Nadiya Hussain is a British chef, as well as presenter and author, who rose to fame after winning the sixth edition of The Great British Bake Off in 2015. A beloved and active figure, she has already published a number of cookbooks, including the latest Cook One, Eat Twice, a guide on how to avoid waste and prepare tasty dishes with what little you have at home.
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The issue of food waste is one of the most important and sensitive, it is estimated that about one-third of the food produced each year ends up in the dustbin, we are talking about 1.3 tons thrown away along the entire supply chain: from agricultural production, to transportation to distribution, to household consumption. Generating foodstuffs is expensive, time-consuming and resource-limited, often polluting; therefore, throwing them away has significant consequences for the planet, animals and humans. Think, for example, of all the gallons of water it takes to irrigate a field, or the methane gas released in landfills that contributes to climate change and the greenhouse effect; and the millions of people suffering from hunger, thirst and malnutrition.
Tackling the problem requires dedication and perseverance: many, in fact, take action on a daily basis, starting with the little things, like Nadiya Hussain. A Bengali-born mother of three, as well as the winner of the sixth edition of The Great British Bake Off in 2015 and a dispenser of helpful advice. Her latest bestseller, Cook One, Eat Twice, is a vademecum for anyone who wants to try their hand at cooking using only leftovers in a smart and conscious way.
The TV chef, who grew up in an immigrant home, tells The Independent ,"Since I was a child, I learned to make the most of everything, and to save money, as finances were not enough. Today, however, the situation has been reversed: people are earning and spending, often buying in excess, and then ending up having to get rid of food that may have gone bad or not been consumed due to forgetfulness".
"My book is aimed at those who think they want to improve themselves by committing to a just cause. After all, I am not here to impart lessons, but to suggest a few tricks to safeguard the Earth. First of all, it is necessary to start with the basics; if you do not know how to cook a simple fried egg, it is useless to try your hand at more complex preparations. And then there is no need to fill up on professional equipment, just a few tools, but the right ones! My favorites are a good knife, a rolling pin and an immersion blender".
He continues , “Another crucial tip concerns the organization of the refrigerator: apply labels to any package, including those hidden in the cupboard. That way you will always have everything under control! In addition, it is essential to have containers with lids, plastic or glass, on hand to store what remains after a meal. You can decide whether to reheat it the next day, or freeze it. You will save a lot of money".
Nadiya is certainly not lacking in imagination, so much so that she recommends that her readers reinvent garbage, such as orange peels "I usually let them dry on the windowsill, once they are ready I reduce them to powder. What I get I mix with sugar, et voila! Ideal for cake topping or sweetening. Remember that each moment is precious, so do not exhaust your energy in the kitchen, but optimize it effectively. If dinner is in the oven, take the opportunity to prepare additional long-serving treats, alternatively portion them out.".
Involving as many actors as possible, and convincing them to follow certain practices, will not only relieve pressure on the globe, but will help build a more equitable and responsible system. Individuals, like Hussain, raise awareness, inciting and inspiring society to reflect on their own habits and choices.
