Nara Smith: Inspiring Self-Sufficiency and the Joy of Homegrown Food
We may be late to the party, but the TikTok streets are all abuzz when it comes to Nara Smith.
What's the tea?
Many people have been negative towards Nara, assuming she’s trapped or “doing the most” in the #tradwife trend because she cooks for her husband and kids entirely from scratch (and by "from scratch," we mean from scratch) making cheese, milk, and even cereal). However, there are two main reasons why she actually began cooking more.
After experiencing severe eczema and skin inflammation, Nara became cautious about food and its ingredients, leading her to make everything from scratch, including her children's cereal and daily snacks.
The second reason is simple: it’s her love language. Nara derives pure joy and happiness from cooking and creating dishes for her husband and children. While that may be hard for some to believe, this is what brings her happiness and joy and shouldn’t be questioned. Have we really become so cynical and judgmental that it’s hard to believe someone finds joy in such activities?
Quiet as it’s kept, we do feel some of the remarks are cloaked in envy. Nara is gorgeous, with a beautiful family and a handsome, successful husband. She’s rightfully successful herself, having been a model and now on her path to being the #fromscratch modern-day Nigella Lawson, with a cookbook imminently brewing and global brand deals on the horizon. I’m sure we’ll be seeing her in major campaigns soon.
Aside from all of that, seeing Nara making food from scratch makes it accessible to us. We don't have to accept what food companies give us without having much choice—we have options.
Self-Sufficiency: Is This the Future?
Beyond Nara Smith, there’s a broader movement towards self-sufficiency and being more mindful of how we prepare our food, what’s in our food, and being more cost-effective by creating our own – especially if we can grow our own food at home. This movement encourages people to take control of their food sources, reducing dependency on industrial agriculture, which is often criticised for its environmental impact and contribution to food insecurity.
The Practical Benefits
Urban gardening is gaining popularity in high-density cities like London and New York. People are learning how to maximise small spaces, from balcony herb gardens to rooftop vegetable plots. This is now seen as a positive lifestyle choice rather than something embarrassing or indicative of poverty. Growing your own organic tomatoes instead of buying them from Whole Foods is a flex in this economy.
From an economic perspective, home gardening can reduce grocery bills, a significant benefit in times of economic uncertainty. On a larger scale, community gardens and local food networks foster social cohesion, build resilience against supply chain disruptions, and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Learning to create our own food offers numerous benefits, both personal and communal. On a personal level, growing food can lead to a healthier diet, as people tend to consume more fruits and vegetables they’ve grown themselves. It also provides physical exercise and mental health benefits, as gardening is a form of stress relief and a connection to nature.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits are clear, there are challenges to the widespread adoption of home food production. Urban environments often lack space, and not everyone has access to the resources needed to start a garden. There’s also a learning curve – successful gardening requires knowledge and experience that many people don’t initially have or have the time for. However, the most important thing is that it’s an endeavor open to everyone.
Looking Forward
The future of food production may very well lie in a blend of traditional practices and modern innovation. Smith’s vision includes integrating technology with sustainable practices, such as using hydroponics and vertical farming to increase yields in small spaces.
As more people become aware of the importance of sustainable living, the hype around figures like Nara Smith will likely continue to grow. Her message – that everyone has the power to contribute to a more sustainable food system – is both empowering and essential in the face of global challenges.
In conclusion, Nara Smith’s advocacy for creating our own food is more than a trend; it’s a necessary shift towards a more resilient and sustainable future. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to grow their own food, Smith is fostering a movement that has the potential to transform our relationship with food and the environment.
Our Favourite DIY Quick Recipes You Might Already Have in Your Fridge
Mayonnaise
Ingredients: 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon mustard, 1 cup oil (vegetable or olive), 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, salt to taste.
Instructions: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk and mustard together until well combined. Slowly add the oil, a few drops at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Once thickened, you can add the oil in a thin, steady stream while continuing to whisk. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice and salt to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Hummus
Ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup tahini, 1 small garlic clove (minced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, salt to taste, 2-3 tablespoons water.
Instructions: Combine tahini and lemon juice in a food processor and process for 1 minute. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt to the whipped tahini and lemon juice. Process for 30 seconds, scrape the sides, and process for another 30 seconds. Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor and process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and add remaining chickpeas and process until smooth. If the hummus is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water until desired consistency is reached. Season with additional salt if needed.
Buffalo Sauce for Chicken Wings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot), 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, salt to taste.
Instructions: In a saucepan, combine the hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat and season with salt to taste. Toss cooked chicken wings in the sauce to coat evenly.
Ah voila!
With Love,
The Leizurely Team