time you’re cooking with onions, remember—there’s no need to throw anything away. With a little creativity, you can turn every part of this versatile vegetable into something both delicious and sustainable.

Happy cooking!