Here is one that is low-carb but hearty! Let's face it we are heading into treat season and to have a wholesome standby is worth having on hand. The recipe is easy in the slow cooker. I am enjoying my new multicooker where the first 15 minutes can sear the meat. Feel free to add the extra veg like turnip, celeriac or leek. Effectively the cabbage replaces the potato here to reduce the carb content.
This is delicious and satisfying. For added punch add some Savage Cabbage kimchi before serving…
 

• ½ kg stewing beef / diced beef
• ½  tsp dried oregano, crushed
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Good pinch of salt
• Beef Tallow / lard for frying
• 6 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 small garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion
• 500ml beef broth
• 4 cups coarsely shredded green cabbage

 
Coat the beef in the spice mix. Heat the pan and fry the beef in tallow or lard for a few minutes. Add to slow cooker with chopped carrots, garlic and broth. Turn it on for 4 hours on high or 8 on low. In the last half hour add the shredded cabbage to cook. 

Anne Maher

Is this the time of the year for a tomato pasta dish?
 
OK, we should have a Christmas dish here since it is December. If you want a good Vegan Christmas Dish just google one, there are many online, find one that is simple, they are usually the best, at least I think so...
 
But it is also the time when we are most busy. So here is a bit of help.
 
Coming home late from work, I was wondering what to cook. Someone in the house suggested pasta, and of course pasta is quick and easy. But what about the sauce…
 
Think minutes - in the time that your pasta is cooked ( 10 minutes max. ) your sauce will be ready. All you need to do is to put it together, warm it up and eat… 10 minutes!, who can beats that? 
 
Recipe
Makes 3 servings (or enough for two hungry people)
 
INGREDIENTS

• 300g of Pasta - we love the spelt Pasta we get in the Urban Coop
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• A pinch or 2 of chilli flakes
• A drop of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of Hungry Soul - Garlic & Chives (also found in the Urban Coop 😊)
• 1/2 jar of roasted red peppers - rinsed and chopped small ( optional, but highly recommended by me )
• 1 cup of pasta cooking water
• A drizzle of olive oil
• A few basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

 
 
METHOD

1. Bring a big pot of salted water to the boil.
2. Throw in your pasta and give it a good stir, allow to simmer until soft or al dente, less than 10 minutes, taste after 5 or so and see if you like it. 
3.  Once cooked to desired firmness, drain the water retaining 1 cup for the sauce.
4.  In the meantime, empty your tin of chopped tomatoes into a small pot and warm it up. Using a potato masher reduce to a smoother texture.
5. Chop the roasted peppers into small pieces and add them to the tomato along with a pinch of chilli flakes and a drizzle of olive oil.
6. Add the tomato sauce to the pasta, along with a ½ cup of the cooking water and 2 tablespoons of the Hungry Soul vegan cream cheese then warm it all up. Stir it so the pasta gets evenly coated.
7. Toss in a few basil leaves before serving.
8. Taste it you may want a little salt, and black pepper is always nice with tomato sauce.

 
When you sit down to eat, you will ask yourself how this could be so good yet so quick!
 
Bon appétit !
 
Jacques​
@HungrySoulVegan_   - Changing the Culture
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Bacon and Cabbage is a national dish that is renowned worldwide. Love it or hate it is comfort food at its best. Aside from the nod to Pigtown bacon I do want to draw attention to the humble cabbage.
​
In season from large to small form, as we enjoy brussel sprouts lately, we can underestimate the impact of this vegetable. From its versatile use in the kitchen – salads, stews, ferments it is a robust vegetable to grow and regrow (let’s face it if I can grow it, it is a sure thing). It represents such good value, travels well, zero packaging.
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Therapeutic properties of restorative gut health via sauerkraut or soothing comfort for engorged new breastfeeders... there are many anti-inflammatory benefits as well as improving the digestive process.
In our endless search for the magic pill, we could remind ourselves to look closer to home and recognise the answers that are right in front of us. 

Anne Maher

Toxic Legacy by Stephanie Seneff

Let’s just say that this book should be on the required reading list of every farmer, gardener, greenkeeper and policy maker. Dr Stephanie Seneff is like a Super Granny. I picked this up at the Biofarm conference recently as it had been on the to-do list. What a journey she takes you on to uncover the horrors of glyphosate aka Roundup? Again the David and Goliath scenario of the people against the profits. Like Tobacco and Sugar before the drive is on to maintain the status quo of farmers using these sprays because they are big business. The cost though is enormous to our health. Are we willing to keep paying the tab? Dr Seneff argues for a complete ban on this poison before it is too late. 

Anne Maher

"These slippers are very suitable for those whose feet are tender and need comforting softness.   Would be good for those with bunions.   Slippers must only be worn indoors". Review by Sheila and Kevin

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Did you know that Glyphosate is a patented antibiotic? When I mention this, the answer I get is “No I didn’t!” From drain cleaner to herbicide the patents for Roundup keep giving. Picture this…if the majority of our food items (let's say wheat and soya) have been contaminated with Roundup, it is not unrealistic to assume our level of antibiotic resistance is significant and growing. Anti life. At the recent Biofarm conference, we listened as a wise farmer tell us he knew something wasn’t right when he stopped seeing the crows following the plough. The soil was not yielding the worms anymore.
 
A further 10-year licence to use Glyphosate has been granted following intensive lobbying by all powers that be. We are not surprised. From a growing concern about the toxicity and damage this herbicide is linked with, to the corporate desire to keep business going I see echoes of tobacco and sugar wars. Despite the recognition and evidence of damage, corrective action is very slow to take place. If you worked in the business of making or promoting this product would you consider calling a halt to the lifestyle you were used to? It’s a difficult one but realistically it is much easier to stay the same than change even if it is harmful to your individual or community health. We are after all easily persuaded that those that govern and make decisions have our best interests at heart. They couldn’t possibly mean to inflict harm on us…really…

Anne Maher

This holiday season, let's make our Christmas a bit greener. Going for a zero-waste vibe not only keeps things jolly but also makes our planet happy. Check out these easy tips for a festive and eco-friendly Christmas bash!
 

• Thoughtful Gifts: Go for cool gifts like experiences or locally made stuff. Wrap them up in funky fabric or even old newspaper for a touch of recycled charm. 
• DIY Decor Fun: Get crafty with decorations using stuff you have lying around and create some keepsake ornaments. 
• Wrap it Right: Forget fancy wrapping paper; grab some brown paper or old newspapers. Add some twine or dried flowers for a simple but beautiful look. 
• Green Grub: Cook up a storm with local, seasonal, and organic goodies. Don't forget to plan portions to avoid food waste and tell guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers. 
• Light it Up: Make your place sparkle with energy-saving LED lights. Schedule them to get that cosy vibe without wasting electricity. 
• Thrift Shop Finds: Check out second-hand stores for unique decorations, clothes, and gifts. Embrace the charm of pre-loved items for a one-of-a-kind Christmas.
• Simple Wrapping Style: Experience minimal gift wrapping. Use fabric ribbons or twine to jazz it up without the waste.

 
This Christmas, let's keep it eco-friendly. Unwrap the gift of sustainability and make every moment a happy, green memory! 🌲✨
 
Geraldine Fitzpatrick