Not sure what to cook? Want to stay sustainably minded while doing it?
At Zasavje AEC, in collaboration with the Zasavje Occupational Activity Centre, a study circle was held titled Spice Up Sustainability: Exploring Sustainable Culinary Practices. The mentor and eight participants from the Zasavje Occupational Activity Centre spent 30 hours together with the study circle coordinator from Zasavje AEC and a volunteer. They explored various sustainable culinary practices suitable for the environment in which they live.
Recipe booklet
The participants discovered that sustainable eating is one of the critical elements of sustainability and, at the same time, a way of life. They discussed the principles of sustainable eating, such as consuming meat only a few times a month, choosing locally and seasonally grown food, opting for organically produced food, reducing food waste, storing food properly and more.
Each meeting began with a discussion about food, their personal experiences and the dishes they prepare. They adapted the recipes they brought with them to suit their tastes and tried them out. At the same time, they created a Recipe booklet for the wider public, which is available on the Zasavje AEC website (in Slovenian).
Mini Master Chef of the Occupational Activity Centre
A special mention must be made of the final meeting, which all members of the study group are very proud of. They began preparing the dishes as early as 8 a.m., under the guidance of renowned chef Lojze Čop at the restaurant Hiša domačih okusov Pr’ Čop in Podkum. At exactly noon, the invited guests arrived. The participants of the study circle presented and served eight different dishes, along with homemade lemon balm syrup with strawberries. The guests were delighted with the meal, and despite the rain that accompanied them as they left Podkum, they departed with smiles and full stomachs.
New friendships and strong bonds were formed within the group, and the members plan to continue with their activities. The experience will stay with them for a long time. More about the activity is available on the Zasavje AEC website (in Slovenian).
Laura Kmetič Jurečič (laura.kmetic-jurecic@zlu.si), Zasavje AEC
