Scratch Cooking
The Unwrapped Way to Healthier, Tastier Meals
At the back of the GALE Centre, the Unwrapped shop is changing the way we think about cooking and eating. This zero-waste store not only makes it easy to purchase quality ingredients but also encourages us to embrace the art of cooking from scratch. But why should you consider this approach? The benefits are numerous and impactful.
Healthier Meals
When you choose to cook from scratch, you gain complete control over the ingredients you use. This means you can steer clear of unhealthy additives, preservatives, and excessive salt and sugar often found in processed foods. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, you can easily incorporate a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet, ultimately improving overall health and wellbeing.
Better Flavour
One of the greatest joys of scratch cooking is the rich, vibrant flavours that come from freshly prepared meals. Unlike processed foods, which often lack depth, cooking from scratch allows you to experiment with high-quality ingredients and unique spices. The process enhances the natural flavours of your ingredients—think of roasting vegetables to bring out their sweetness or slow-cooking meats for tender, flavourful dishes. The result? Meals that are bursting with taste and complexity.
Cost-Effective
Cooking from scratch can also be easier on your wallet. Purchasing raw ingredients in bulk is often more economical than buying pre-packaged meals. Over time, you’ll find that scratch cooking can save you money. Plus, it encourages resourcefulness in the kitchen—leftovers can be repurposed into new dishes, reducing food waste and maximising the value of ingredients. For example, leftover roasted vegetables can find new life in soups or salads, while cooked grains can be transformed into stir-fries or casseroles.
Satisfaction and Enjoyment
One of the most rewarding aspects of cooking from scratch is the satisfaction it brings. The process of preparing a meal from start to finish creates a sense of accomplishment, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice. It can also be a fun, educational activity for the family, or cooking can be a form of relaxation and self-care, allowing you to connect with the aromas, textures, and flavours of fresh ingredients in a meaningful way.
Amongst our most popular offerings at Unwrapped is our organic peanut butter, and many customers have inquired about ways to incorporate it into their meals. One great recipe that features this favourite is the Indonesian potato salad, Gado Gado. which is perfect for a refreshing side dish or a light meal.
Gado Gado
Ingredients
1kg new potatoes, halved
2 tbsps olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
240g green beans
300g beansprouts
fresh coriander, to serve
For the dressing
50g PEANUT BUTTER
80ml coconut milk
30ml lime juice
1½ tbsps soy sauce
1 fresh red chilli, grated
2.5cm ginger, grated
- Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/ gas 6.
- Mix the potatoes in a roasting tin with the oil and salt, then transfer to the oven and cook for 40 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix together all the ingredients for the dressing. Depending on your brand of peanut butter, you may need to add a little more coconut milk so you have a thick, spoonable dressing consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Once the potatoes have had 40 minutes, add the green beans and beansprouts. Add a splash more oil if needed, then return to the oven for a further 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the potatoes and vegetables with the coriander and serve warm or at room temperature, with the dressing alongside
- Note: Check the seasoning of the dressing by putting a little bit on a cooked potato, and tasting. Add more soy sauce to the rest of the dressing as needed.
We hope you enjoy trying out this recipe and exploring all the benefits of scratch cooking! A free copy of the recipe can be found in the Unwrapped Shop. To stay updated on new products, discounts, and more delicious recipes, sign up for Unwrapped Updates on our website or drop into the Centre and ask a member of staff to sign you up.
As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive 10% off your first order in store! Join our community and start your journey towards healthier, tastier meals today.