June 18 marks World Sustainable Gastronomy Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about ethical food consumption: What exactly is it? And, most importantly, what are the best recipes to enjoy with our Cuban mini?
Food is not only a fundamental part of our daily lives but also a cultural milestone for many societies. However, with the rise of food products and the evident impact of climate change, it is equally important that we enjoy it ethically.
This is where sustainable gastronomy comes in—a way of consuming food characterized by its low environmental impact. This is achieved through responsible production systems and optimized processes that keep the ecological footprint to a minimum.
Similarly to how our Cuban Mini Cigars are made from a careful selection of Cuban tobacco, this cuisine is based on local, seasonal ingredients that guarantee quality.
Discover four fresh and delicious dishes to make this summer and enjoy yourself with your cigarrillos.
Breakfast of Champions: Vegan Pancakes
Made from bananas, oats, and water, these pancakes skip the flour to give you a healthy breakfast that is easy to replicate. You only need to blend the ingredients to form the batter and cook it in a pan on both sides.
Their strong suit is versatility; you can customize them with your favourite toppings. We recommend using a nut butter and fresh fruit. As a tip: avoid nut butter containing palm oil for a more responsible consumption.
If you want to get the absolute most out of this breakfast, we suggest adding a very smooth, smoky touch with a Guantanamera Mini, —the ideal companion.
A Snack with Character: Spicy Couscous
The summer heat can often affect our appetite, leading us to opt for lighter meals. One of the best options? Couscous.
This North African staple is incredibly versatile, but we recommend giving it a unique twist: add ras el hanout and orange juice to the couscous, letting it absorb all the flavour. To get that spicy note, top your dish with chili-seasoned apricots and slices of grilled halloumi cheese. Just make sure to use fresh apricots.
As the crowning glory to this Mediterranean recipe, there is nothing like lighting up a Montecristo Short, whose medium strength will elevate the spicy undertones of the couscous.
A Classic with Its Own Identity: Nasi Goreng
Originating from Indonesia and Malaysia, nasi goreng is a dish made of rice, chicken, and vegetables. While it is a variation of fried rice, its uniqueness lies in the preparation: the rice must be cold before tossing it into the pan to fry.
The vegetables for this recipe include green beans, carrots, and spring onions, but you can use whatever you have on hand to avoid food waste. Additionally, we recommend using brown rice instead of white, which is much friendlier to the environment.
Dishes like nasi goreng call for a relaxed after-dinner conversation to fully savour every note. To accompany it, we recommend light up an intense Partagás Club, a true icon among Cuban cigarillos.
Dessert Perfection: Raspberry Cranachan
All’s well that ends well, which is why we couldn’t leave out the “king of Scottish desserts.” Cranachan is a recipe that combines raspberries, toasted oats, and whipped cream with a touch of whisky and honey.
The ingredients are layered in a clear glass (first the oats, then the raspberry puree, and finally the whipped cream), repeating until you reach the top. As a tip: the cream can be substituted with vegan yogurt (without forgetting the splash of whisky and honey), and the raspberries can be sourced from local growers.
Fresh, light, and full of personality, this dessert is the ultimate way to wrap up a meal based on sustainable recipes. And to elevate the flavour of the raspberries, nothing beats a classic Cohiba Wide Short.
Sustainable gastronomy is a more ethical and responsible way of understanding food. Its principles guarantee better ingredients and more balanced dishes, as well as a more conscientious relationship with the planet. Increasingly adopted by chefs and restaurants, this style of cuisine pairs beautifully with the flavour and quality of our favorites Cuban mini cigars.
