Embracing Slow Living: Autumn, Ethical Cookware & Seasonal Recipes

Slow living is about savouring life's simple pleasures, especially during the serene autumn months.

It's about taking time to appreciate the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the warmth of home-cooked meals. This lifestyle encourages mindfulness, sustainability, and a deeper connection to our surroundings.

Ethical Cookware: A Foundation for Conscious Cooking

Choosing the right cookware is crucial in aligning with the principles of slow living. Opting for ethical and responsible cookware ensures that our cooking practices are safe, sustainable, and free from harmful chemicals. Here are some notable brands that embody these values:

• GreenPan: Pioneers in PFAS-free ceramic nonstick cookware, GreenPan's products are crafted with recycled aluminum and packaged using recycled cardboard. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their eco-friendly manufacturing processes. greenpan.us

• Ember Cookware: India's first 100% non-toxic, non-stick cookware brand, Ember utilizes a natural Arcilia coating made from clay and water. Their products are rigorously tested to be free from harmful substances like PFAS, lead, and cadmium. Ember+1

• Cumin Co.: Offering enamel-coated cast iron cookware, Cumin Co. ensures their products are free from microplastics and harmful chemicals, preserving the nutritional integrity of your meals.

• Caraway: Known for their non-toxic ceramic cookware, Caraway emphasizes responsible manufacturing and sustainable packaging. Their products are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Our Place: This brand offers versatile cookware with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability. Their products are made with non-toxic materials and are designed to be multi-functional, reducing the need for multiple kitchen items.

🍁 Seasonal Recipes to Savour

Autumn brings an abundance of seasonal produce perfect for slow-cooked meals. Here are a few recipes to try:

1. Pumpkin Soup

• Ingredients:

  • 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and cubed

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups vegetable broth

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

• Instructions:

  1. In a Cumin Co. Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.

  3. Add pumpkin cubes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pumpkin is tender.

  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Serve hot, garnished with roasted pumpkin seeds.

2. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 2 cups almond milk

  • 1 apple, diced

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • Chopped nuts for topping

• Instructions:

  1. In a GreenPan sauté pan, combine oats and almond milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  2. Add diced apple and cinnamon, cooking until oats are tender.

  3. Stir in maple syrup.

  4. Serve topped with chopped nuts.

3. Roasted Root Vegetables

• Ingredients:

  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 2 beets, peeled and cubed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh thyme sprigs

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a Caraway ceramic baking dish, toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.

  3. Spread in a single layer.

  4. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.

Creating the Perfect Autumn Cooking Ambience

To enhance your slow living experience in the kitchen:

• Light candles or incense with autumnal scents like cinnamon or clove.

• Play soft, instrumental music to set a calming mood.

• Use vintage or handcrafted kitchen tools to add character to your cooking space.

• Set the table with seasonal decor, such as small pumpkins or dried leaves.