We are all guilty of not making the most of our leftovers, either because we forget they are buried in the back of the fridge, or time slips away from us. This is why it's important to get into the mindset of using leftovers. There are so many creative ways to do it, so let's show you a few methods that can reinvigorate meal times.
In a Stir Fry
The great thing about stir fries is that it's a combination of pretty much anything, as long as it's got that nice salty umami flavor. This easy pork fried rice recipe is just one example, but you can get incredibly creative. Whether you use noodles or rice, it's an amazing way to use leftovers and bring something different to the dinner table, especially if your kids aren't eating enough vegetables!
Omelets
If you want to use the posh word, frittatas are another great way to use leftover vegetables, from carrots to peppers and potatoes, along with plenty of beaten eggs. If you've got a few cans of chopped tomatoes lying around, you can make a shakshuka, which is a healthy spicy sauce full of vegetables with poached eggs dropped in on the frying pan at the last second. Delicious!
Use Every Last Bit
We're all guilty of throwing away the last bits, from trimmings to almost empty jars, but you can be incredibly creative with these. For example, you can use trimmings from your vegetables to make a stock for stews and soups. You could also use stalks of coriander or parsley in curries or even pasta dishes. Peelings from carrots, parsnips, or potatoes can be cooked in the oven until crisp and used as a tasty snack in themselves. Potato skins are particularly healthy, with all of the potassium and fiber locked in there. Chopping up crispy potato skins and putting them in your mashed potato is just another way to create another level of flavor.
Storing Leftovers Sensibly
If you want to avoid food waste and maximize every little thing, it's not just in the meals you make, but you can also help make your food last longer by storing it properly. You can store unused sources and stocks in the freezer, and instead of putting them in tupperware boxes, you can use a refrigerator bag. Be sure to date the bag so you know which ones to use first. You can also freeze foods like butter, cheese, and even eggs!
Have a Leftovers Night
If it's getting pretty close to payday and you've got to get more creative, a leftovers night will be exactly what the doctor ordered. A leftovers night, where you can mix and match everything, either in frittatas, stir fry, or blended into pasta, are all amazing ways for you to not just use up these leftovers but also make changes to your diet in subtle ways. Blending all of your vegetables into a sauce that can be stirred into pasta is an amazing way to increase your nutrient intake. Rather than thinking that your food only serves one purpose, it pays to be creative!