If you love cooking fresh, delicious meals as much as we do, chances are you’re probably left with a lot of leftovers. No one likes to waste food or money, so instead of throwing them away we’re sharing some creative, practical and easy ways to transform your leftovers. Our secret? Think of your scraps as ingredients, not unwanted remnants (as long as they aren’t expired, of course!)
Veggies
You’re in luck, because veggies are some of the easiest items to re-purpose a million different ways. Try pureeing your leftover veggies in a blender along with some chicken or vegetable broth for a hearty soup. If soup isn’t your thing, you can add them into a sauce to create a hearty pasta primavera or veggie chili. In search of a quick and easy dinner? Pop leftover vegetables into a quick omelette or frittata that the whole family will love (see our recipe below).
Stovetop Mushroom & Collard Green Frittata
Meat
Leftover chicken, turkey or beef are extremely versatile additions to a variety of meals. To save time and money add them to a sandwich along with your favourite condiments and veggies for a filling lunch. Alternatively, you can add them into stews and soups, use them as pizza toppings or if you feel like a lighter fare, mix them with some dark, leafy greens and add a flavor packed dressing for a nutritious salad.
Roast Beef Dip Sandwich with Horseradish Sauce
Bones
Many people discard their meat and seafood bones, but they’re missing out! They are perfect for adding a robust, dynamic flavor into a homemade stock than you can even pop into an ice cube tray and freeze for later.
Bread
If your bread is past it’s prime, all isn’t lost. Stale bread is best for making homemade breadcrumbs that you can later coat your poultry of choice in for a classic cutlet or you can add some seasonings to make your own croutons to add to your salads and soups.
Rice
Revamp yesterday’s leftover rice into today’s supper! For a one-skillet meal add rice along with some onions, veggies and an egg into a pan to create a homemade version of a classic take-out dish: Fried Rice. If you’ve got a little more time, try hollowing out the inside of a bell pepper and stuffing it with leftover rice, sprinkle a little cheese on top and bake it in the oven for colourful stuffed peppers.
For more unique ways to make use of your leftovers see these extra tips from Spencer’s BIG 30 host, Spencer Watts and we’d love to hear how you use your leftover ingredients and scraps in the kitchen.
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