Food For Thought: Embracing Nepali Festive Sustainable Food for Dashain and Tihar!

Dashain and Tihar, two of Nepal's grandest festivals, aren't just about traditions, rituals, and celebrations; they're also about sharing meals that bring family and friends together. This festive season, let's explore sustainable food practices that honour both the environment and the rich culinary heritage of Nepal.

1. Reviving Forgotten Grains:

Nepal has a treasure trove of traditional grains like millet (kodo), buckwheat (fapar), and barley (jau). This Dashain and Tihar, incorporating these superfoods into your meals not only revives heritage crops but also supports local farmers. Try serving millet pancakes or buckwheat rotis, perfect for breakfast or as an accompaniment to the main meal. These grains are not only nutritious but also have a lower environmental footprint compared to modern, resource-intensive crops.

2. Locally Sourced Vegetables:

Celebrate with a variety of locally grown vegetables like spinach (palungo), bitter gourd (tite karela), pumpkin (pharsi), and yam (tarul). Create dishes that showcase these ingredients, such as a Nepali vegetable curry or a stir-fried yam, which will bring out the fresh flavors of the region. Buying seasonal and local produce helps reduce the carbon footprint while supporting local markets.

3. Plant-Based Alternatives:

This festive season, why not try a plant-based take on traditional dishes? Instead of the classic goat or buffalo meat curries, prepare a mushroom curry or soybean nuggets (bhatmas) tarkari that are equally hearty and satisfying. These plant-based options are healthier and more sustainable, providing a great way to reduce meat consumption during the celebrations.

4. Guilt-Free Sweets:

Nepali festivals are incomplete without sweets! This time, let's bring in some eco-friendly twists with treats made from gundpak (Nepali fudge) using locally sourced jaggery, nuts, and dried fruits. You can also prepare sel roti, a traditional rice flour doughnut, using organic rice and natural sweeteners. These changes not only make the desserts healthier but also cut down on refined sugar and processed ingredients.

5. Zero-Waste Cooking:

In the spirit of Dashain and Tihar, let's embrace zero-waste cooking by using every part of our ingredients. For example, use the peels of fruits and vegetables to make stock or chutneys. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted and used as a crunchy topping for salads or snacks, and leaves of radishes and mustard greens can be transformed into delicious stir-fries or pickles.

6. Eco-Friendly Feasts:

Make your festive gatherings more eco-friendly by avoiding single-use plastics and opting for reusable or biodegradable plates, cutlery, and decorations. Encourage guests to bring homemade dishes made with love and local ingredients, which helps reduce food packaging waste and celebrates the communal spirit of Dashain and Tihar.

7. Support Small Farmers and Artisans:

One of the best ways to promote sustainable food practices is by supporting small-scale farmers and local artisans who provide organic produce, dairy, and spices. For this festive season, source your turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices from community farmers, ensuring that every ingredient in your kitchen comes with a story of sustainability and local pride.

8. Homemade Pickles and Ferments:

Pickles and fermented foods are an integral part of Nepali cuisine, and they're a fantastic way to preserve seasonal produce. This Dashain and Tihar, make your achar (pickles) using ingredients like radish, cucumber, or lemon and embrace the tangy flavours that last beyond the festive season. Homemade ferments reduce the need for store-bought items, cutting down on plastic and supporting gut health!

9. Mindful Meat Consumption:

While meat is traditionally enjoyed during Dashain, consider sourcing your meat sustainably by choosing free-range or locally-raised livestock. If possible, reduce portion sizes and balance them with plant-based dishes. This approach not only supports ethical farming practices but also aligns with the values of sustainability.

10. Community-Based Celebrations:

Celebrate Dashain and Tihar in a way that brings together your community in a shared effort for sustainability. Host potluck-style gatherings where everyone contributes a home-cooked dish that highlights local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. Such events foster a sense of togetherness and showcase the diverse flavours of Nepali cuisine while promoting eco-friendly practices.

Final Thoughts

This Dashain and Tihar, let your feasts be a blend of tradition and conscious choices. Embracing sustainable food practices not only enriches our plates but also makes a positive impact on our environment and local communities. Let’s celebrate with gratitude, respect for our culture, and an attitude that honours Mother Earth.

Food For Thought: May your festive meals be as thoughtful as they are delicious!