Have you ever found yourself in front of a fridge full of leftovers and wondering what you could make of them? Instead of throwing them away, with a little creativity and a few simple tricks, you can turn them into gourmet dishes.
What to do with leftover food? Leftovers are common an overlooked source of culinary inspiration. Although leftovers may seem like they have no potential, we'll show you how to make gourmet meals out of them.
Imagine a creamy risotto made from leftover vegetables, a juicy pizza with pieces of roasted meat, or even a dessert made from unused fruit. Find out how you can with a little imagination and skills to reduce food waste and enjoy great meals.
1. Chicken stew from leftover roasted chicken
If you have leftover roast chicken, cut it into smaller pieces and use it to make a delicious chicken casserole. Add chopped onion, carrots and celery to a large pot and fry them in olive oil. Add the chicken, chicken stock (which can be made from chicken bones), potatoes, peas, and corn. Cook everything together until the vegetables become soft. Add salt, pepper and some fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. Serve with fresh bread.
2. Fried rice from leftover rice
You can quickly and easily turn leftover cooked rice into fried rice. Heat a little oil in a pan and add chopped onion, garlic and ginger. Then add whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, peppers, peas or corn. When the vegetables are cooked, add the rice and some soy sauce. Finally, stir in the beaten egg and cook until set. If desired, you can also add pieces of chicken or shrimp.
3. Italian frittata from leftover vegetables
If you have leftover cooked vegetables, you can use them to make an Italian frittata. Beat the eggs in a bowl, add salt, pepper and some grated parmesan cheese. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and add the vegetables. Once heated, pour over the egg mixture. Cook over medium heat until the eggs start to set, then transfer the pan to the oven and bake at 180 degrees Celsius until the frittata is golden brown. Serve with a green salad.
4. Pasta au gratin
Leftover pasta can be turned into pasta au gratin. Add the pasta to an ovenproof dish, cover it with a cream sauce made from butter, flour, milk and cheese (bechamel sauce). Sprinkle grated cheese on top and bake in the oven until the cheese is baked and golden brown. If desired, you can add pieces of cooked ham, chicken or vegetables.
5. Salad from the remains of roasted meat
If you have leftover roast meat, you can use it to make a delicious salad. Cut the meat into thin slices and add it to a mixed salad of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion and avocado. For dressing, use olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper. The salad will be even tastier if you add some nuts.
6. Fruit smoothie from leftover fruit
The remains of fresh or ripe fruit can be used to prepare a refreshing smoothie. Blend bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apples or any other fruit you have available, add some yogurt or milk and some ice. Blend everything together in a blender until you get a smooth mixture. If desired, you can also add a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
7. Bread cubes from stale bread
Leftover old bread can be used to make crispy bread cubes. Cut the bread into small cubes, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite spices (eg garlic powder, thyme, rosemary) and bake in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius until golden brown and crispy. These bread cubes are great for salads or soups.
Creativity in the kitchen is the key to extraordinary meals that can be made from anything.
