Ko te Kete o Operation Refugee - Food for Life Tips and Recipes for the food challenge
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Ko te Kete
o Operation Refugee
Food for Life
Tips and Recipes for the food challenge
Facebook www.facebook.com/operationrefugee • Twitter @op_refugee
Instagram Operation_Refugee
2021
www.cwsoperationrefugee.nz
Operation Refugee 2021 2
OPERATION REFUGEE
Food for Life - Host a Banquet
There are three ways to do the Food for Life Choosing the Menu
challenge and raise funds for refugees.
This is the fun part. Everyone loves sitting down
to eat with others. Know your audience’s food
preferences - a little challenge adds interest.
Talk to your team and brainstorm ideas. You can
organise a very simple meal or a proper feast – big
or small make it fun. Keep it simple, three courses.
This may be a blended menu, some Kiwi dishes and
some Palestinian dishes for example.
The first course could be as simple as the flatbreads
with dips. Try some of Grant’s recipes from this Kete.
The main course could be a Syrian dish, and the
dessert classic kiwi like a fruit crumble with hokey
pokey ice cream. Do your costings and make sure
it is worth the effort. Think about how many people
you need to break even.
The Plan
Think about the facilities: How big is the kitchen?
Do you have fridge space? Do you have big pots
etc? Do you have or can you borrow enough plates
A Story: Pasifika Feast and bowls and glasses? Ask people to contribute a
Grant Allen, Operation Refugee Chef, dish or ingredient to cut costs.
Soanepaulipasi Pasi, Tongan Pasifika Chef and You could purchase food from a catering business
their team of volunteers cooked up a storm last set up by former refugees. Find out what’s in your
year. Thanks to Anne Priestley’s sterling efforts this area – contact Eric if you need a hand.
inaugural Pasifika Feast survived one postponement
Assign tasks and make a timeline keeping in mind
and a venue change due to Covid-19. St Aidan’s
food safety issues. Some things have to done on the
Anglican Church stepped into the breach to host
day itself. Follow the Covid-19 rules to make sure
this event in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. It was an
everyone is safe.
evening to remember.
You could invite a speaker perhaps a former refugee
from your community, or organise a series of
discussion starters – make it fun and meaningful.
Food for Others
If you want some advice on your plans, Grant is
Invite your friends, family, church or group to a happy to give feedback:
Banquet, Feast or for dinner. Ask for a donation – grantallencooks@gmail.com
Grant says don’t ask for more than $100 per person
no matter how rich your friends are. You will need
some help so ask others to join your team and make
a plan. You need to plan carefully. “Food is a great connector and speaks an
Fundraising events work best when your base costs international language.” I love making
are minimal. Find a free venue, use volunteer labour
and donated ingredients. Plan a month ahead if you food with others, creating a feast and
can. Organise good promotion – ask everyone, put sharing at the table.”
notices in newsletters and use social media.
Grant Allen, Operation Refugee Chef
Operation Refugee 2021 3
My Food Box: Budget or Box?
You can choose to eat rations for 5 or 2 days with Operation Refugee LITE for students. It is a
tough challenge, but you are doing it with Syrian refugees who have fled to Jordan and Lebanon.
Eat from the Food Box DAY THREE
Assemble the following items, equivalent to the DON’T GIVE UP
contents of a food parcel in Jordan. This is your
food for five days. You can earn extras by raising Congratulations on reaching day three! You may be tempted to
more funds. See below for details. give up. Some who did the challenge last year commented that
the food was bland and repetitive. You might feel the effects of
Food Item Quantity coffee withdrawal – hang in there.
Rice 1kg
Chickpeas 250g DAY FOUR
Kidney Beans 250g THE END IS IN SIGHT
Lentils 250g We are just about there, tell others about the different food you are
Flour 300g eating. This is an experience to help you think about what it might
Fish 425g be like for refugees spending weeks on the road and often years in
refugee camps or temporary shelter. Perhaps a family has been able
Salt 40g to get medical care because of your efforts today.
Sugar 50g
Vegetable Oil 200ml DAY FIVE
Food on a Budget
Last day
It’s the final day of Operation Refugee. Savour the last day of
Give yourself a $32 food budget for five days. eating different food. Tomorrow you have the option of eating
You choose the food. food that’s more familiar. How has the experience of the last 5
You can earn bonus items by raising more funds. days made you feel? What have you experienced by sharing this
See below for details. connection with refugees?
Now is the time to tell your friends and family on Facebook,
DAY ONE email and in person too. Not only will this help you reach your
fundraising goal, it will also help them understand a little more
Let’s GO about the challenges faced by refugees.
It’s day one and all the planning you’ve done can If you have raised $1,000 you have earned a reward! Choose a
now be put into action. Enjoy the new cooking bonus item to the value of $5. You might like to add some extra
experiences and don’t forget to make a plan to use protein to today’s recipe. Thanks for doing a great job.
your ingredients carefully. If you have sponsored
yourself, you can add seasoning to the meals today.
Post a photo of your first meal, reminding your Rewards
friends why you are doing Operation Refugee.
RAISE MORE MONEY FOR REFUGEES AND add to YOUR MENU
DAY TWO . Sponsor yourself – Choose a condiment to spice up your
meals – maximum 40 grams. Try Moroccan seasoning or
TRY SOMETHING NEW some chili flakes perhaps. Refugees use chicken stock cubes
for flavour. If you raise:
You made it through the first day and you’re still here
– congratulations! Remember to pace yourself as $100 – Reward yourself with 100g of milk powder or sugar.
you might be lacking energy, and make sure you tell
all your colleagues and friends about your amazing $200 – Earn 6 tea bags. Syrians drink black tea.
experience. $300 – You’ve earned one onion, one egg and one
tomato for extra flavouring.
Top Food Tip
$400 – Add a serving of greens: silver beet or spinach.
Drink LOTS of water as the diet will be a detox which And a lemon.
may cause a headache reaction. Water! Water!
Water!!! Try to eat meals with other people taking $500 – Add 200g of plain yoghurt.
part in the experience and keep yourself busy to $1,000 – Wow! Reward yourself with a bonus item of your
distract you from the boredom of the meals. choice up to the value of $5. It must be one item only.
Operation Refugee 2021 4
Recipes and Hints
for Operation Refugee
Here are some helpful hints in
getting the basics right.
WHAT TO DO WITH CHICKPEAS
The best way to utilise these is to cook
them all in one go.
Soak the chickpeas overnight in lots of cold water.
Drain the next day and cover with lots of fresh water,
Set on a medium heat and simmer till soft. This will
take at least 45 minutes.
Top up with water as you are cooking as required.
Store in the cooking water, keep refrigerated.
Grant Allen – chef During the week you will want the odd snack
Grant Allen has spanned the NZ food world in
Toasted Chickpeas
experience. A restauranteur, a food journalist,
a caterer, a teacher.
He believes that food has a universal language
and that eating together can unite us. In a heavy pan add 1 tablespoon of oil.
He has been involved with many food based Add 2½ cups of cooked chickpeas.
fundraising activities but was particularly excited Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
to be asked to join OPERATION REFUGEE.
Add 2 teaspoons of spice mix.
https://www.facebook.com/GRANTCOOKS
Keep moving over a medium heat till the chickpeas
https://instagram.com/grantallencookltd start to colour.
HINT
These are good to snack on but could also be
made into a salad with a squeeze of lemon,
some chopped herbs, grated vegetables and a
bit more oil.
Your Food Box
Operation Refugee 2021 5
WHAT TO DO WITH RICE FRIED RICE
I’d suggest you cook half your rice to have for 2 servings
it ready to use.
Take 5 cups of cooked rice.
Cooked Rice MUST be kept covered in the
Wrap a tea towel around the rice and squeeze hard
refrigerator and used within 2 days.
or leave overnight.
The rice needs to be as dry as possible.
COOKING RICE Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a solid fry pan.
Once really hot, add the rice.
Use your favourite method or try this. Keep tossing the rice to get a bit of colour.
Use a large pot with a tight fitting lid.
Add a little salt and spice mix to flavour.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the pot.
Add 4 cups of rice and toss around in the oil.
Add 8 cups of boiling water.
Stir until it all comes back to the boil.
Boil for 2 minutes.
Put the lid on. HINT
Remove from the heat. Use extra supplies to add more flavour - some
chopped fresh herbs, a diced tomato, a few chili
Leave 20 mins, do not remove the lid!
flakes, some finely sliced greens.
Lift off the lid and fluff up with a fork.
Your rice will be ready.
Fried Rice
Operation Refugee 2021 6
Here are some recipes:
RICE CAKES
Makes 4
5 cups of cooked rice
1/4 cup of flour RICE BAKE
1/2 cup of cold water
pinch of salt Serves 4
Mix flour, water and salt together till smooth. o
Preheat the oven to 180 C Rice Cake with Sauce
Add the rice.
Stir well and leave to sit for at least 1/2 an hour.
4 cups of cooked rice
Heat a little oil in a small pan till hot. 2 cups of cooked chickpeas
Add a quarter of the mix and push down flat 1 cup of drained smoked fish
in the pan. 1 cup of water
Cook gently till the bottom has firmed, carefully flip 1 teaspoon of salt
the rice cake. 1 teaspoon of spice mix
Continue to cook till firm and the cake can be lifted
from the pan. Mix the above ingredients.
Repeat to finish the mix. Smear 1 tablespoon of oil on the base of a
baking dish.
Press the mixture into the dish.
Sauce. Bake for 45 minutes.
1/4 cup of flour
1/2 cup of water
1 Tablespoon of spice mix
Blend well and gently warm till thick.
Pour over the rice cakes.
HINT
If you have any ingredients from your rewards,
shred some greens, chop some tomatoes or
onions and mix into the chickpea / rice mix for
extra flavour.
Rice Cakes with Fish
Chickpea/Fish Bake
Operation Refugee 2021 7
LENTIL SOUP
Wash and drain the lentils in cold water.
Place in a pot and cover with cold water.
Bring to the boil and then
turn down.
Simmer until tender, about
20 minutes.
Add a little salt and spice mix
to flavour.
Flatbreads
FLAT BREADS Lentil Soup
Makes 6 HINT
1½ cups of flour The Flatbreads would be good served with this.
2½ tablespoons of oil If you have Reward ingredients, add some
1/2 cup of very warm water yoghurt, chili and onions.
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Dissolve the salt in water.
LENTILS WITH
Blend the flour and oil.
Add the salted water.
Knead for 2 minutes. FRIED GREENS,
EGG and YOGHURT
Divide the dough into 6.
Rest for 30 minutes.
Roll each piece of dough out into a circle.
Rest 30 minutes. Shred some greens and cook quickly
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a very hot fry pan. with a little oil in a small pan.
Cook each flat bread, one at a time, allow to seal on Set aside.
the bottom then turn. Warm some cooked lentils in the pan.
Press a dip in the lentils, spread the cooked greens
Flavour with a little spice mix and oil. around this, and break an egg to sit in the dip.
Return to the heat, turn to low, and allow the egg
to start cooking.
Place a pot lid across the top of
the pan to help the egg firm.
Dress with some yoghurt and
HINT a sprinkle of chili flakes.
These would be good for breakfast.
HINT
A great breakfast Egg with lentils
or lunch treat. and yoghurt
Operation Refugee 2021 8
WHAT TO DO WITH Kidney Beans KIDNEY BEAN, RICE
AND FISH
Kidney beans are low in fat and high in
protein and fibre. This is a way of using up leftover cooked rice.
The dry beans need to be soaked overnight in Mix together as many cooked beans with cooked
plenty of water before cooking. rice as you feel like eating.
In a large bowl cover the beans with at least double Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy based pan.
volume of water, they absorb a lot! If you have them add half a cup of finely chopped
The next day drain off, put in a large saucepan, onion, 3 crushed cloves of garlic and a spoon of
cover with cold water and bring to the boil. your seasoning.
Turn down the heat and simmer, this will take an Cook this gently to soften, don’t let the onion colour.
hour. Add your beans and rice, add some more seasoning
Cook until the beans are soft and “squidgy“, you if you can spare it and a good pinch of salt.
should be able to crush them with your fingers. Toss around to warm through, add as much fish as
If you are storing the beans (in the fridge) leave them you like and cover for a few minutes to heat through
in their cooking liquid. the fish.
Cover and store. Again, finely chopped herbs or greens are good
on top.
A good squeeze of lemon would also sharpen the
flavour.
REFRIED BEANS
Here’s hoping you have earned some rewards to
flavour up these guys.
Allow a cup of drained beans per person.
Mash the beans with a potato masher or blitz them
in a food processor.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy based pan.
If you have them add half a cup of finely chopped
Soaked beans
onion, 3 crushed cloves of garlic and a spoon of
your seasoning.
Cook this gently to soften, don’t let the onion colour.
Add your mashed beans, a good pinch of salt and
keep stirring until it all heats through.
Any herbs or finely chopped greens can be added
for more flavour.
These would be a good spread on flat breads –
recipe on page 18.
If you have an egg, fry it in a little oil and sit it on top
of the refried beans for a hearty breakfast.
Kidney bean rice and fish
Operation Refugee 2021 9
HUMMUS
Take a cup of cooked chickpeas and
place in a blender.
Add the juice of a lemon.
Add 3 cloves of peeled garlic.
Add a tablespoon of oil.
Start blending.
Stream in warm water till you have a firm,
smooth paste.
Za’atar Seasoning
HINT
Use with flatbreads,
spoonfuls as a snack.
HINTS IF YOU HAVE SOME REWARD
Hummus
INGREDIENTS:
CHILI ONIONS
Finely slice your peeled onion.
Add a teaspoon of chili flakes.
ZA’ATAR Cook gently in a bit of oil till soft.
These would be great to add flavour Reward Ingredients
to the soups or bakes you make with
This is a very common spice mix used in the Food Box ingredients.
Syrian food.
3 tablespoons of thyme leaves YOGHURT
2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
Dress soups, patties or add to salads
2 teaspoons of sumac
made with cooked chickpeas or lentils.
1/2 a teaspoon of coarse salt Onions for
extra flavour
Blend altogether in a spice grinder or crush together
by pounding in a mortar and pestle.
GREEN VEGES
Slice these finely and blend into the
bakes, soups or salads.
FRESH HERBS
Herbs will add a flavour lift to all the food
HINT we are making.
Spice mixes can be a Snip freshly over any of the dishes for a fresh zing.
substitute for tea
or coffee, blend a LEMON
teaspoon in a glass of
Za’atar Seasoning A squeeze of citrus will enhance any cooking
warm water.
or a glass of water.
Sharpen up the taste with a little juice before eating.
You can also use the zest to add flavour.
Thanks to the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees in Jordan
and Lebanon for stories and images.
Thanks to Paul Jeffrey, ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) for images.
Thanks to Felicity Jansonius and Kathlene Soo for being part of the DSPR Jordan and DSPR Lebanon
Operation Refugee Team.
“Thanks for your act of kindness. We will always cherish it in our hearts.
Thank you for your support and being part of Operation Refugee and
raising funds to support us. In today’s world, where there is no help or
thought for refugees, you went out of the way for us. God bless you.”
A Syrian refugee living in Jordan
www.cwsoperationrefugee.nz
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