BY MELISSA SHABINSKY instagram @melissashabinsky PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
The trick to maintaining a healthy kitchen isn’t just about what’s inside the fridge and pantry; it’s also about having the right tools and gadgets. They don’t have to be complicated but knowing what to have on hand and how to use them is essential. Greening the kitchen with homegrown veggies and herbs is a start. It’s easy to grow recipe go-to herbs like, rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano, chives, and thyme, plus salad greens and small veggies, indoors. All you need is a sunny spot and a few pots.
No need to start from seeds—you can pick up small plants at your local grocery or garden store. Grow all together or in individual pots depending on your space. The nice pop of colour will also add a fresh fragrance to your kitchen space. Snip from your kitchen garden to add to your dishes or as a garnish to any plate. You can even transplant the plants to your outdoor garden in the spring. Having fresh herbs helps to make meal prep easier and adds a boost of nutrients and flavour to soups, sauces, smoothies, and juices.
• Keep chopped veggies on hand at all times. When you’re looking for a quick snack, having pre-chopped veggies will turn healthy eating into fast food. Chop your veggies once you bring them home from the store or Farmers’ Market or buy them pre-chopped (it’s okay to pay for convenience sometimes).
• Grow your own food! Start small if gardening is new to you or you don’t have a lot of space. Tomatoes, lettuces, and herbs are great options that are easy and can be grown in just a pot.
SELF-WATERING PLANTER FROM LEE VALLEY TOOLS, $99.50, MOVES INDOORS DURING THE COOLER MONTHS.
EXPERT SIDEBAR Nutritionist Rachel Caven offers her tips on some easy, healthy changes you can make to your kitchen and pantry: • The best kitchen tool is a great knife! It’s worth the investment and makes meal preparation that much more enjoyable. • Drink your water! It’s one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to improve your health. When water gets boring, add freshly squeezed lemon, lime or orange to your water for flavour. Lemon juice also helps improve digestion and is a source of vitamin C which helps to boost your immune system.
54 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
• Keep easy protein on hand. Protein is the most difficult macronutrient to get into our diets (you don’t always have time to cook a chicken breast or soak your legumes). Make sure your cupboard is stocked with easy, non-perishable protein sources so you always have an easy protein option (canned chickpeas, beans, tuna or salmon, protein powder, nuts and seeds, etc.).
• Swap out any old, expired oils that are hiding in your cupboard. My favourite oils are extra virgin olive oil for salad dressings (should not be heated at high temperatures) and avocado oil or coconut oil for cooking. • Make your own salad dressing! Start with equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar and add some of those fresh herbs that you grew yourself. • Save your fruit, veggie, and herb scraps in the freezer to add to smoothies and even keep those onion and garlic skins for soups and healing broths.
