Around one-third of food produced worldwide is lost or wasted, but there are simple ways to minimise food waste. Maximising your meal plan by using leftovers is one such way. Leftover chicken, beef or fish can be repurposed into a sandwich, wrap or salad, while rice can be used for fried rice or as a salad base. Leftovers can also be frozen, a meal plan can be created to use up ingredients, and leftovers can be turned into a soup or stew. Composting is another option, creating nutrient-rich soil from food scraps to fertilise gardens.
Maximizing Your Meal Plan: Clever Ways to Use Leftovers
Food waste is a major problem around the world. According to the United Nations, around one-third of the food produced worldwide is lost or wasted. As a result, finding ways to minimize food waste is crucial. One way to do this is by maximizing your meal plan, and discovering clever ways to use leftovers. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to do just that.
1. Repurpose leftovers
If you have leftover chicken, beef, or fish, you can easily repurpose it into a delicious sandwich, wrap or salad. Add some lettuce, cheese, and tomato, and you’ve got yourself a tasty lunch. Leftover rice can be turned into fried rice or used as a base for a salad. Leftover vegetables can be mixed with eggs, cheese, and milk to create a quiche, or used in a stir fry.
2. Freeze leftovers
One of the simplest ways to use leftover food is by freezing it. Cooked meat, pasta, and sauce can all be frozen for use at a later time. When storing leftovers in the freezer, make sure to label everything with the name of the food and the date it was prepared. This way, you can keep track of what you have on hand and avoid confusion.
3. Create a meal plan
Creating a meal plan is an excellent way to ensure that you use your leftovers. Start by making a list of all the ingredients you have on hand, and then plan your meals around them. For instance, if you have leftover chicken, you might plan to make a chicken stir fry or salad. If you have leftover rice, you could plan to make fried rice or add it to a casserole.
4. Use leftovers for breakfast
Leftovers can also be a breakfast food. For instance, leftover roasted vegetables can be reheated and used as a side dish for eggs. Leftover chili can be used as a base for a breakfast burrito or omelet. There are plenty of creative ways to use leftovers for a nutritious breakfast.
5. Make a soup or stew
If you have a lot of leftover vegetables, meat, or pasta, consider making a soup or stew. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and other aromatics, then add your leftover ingredients, along with some broth and seasoning. Simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together for a delicious, hearty meal.
6. Compost leftovers
Finally, if you simply can’t find a use for your leftovers, consider composting them. By composting food scraps, you can create nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow more food. All you need is a compost bin or pile, and some patience. With regular turning and a little water, you’ll soon have a rich, black compost that can be used to fertilize your garden.
Conclusion
There are many ways to maximize your meal plan and use leftovers. By repurposing leftovers, freezing them, creating a meal plan, using them for breakfast, making a soup or stew, or composting them, you can reduce food waste and save money at the same time. In the end, it’s a win-win situation for both you and the planet. So, the next time you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste. Get creative and discover new ways to use them.