Tuck into some delicious and healthy treats whipped up with the power of the sun.
Solar cooking is a sustainable, eco-friendly and low-maintenance way of cooking, that’s fun too. The food never sticks or burns, it rarely needs to be stirred and you take a nice long stroll while it cooks, without worrying about it bursting into flames. Solar ovens really sparkle in casseroles and stews as the sun brings out new flavours. This is probably the result of the constant heat breaking down the complex carbohydrates of each ingredient into a symphony of sweet and savoury flavours.
There are numerous recipes that you can try out with solar cookers or ovens. Here are a few super easy ones that will really hit the spot.
Gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies
Makes 24
Ingredients
1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup unrefined sugar or brown sugar
1 cup salted peanut butter
1 tbsp molasses
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract or 1/4 tsp powdered vanilla bean
1/3 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1 cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
1: Preheat the solar oven to around 300˚F (149˚C).
- In a bowl, cream the sugar and butter with a wooden spoon. Add peanut butter, and stir well until the mixture becomes smooth.
3: Add molasses, vanilla and eggs, one at a time. Mix till you get a smooth consistency.
4: In a separate bowl, mix coconut and tapioca flours.
5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then add the chocolate chips.
6: Spoon the mixture onto to a baking sheet and press them gently with a buttered spoon.
7: Place in the oven and bake for about around 30 minutes. Remove once the surface appears dry and is firm to the touch.
8: Leave them aside to cool. Serve
Note: The dough will be soft and gooey. If you want it to be thicker refrigerate for half an hour. Additionally, cooking time will vary based on the type of solar cooker and the weather.
Quesadilla
Makes 1
Ingredients
1 flour tortilla
3 slices roast beef or chicken
1/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbsp butter, melted
Directions
1: Place the beef and the cheeses on one side of the tortilla.
3: Fold the other half of tortilla over and then press gently. Brush the top with melted butter.
4: Place in a lightly greased pan and transfer to a solar cooker.
5: Allow it to cook for 2-3 hours. When the tortilla looks slightly brown and is crisp, and the cheese has melted, it is ready to serve.
Slow-cooked lentil soup
Serves 2
Ingredients
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups dry lentils
3 bay leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1 /2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
4 strips bacon, diced (optional)
Directions
1: Sauté the onion, celery, carrots and garlic in olive oil or place them in a solar cooker for 30 minutes.
2:Add the remaining ingredients allow them to cook for 6-8 hours
3: Stir in the bacon and allow it to cook for 30 minutes.
4: Remove the bay leaves and serve.
What are you waiting for? Try out these yummy recipes to get a taste of what solar power can really do.
