Mr Organic (120 organic Italian pantry basics)
If you like serving pasta with tomato sauce or passata, look in stores for Mr Organic, a brand that stocks over 120 organic and vegan pantry basics, all sold in sustainable packaging.
Before cooking, read our post on food safety for people and pets (as well as fresh dough, many pasta dish ingredients like garlic, onion, mushrooms, lemon and spices are unsafe near animal friends).
For recipes, just bin allium scraps (onion, garlic, shallots, chives, leeks, as acids could harm compost creatures (same for citrus/tomato/rhubarb).
‘Mr Organic’ really does exist (unlike Mr Kipling!) Valerio is from three generations of Italian tomato producers, which has a team of people committed to organic farming, which is better for the planet, wildlife and our health. Of course it’s good to also support English organic tomato farmers, but for ready-made products, these are from not too far away, and from an ethical company doing good.
Most items (apart from the seitan tomato sauce) are gluten-free, and everything is free from palm oil.
Palm oil is responsible for ridiculous amounts of deforestation and is extremely harmful to local communities, the environment and wildlife. Which is why you’ll never find us using it. Mr Organic
There are naturally-sweetened versions of the tomato ketchup etc. And everything is sea-freighted (never imported by air) to reduce carbon emissions.
Most items are packed in tins, and new batches of pasta are to be in paper packaging (for now, recycle any soft plastic packaging in supermarket bag bins, if your kerbside does not recycle.
Vegan-Friendly Store Cupboard Heaven!
If you want to stock your store cupboard up with some vegan-friendly ambient foods that are high in protein, Mr Organic’s your man! The range includes:
- A wonderful range of gourmet beans (including baked beans!)
- Pasta sauces with protein! Lentils, seitan and tofu
- Vegan-friendly pesto (with pine nuts)
- Leek and potato soup (yes, an organic vegan version!)
How to Cook Pasta (like the Italians)
Bring a pan of water to a rolling boil, and salt the water before adding pasta. Unless you have a medical condition. Not salting water in Italy when cooking, makes it ‘silly pasta!’ You will notice the difference in taste.
Serve with Plant-Based Parmesan
Everything tastes better with a little grated cheese on top. But Parmesan is not even vegetarian, as by law it contains a cheese made with calf rennet.
Instead, just grate your favourite vegan cheese on top. Or learn to make plant-based parmesan! It’s very simple, and once mastered, you’ll never go back!
