Elevate Your Kitchen Game with Veggie Peelings

In the journey toward a zero waste lifestyle, there's a hidden world of flavor in the most unlikely of places: your vegetable peelings. Those humble peels you've been discarding can be transformed into culinary gems, reducing waste while maximizing taste. Try your hand at creating delicious vegetable peel soup and crispy veggie peel snacks with these simple steps.

For Vegetable Peel Soup:

1. Peel Collection: As you prepare your vegetables for other dishes, save the peelings - carrots, potatoes, courgetts, and more. Store them in a container or a freezer bag until you have a generous collection.
2. Flavorful Broth: In a pot, simmer your collected peelings with water, and add some garlic, onion scraps, and a handful of herbs. Let it all mingle for about 30-40 minutes. Afterward, strain the liquid, and you've created a rich and nutrient-packed vegetable peel broth.
3. Versatile Base: Your homemade vegetable peel broth can serve as the foundation for various soups, from classic vegetable to hearty minestrone. It's a zero waste secret that adds depth to your culinary creations.
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For Vegetable Peel Crisps:

1. Clean and Dry: Ensure that the peelings are clean and free from any dirt. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Flavorful Crunch: In a bowl, toss the peelings with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and your preferred seasonings. Get creative with flavors like rosemary, paprika, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
3. Oven Magic: Spread your seasoned peelings on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 190°C. Keep a close watch, and in about 10-15 minutes, you'll have transformed them into golden, crispy snacks.
4. Enjoy the Crunch: Your homemade vegetable peel crisps are ready to savor! These zero waste treats not only tickle your taste buds but also embrace sustainability in every bite.

By making use of vegetable peelings for soup or crisps, you're not just reducing food waste, you're elevating your culinary prowess. This zero waste approach uncovers the hidden potential in every vegetable peel and adds a burst of flavor to your cooking. So, peel no more and savor the essence of waste-free creativity in your kitchen.

Geraldine Fitzpatrick
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