How to Make the Most of Leftovers

What to Do with Leftovers As a concept, leftovers are generally regarded as a nuisance, or more of a way to take the easy option after cooking a large meal the previous night. Referring leftover food into tasty meals does not only save spending money but also assists to shape an efficient cook. In this article, you will find out how to extend the usages of your leftovers: inspire and efficient. 1. Accept the Principle of Waste = 0 It is important because people need to use leftovers as a rule in order to avoid wasting food. We saw in 2016 that millions and billions of people toss food in the bin, and most of it could have been turned into healthy meals. To be zero-waste is, for example, to be aware of what you are cooking and how you can use every ingredient in several ways. Plan meals with leftovers in mind: Try to plan in advance what you can do with the leftovers to create entirely new dishes for the subsequent day. For instance, if you cook a chicken for supper, you should be prepared how you’re going to use chicken scraps in a chicken soup or a salad. Organize your fridge: Refrigerate the remaining portions and keep them in a bowl that is transparent after throwing some trash for you to know when you should have cooked a new meal. Storing older items in front of other food products will help a person to be conscious of using them first. 2. The very notion of reforging your leftovers is something that Surely, repurposing leftovers does not have to be dull. Of course with some imagination you can turn what was cooked the day before into an entirely new dish. a) Basic Techniques: Re-make Hearty Soups and Stews You can easily use the leftovers of a roast or grilled meat in soups and stews. In my case, one has to chop the remaining meat and cook it together with vegetables and soups, along with spices and herbs. You can add rice, noodles or beans, something that will make the dish more nutritious. Example: If you have remaining beef prepare a beef and vegetable soup.; If beef is still remaining prepare a beef and vegetable soup. Diced potatoes carrot, celery and barley may be added especially for a stew for a fully packed meal. Tip: Roasted vegetables can be used in the soup, and for those that are served the following day, it’s advisable to blend them to make a smooth soup or include them as a chunky soup. b) Cooked Vegetables for Breakfast Most of the cooked vegetables can actually be part of breakfast foods. You can make an omelet, frittata, or breakfast burritos out of them. The options are limitless; it is one of the most fulfilling means of kick starting your day with a power packed meal. Example: If you have some roasted bell peppers, onions, and potatoes, beaten eggs and cheese will make a great frittata for you. Tip: Simply take the remaining greens and sauté with a small clove of garlic and two tablespoons of olive oil in order to make a delicious topping for toast or cereal. 3. You need not prepare plain rice or grains as a standalone dish because they can be made into attractive bowls In reapportioning the rice or grain dishes such as quinoa and farro, they can be used to make Bowls. redesign your protein, vegetables and sauce and feel the joy of a different dish. Mediterranean bowl: Any remaining grains may be added to the base ingredients, along with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, olives and tahini dressing. Asian-inspired bowl: Four chopped green onions, three tablespoons soy sauce, two tablespoons rice vinegar, two tablespoons brown sugar, and one tablespoon and one teaspoon ground ginger. For the final touch add green onions that have been chopped, and sesame seeds. If your rice has formed a sort of cement-like texture, you can return it to the same pot with a knob of butter or some stock and heat until it is fluffy again. 4. Use Stale Bread in Your Cooking Stale bread is a product that many people take to the bin after considering it unsuitable for consumption usually because it had been left for long. Make croutons: Cut stale bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and put in the oven until crisp. These croutons can be used to garnish salads or soups. Bread pudding: Take bread that is a bit old, mix with eggs, milk, sugar and spices and then bake for a delicious treat. It’s also possible to prepare a vegetarian version with cheese and the addition of vegetables, this would make a perfect brunch meal. Homemade breadcrumbs: Dry toast slices of bread in the oven and then blend in a food processor: use the crumbs for breading poultry or as a topping for pastas. 5. Use Amazing Sauces and Other Accompaniments When you are done with sauces and condiments, there are other ways of preparing meals out of them. Marinara or Alfredo sauce: freeze leftover pasta sauce for a new pasta dish with the sauce or for using as toppings for homemade pizzas. Gravy: The gravy may be used to thicken mashed potatoes or used as a filling for a homemade pot pie. Pesto: In case you are left with pesto sauce you can add it to mayonnaise to make a tasty sandwich spread while pesto sauce can also be used to marinate grilled chicken or fish. 6. Leftover grilled meats and roasts When preparing meals that require grilled meat or roast, you’ll find that the leftovers are very versatile. Here are some creative ways to breathe new life into them: Enchiladas: Pull apart chicken, pork or beef and use it to stuff enchiladas. Add some brand new toppings such as salsa, avocado, and even lime to give it a new taste. Sandwiches and wraps: Leftover meat can be eaten in a sandwich or wrap when sliced. A great accompaniment to fresh vegetables; cheese and spreads of your choice for a wholesome lunch meal. Casseroles: Particularly, remnant meat should be used in casseroles containing rice, pasta or potatoes and this will give you a satisfying meal. 7. Use pasta and noodles wisely Pasta dishes, especially those that rely heavily on one type of noodle, can easily be reheated and changed into another dish. Lasagna leftovers: Combine your pasta with marinara sauce and top it with mozzarella cheese before baking till they turn bubbly. Stir-fry: Take the cold pasta and stir fry them into a dish. Combine the sauce with quantities of vegetables of your choice, your protein, and serve it Asian style. Pasta salad: If boiling pasta isn’t you thing then try cold pasta salad by adding crunchy vegetables, seasonal herbs, and dressing. 8. Include Leftovers in Your Meal Prepping Meal prepping? Well, leftovers should become your new best friend. Use them to prepare your meal prep containers for the week with having to make alternate options. Divide leftovers: Repackage the remainders of grains, proteins and vegetables into meal prep containers then garnish with new ingredients such as lettuce or a sauce. Freeze for later: If you do not intend to use them right away, pack them and freeze them for use at the next meal. But before you pack, be sure to get your containers labeled, as well as the date to make recognition easier. 9. Use the Leftovers creatively Desserts can also be made even from leftovers. Here are a few ideas: Fruit stew: Whether you have an abundance of any particular fruit, you can chop it and add a spoon of sugar and lemon juice into it and cook it to make a compote. People can use it on pancakes, yogurt, or frozen ice cream, among others. Banana bread: Cooking With Your Kids, Ever tried using ripe bananas for banana bread or banana muffins? We also use them in the freezer for smoothies which can be a very healthy way to have a quick wholesome meal. Cookie crumbs: Generally, taking stale cookies: For instance, if you have leftover cookies, you would have to crush them to form a base for your cheesecake or put on top of your ice cream. 10. Make Stock from Scraps Vegetable peels, meat bones, and herb stems don’t need to become the landfill’s burden. Accumulate these scraps in a freezer safe bag, and when you have enough of them, use it to make a tasty homemade stock. Just boil the leftovers with water, a bay leaf, and some peppercorns, The liquid which remains after filtration is used for soups, stews and sauces preparations. Conclusion Reducing portion control is quite tipsy and not only an effort-saving idea but also a good chance to try and invent new recipes all the time. Instead of once again ordering a pizza, try using your creativity to repurpose and transform your leftovers, and save money and time throughout the week. Just a little thinking and creativity can take the leftovers from the previous day and turn them into treats for the next. By following all of them you’ll be able to breathe new life into your leftovers and transform them into culinary masterpieces. Don’t take it too seriously and have a good time coming up with new recipes!