How To Make Summer Roll Using Leftover Vegetables At Home

How To Make Summer Roll Using Leftover Vegetables At Home

by | Aug 14, 2024 | Recipe

Have you ever opened your refrigerator only to see a pile of leftover vegetables looking back at you? I can relate and sometimes it happens to us too. But instead of wasting them, why not transform them into something tasty and nutritious? Cooking using leftover vegetables not only helps to reduce food waste but also has a number of surprising health benefits. So, before you throw those vegetables away, try giving them a second life with the recipe that I’ll share with you.

This is an amazing recipe that you can make using any sort of leftover vegetable in your fridge and reduce your wastage!

Veggie Roll

Veggie Roll Ingredients: 

  • Any vegetables leftover in your fridge
  • Herbs like coriander, mint, parsley
  • Rice noodles
  • Rice sheets

Sauce Ingredients: 

  • 1 x Garlic clove
  • 1 x Teaspoon grated Ginger
    1 x Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 x Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 x Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 x Teaspoon peanut butter

*you could also add tempeh or tofu to give it a bit more texture!

Vegetable Recipe:

  • Dice any vegetables left over in your fridge (carrot, spring onion, cabbage, cayenne chili)
  • Boil rice noodles, strain the excess water, and wash with cold water
  • Soak the rice sheet in water and remove it immediately
  • Put the diced veggies and rice noodles and wrap them up
  • Cut into two or any size that you like and enjoy with the sauce

Sauce Recipe:

  • Grate ginger and garlic
  • Add peanut butter and soy sauce
  • Add sesame oil and rice vinegar
  • Mix well

We had a lot of fun cooking and filming this recipe! I’m so happy to get closer and closer to the kitchen as I feel like gardening and cooking fresh produce are highly connected and one should complement the other!

    Aside from the recipe that I’ve shared above, these are some of the recipes and creative ways to use leftover vegetables at home you can try:

    Stir-Fries: Combine leftover vegetables with some protein (like homemade tofu) and a flavorful sauce for a quick and easy stir-fry.

    Soups and Stews: Throw your leftover vegetables into a pot with some broth and spices for a hearty and nutritious soup or stew.

    Roasted Vegetables: Toss your leftovers with some olive oil and spices, then roast them in the oven for a tasty side dish.

    Vegetable Quiche: Use leftover vegetables as a filling for a delicious quiche.

    Health Benefits of Cooking with Leftover Vegetables

    Nutrient Retention: Cooking leftover vegetables can actually enhance the availability of certain nutrients, making them more beneficial for your body.

    Fiber Boost: Most vegetables are rich in fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help you feel full longer, aiding in weight management.

    Vitamin and Mineral Intake: Vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that are vital for overall health, including immune function, skin health, and energy production.

    Antioxidant Power: Many vegetables contain antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

    If we use our creativity, no leftover food or vegetables will go to waste. Get creative in the kitchen and transform them into delicious dishes that not only taste great but also offer a range of health benefits.

    Happy cooking!

    8 Easy and Simple Steps To Make DIY Hanging Pots from Recycled Bottled Water

    8 Easy and Simple Steps To Make DIY Hanging Pots from Recycled Bottled Water

    by | Aug 14, 2024 | DIY Projects

    Recycling materials to use in my garden has been one of my main goals to create a sustainable space in the middle of the city ever since I started growing food in an urban space. However, not everyone has a garden and this is why I have created this blog tip to help you grow food on a balcony, terrace, etc by simply recycling plastic bottles of any size.

    Being creative is very useful in gardening. Imagine turning something as ordinary as a plastic water bottle into a beautiful hanging pot for your favorite plants. By repurposing plastic bottles into plant pots, we not only reduce waste but also give these bottles a new life, adding a touch of green to our garden and surroundings.

    Getting Started

    To create your DIY hanging pots, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

    • 2 x plastic bottles (I used 5L bottles) HDPE 2
    • Pyrography pen
    • Compost mix
    • Natural Twine
    • Seed or Plant

    Step-by-Step Guide:

    1. Cut the top of your plastic bottle
    2. Remove the cap and make holes for drainage over the top part (neck) of your bottle
    3. Make 4 x holes around the top part of the body of the bottle opposite to each other
    4. Make 2 x holes at the bottom for drainage (keep a 3-4 cm gap from the bottom)
    5. Put the neck of the bottle upside down inside the body of the bottle
    6. Fill up with compost and plant your seed or plant
    7. Cut 2 x natural twine pieces of the same length
    8. Run 1 piece through 2 x holes of the same bottle and 2 x holes of another bottle and repeat on the other side

    NOTE: make sure to select HDPE 2 plastic as it is the safest to use in the garden, heat and cold-resistant.

        Best Plants for DIY Hanging Pots

        Not all plants are suitable for hanging pots, especially those made from recycled bottles. Here are some plants that thrive in this type of environment:

        1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): The spider plant, known for its air-purifying properties, is a low-maintenance option that grows well in hanging pots. It’s ideal for beginners and gives a pop of green to almost any space.
        2. English Ivy (Hedera helix): With its hanging vines, English ivy makes an ideal choice for hanging pots. It’s a resilient plant that can survive low light levels, making it perfect for indoor gardens.
        3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos, another excellent air-purifying plant, is easy to care for and grows well in hanging pots. It can handle a wide range of light situations, making it a great option. 
        4. Ferns: Ferns, such as the Boston fern, offer an air of style to hanging pots. They thrive in humid areas, so they’re ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.

        DIY hanging pots made from recycled bottled water are a fantastic way to add greenery to your home while reducing waste. It’s a fun project that anyone can do. It’s also one of the ways when you can form a bond with your family and friends while doing something for nature. So if you’re looking to liven up your small balcony, add something green to your fence, or simply want to try this project, you’ll never go wrong with these DIY hanging pots.

        Happy growing!

        How To Make Chard Rolls Using Ingredients From Your Garden (Fun and Easy!)

        How To Make Chard Rolls Using Ingredients From Your Garden (Fun and Easy!)

        by | Aug 14, 2024 | Tips and How To

        Did you know that you could make chard rolls using seasonal things from your garden?

        All the ingredients in this blog come from our front garden in London which me and my fiance @lajatattoo converted into a vegetable garden!

        Most front yards in London are mostly decorated with lawns or concrete but look at the abundance of food that you could produce with a bit of work. The chard that we used was 2 years old and keeps producing nonstop so it’s great to find alternative ways to cook some tasty meals with it.

        How To Make Chard Rolls

        Rolls Ingredients:

        • 6-7 pieces of Chard leaves
        • 1/2 cup of beans
        • 1/2 cup of Amaranth seeds
        • 1 Bunch of chives
        • 100g oyster mushrooms
        • 1 Bunch of Parsley

        Sour Cream Ingredients:

        • 1 Oatly cream
        • 1-2 Cloves of garlic
        • 1/2 Lemon
        • 1-2 Tbsp olive oil

        Step-by-Step Procedure:

        1. Separate the seeds of amaranth and blow air to remove debris
        2. Boil amaranth seeds and beans until soft
        3. Separate the chard stem from the leaves
        4. Shred mushroom and cut chives and parsley
        5. In a big pan, add olive oil, bring all the ingredients to heat, and mix them together
        6. Top with herbs in the end then mix again
        7. Blanch chard leaves in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Put 1 spoon of your mixture then roll the leaf tightly

          Why Chard?

          Chard, often known by its leafy relatives like spinach and kale, is a nutritious and amazing plant. It has good effects on our bodies such as the following:

          1. Nutritional Benefits: Chard is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, essential for maintaining healthy vision, boosting your immune system, and ensuring proper blood clotting. It’s also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and iron, which are crucial for muscle function, heart health, and energy levels.
          2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chard contains phytonutrients like beta-carotene and lutein, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
          3. Antioxidants Galore: The vibrant colors of chard leaves are not just for show. They indicate a high level of antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage.

          Growing Chard in Your Garden

          Chard is an excellent addition to any garden, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. It’s easy to grow, relatively pest-resistant, and thrives in both cool and warm climates. Here are a few tips to get you started.

          • Planting: Sow chard seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors about two weeks before the last frost. Space the seeds about 12 inches apart to give the plants room to grow.
          • Sunlight: Chard prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile for various garden setups.
          • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture.
          • Harvesting: You can start harvesting chard leaves when they’re about 6 inches long. Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for future harvests.

          Chard rolls are not only visually appealing but also nutritious and delicious. Growing and cooking chard promotes a healthy lifestyle while also reaping the benefits of fresh, local produce. So, why not try chard in your garden this season?

          Happy growing and cooking!

          Seed Bombs: The Fun and Easy Way to Plant Flowers Anywhere!

          Seed Bombs: The Fun and Easy Way to Plant Flowers Anywhere!

          by | Aug 13, 2024 | Sustainable Gardening

          If you’re feeling creative and want to try new things in your garden and within your community, seed bombs are a must-try.

          I created seed bombs and went to the park and woodland to throw them and it was absolutely worth it.  Seed bombs are a great and fun way to help encourage biodiversity around a city or in your own garden! With a minimal effort, you can do your own part to help the earth. It’s a creative and effortless way to plant and also to recreate habitat and encourage wildlife to return.

          What Are Seed Bombs?

          Seed bombs, often called seed balls, are small, compact balls formed from clay, compost, and seeds. They began as a guerilla gardening strategy for regenerating abandoned urban locations, but their use has now spread to home gardens and community projects. The idea is straightforward: encapsulate seeds in a protective mixture that can be readily thrown or placed in appropriate areas. Once the conditions are ideal, the seeds germinate and grow, resulting in rich patches of greenery and flowers.

          How To Make Your Own Seed Bombs

          Ingredients:

          • 1 cup of clay
          • 2 cups of compost
          • 1/2 cup of worm casting (optional)
          • Native wildflowers seeds
          1. In a large box, combine 1 cup of clay, 2 cups of compost, and native wildflower seeds
          2. Gradually add water and mix until the mixture has a dough-like consistency
          3. Take small handfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a marble.
          4. Place the seed bombs in a separate container and allow them to dry overnight
          5. Once dry and ready, you can throw them around (garden, park, woodland, or any green area around you)

            The Benefits of Seed Bombs

            1. Ease of Use: One of the primary benefits of seed bombs is their simplicity. There is no need for digging, tilling, or complicated planting methods. Simply throw or plant the seed bombs in your garden, and nature will take care of the rest.
            2. Protective Layer: The clay and compost mixture that surrounds the seeds acts as a protective barrier, shielding them from severe weather, pests, and birds. This enhances the odds that the seeds will germinate and grow successfully.
            3. Versatility: Seed bombs can be utilized in a variety of settings, including the backyard, urban areas, vacant lots, and even pots and planters. They are ideal for regions where conventional planting methods are difficult.
            4. Encourages Biodiversity: By combining different seeds, seed bombs can help increase biodiversity. They can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, resulting in a healthier and more dynamic ecology in your garden.
            5. Educational and Fun: Making and planting seed bombs is an excellent exercise for both children and adults. It provides hands-on learning experiences in gardening, ecology, and plant life cycles.

            A Few Extra Tips

            When sourcing seeds, make sure to get native wildflowers! This will provide an ideal food source for insects and wildlife but also regenerate land thanks to the plant’s ability to store and accumulate carbon, retain moisture, and improve soil structures. Plant your seed bombs during the appropriate season for the seeds you’ve chosen. Spring and early fall are usually the best times. If also possible, water the area where you’ve thrown the seed bombs to give them a good start. Natural rainfall can also do the job. Most importantly, keep an eye on your newly seeded area. If it looks dry, give it a little extra water.

            Happy growing!

            Easy and Fun Ways To Make DIY Natural Skin Products at Home

            Easy and Fun Ways To Make DIY Natural Skin Products at Home

            by | Aug 13, 2024 | DIY Projects

            There are many herbs and flowers at this time of the year that you can use not only to make tea, tinctures, oil, etc but also use all their benefits on your body to make natural products and reduce your impact on the environment! My fiance, @lajatattoo came up with an amazing DIY natural skin product recipe, and I’ll be sharing it today in this blog.

            How To Do It:

            Salt Ingredients:

            • 1 cup of sea salt
            • 1 cup of Epsom salt
            • 8 tbsp of dry herbs and flowers (lavender, mint, lemon balm, rosemary)
            • Essential oil (optional)

            Step-by-Step Procedure:

            1. Separate the stems of the herbs and flowers and dehydrate them
            2. Add 1 cup of Epsom and sea salt to a bowl
            3. Add dry herbs and mix well
            4. Store and transfer into a sealed jar

            Scrub Ingredients:

            • 6/8 Slices of  cucumber
            • 1 cup of white sugar
            • 40 leaves of mint
            • 2 Tbsp of coconut oil or olive oil

            Step-by-Step Procedure:

            1. Slice cucumber pony and put in a blender
            2. Add 40 leaves of mint and 2 Tbsp of coconut oil or olive oil
            3. Blend all of them together
            4. Once blended, add 1 cup of white sugar
            5. Transfer and store in a sealed jar

            The results of both products are silky smooth skin with very little effort or cost. Glycolic acid is in many skin care products but it’s found naturally in sugar. It’s a safe exfoliant and penetrates the skin cells leaving you looking fresh and rejuvenated!

              Why Go Natural?

              • No Harmful Chemicals: Store-bought products often contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives that can irritate your skin. DIY natural products, made from garden-fresh ingredients, are gentle and free from harsh additives.
              • Eco-Friendly: By making your own skincare items, you reduce the need for plastic packaging and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
              • Cost-Effective: Many high-quality skincare products come with a hefty price tag. Creating your own allows you to enjoy luxurious treatments without breaking the bank.
              • Customizable: Tailor your products to suit your skin type and preferences. Whether you need a hydrating face mask or a soothing body scrub, you can mix and match ingredients to create the perfect blend.

              The Joy of DIY Skincare

              We made this DIY skincare and we had a lot of fun. From harvesting the ingredients in our garden to doing the actual process, everything felt amazing and relaxing. You can try it too! Creating your own skincare products is more than just a hobby; it’s a rewarding practice that connects you with nature. The process itself can be therapeutic, allowing you to unwind and de-stress with your family and friends.

              Happy gardening!

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