Some people believe in abundance, that the universe will provide. Others believe in scarcity, that there's not enough to go around. I seem to be bi. I am dazzled by the benevolence and bounty in nature. On the other hand, I read the headlines.
Ukraine and Syria have all grabbed our attention lately, but buried in the news is something you've probably figured out in your own --higher food prices. Even potatoes, that basic thrift food, cost more now, and beef is just shy of inflation prices, according to the USDA. Staples like wheat, coffee, rice and soy beans -- are in short supply all over the world. So we're all paying more for less.
Every global calamity (Fukujima, anyone?) threatens our food security even further. And political unrest and soaring food prices go together like mac and cheese. Not only has economic hardship played a role in Syria and Ukraine, some historians believe it was the real tipping point in the French Revolution. Even cheap eats like bread had become prohibitive.
So-called cheap food isn't cheap now, either, with McDonalds raising its prices. Of all the reasons to go meatless, compassion and the environment top the list. But forget ethics (if you can) -- decision-making often begins with your wallet. Since beef is expensive and they're going to boost the price of a burger, anyway, now's a nice time to explore other options.
With all the hype about greening your life, one of the most basic things you can do happens to be the most important -- going for a more plant-based diet. According to a Stanford University study, two-thirds of our agricultural land goes toward raising livestock, while less than ten percent goes into feeding us. And we're hungry.
Over two centuries ago, that happy guy Thomas Malthus wrote,"The number of mouths to be fed will have no limit; but the food that is to supply them cannot keep pace with the demand for it." He predicted "famine, distress, havoc and dismay. . . hatred, violence, war and bloodshed." Clearly, a textbook case of a scarcity believer.
He thought the situation was hopeless. I don't. I wish I believed in universal abundance. I do believe we're capable of change, even if it takes something as dire as a global food shortage to make us act. Giving up eating isn't viable. Eating smarter is. It doesn't mean stockpiling food like a survivalist, just making the most of what we have and enjoying more meatless meals. Starting now.
Now happens to have a lot going for it. We're coming into spring, a happy, hopeful time augering new beginnings. My own vegetable garden is closer to a kiddie pool than an acre and isn't big enough to put a goat on, let alone feed one. However, it's putting out an abundance (there's that word again) of arugula, kale, peppers, tomatoes, radishes, mint and thyme with almost no effort from me.
So indulge in spring's sparkling produce -- grow it if you can, eat it while it's in season. It won't get any cheaper and it won't be here forever. You can't afford to waste. Really.
The Beet Goes On (Gingered Beets and Beet Greens)
Vibrant spring greens and sweet roasted beets taste of the moment and make the most of the entire beet from roots to leafy greens. Since Monsanto scored again with genetically modified beets, organic beets are definitely the way to go here.Nice by itself for a lightish lunch or pair with a whole grain for a main course.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bunch organic kale or other seasonal greens
1 bunch organic beets, root and greens
1 pinch red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
2 oranges, juice and zest
1/4 cup dried cranberries
sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1/3 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup crumbled vegan feta, optionalPreheat oven to 400.
Chop beet roots off from the greens. Rinse them and wrap them tightly in foil.
Place on baking sheet and roast for 1 hour.Remove beets from oven and allow to cool. You may do this bit a day ahead and store the beets wrapped and chilled in the refrigerator.
Wash beets greens and kale well, rinsing away any grit.
Chop greens fine. Stems may be chopped small too. Otherwise compost them or save them to make vegetable stock.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pepper flakes. When they start to sizzle, add greens by the handful. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes, or until greens wilt.
Grate in ginger and orange zest. Stir in orange juice.
Add cranberries and mix together gently.
Place greens and cranberries in a bowl or serving platter.
Toast walnuts at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, or until brown and fragrant.
Meanwhile, unwrap beets. The skins should slip away easily. Dice beets and scatter atop greens.
Top with walnuts and optional feta.
Serves 6.
A version of this post originally ran on March 11, 2011.