Once you’ve prepared a meal, there are many things you can do with leftovers. They can be stored, repurposed, and frozen. Here are a few ideas. These tips can help you make the most of your scraps. Use them to your advantage and save money, time, and frustration.
Recipes
Over the years, people have been learning to stretch leftovers. Even the simplest of leftovers can be turned into a hearty soup. You can also turn leftover ham into a simple hash. And mashed potatoes are perfect for topping casseroles. Leftover pasta can become a tasty frittata or pasta salad.
Storage
Leftovers are an excellent source of healthy and convenient meals throughout the week. They are a great way to stretch your meal planning budget and prevent food waste. However, there are certain things to remember when storing cooked food. First and foremost, ensure you’re following proper food safety practices. This includes proper storage and packaging.
Freezing
Freezing leftovers makes them readily available when you need a quick meal. It also prevents freezer burn and preserves color, texture, and flavor. Many types of foods can be frozen successfully.
Breakfast omelet
Breakfast omelets are a great way to use up leftovers. They are packed with protein and healthy fats, making them an excellent breakfast option, but they can also be eaten for lunch or dinner. Even better, leftovers will taste better than when they were freshly cooked, and you can add extra flavors or less salt if you wish.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are the ultimate lunchtime hero. Sandwiches are versatile because they can deliver all the primary food groups without the need for a fork. They don’t require much preparation and can easily be reheated. The downside is that sandwiches can get old very quickly, so be sure to keep a fully stocked drawer of cold cuts on hand.
Salads
Salads with leftovers are ideal for potlucks, barbecues, and weekday lunches. You can make them the night before to save time; some are even better the next day. A good example is Caesar salad, which uses raw egg and anchovies for its flavor, and a Dijon mustard dressing.
Soups
There are several ways to make soups from leftovers. For example, you can add cooked meats or vegetables to the broth. You can also add grains or pasta. Fresh herbs can also be added for color and flavor.
Tacos
Tacos can be a great way to use up leftovers from other meals. Once you’ve made a batch of tacos, you can use the leftover meat in other recipes. You can even turn taco meat into a breakfast hash. Add some chopped vegetables, eggs, and salsa for a delicious breakfast treat. Taco meat is also a great filling for stuffed potatoes. Bake them for twenty to thirty minutes to make them fluffy and delicious.
Rice
Leftover rice can be used in many ways. It can be added to a chicken and rice soup or a smoky Hatch chile corn chowder and topped with your favorite vegetables or protein. It can even be used as a bed for a stir fry.
