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Fewer leftovers, fewer waste

One of the factors that contributes the most to food waste is the misuse of leftovers, and families are often at the epicentre of this problem. But for what reasons?

Despite not being intentional, waste can be caused by a lack of planning before buying and cooking, which often leads to excessive food leftovers, incorrect storage of food, and even problems in understanding the recommendations present in product packaging. After all, there has to be a difference between the “expiry date” and the “best before” date.

With our tips and recipes, you’ll never have to waste any leftovers.

The secret is in the dates

Dates are not all the same: When the packaging has an "expiry date", that is the last day a product is safe for consumption. When it says "best before", we are talking about the date until which the food retains its specific properties. It can be eaten after that date, if preserving rules are respected.

How to turn leftover food into new dishes?

Making the most out of your leftover food does not mean eating the same thing over and over. Get ideas to creatively use your leftover food and make delicious dishes!

  • Picnic-friendly pastries

    What if we told you that a rice dish can become a plateful of croquettes? Or rissoles? They’re great for picnics, to have for lunch and the kids love them! Try using leftover stews, from beef for example, to create a delicious filling for rissoles or even pies.

  • Quiche, tart and pie – can’t go wrong

    A slice of quiche and a soup always tastes good on the stomach and in your wallet – as quiches are the perfect recipe for cooking with sautéed chicken leftovers and vegetables. The best thing about quiches is that they depend on your creativity. Puff pastry, eggs and cream are the binders. The filling is entirely up to you.

  • Easy school lunches

    Preparing school lunches can be time-consuming: how to vary your recipes, keep them nutritious, and make sure they are appealing to kids and teens? In reality, it is not all that difficult, and some leftover food make for some delicious and healthy school lunches. How? Think omelettes, frittatas and sandwiches! Some veggies and meats are some eggs away of becoming omelette fillings or frittata stars. These can, then, be enjoyed by themselves or in a fulfilling and tasty sandwich with some greens.

Recipes with leftover food

Get inspired by these recipes with leftover food.

Rice and tomato croquettes

Rice and tomato croquettes in a bowl with arugula, whole tomatoes, cutlery and salt and pepper shakers on a cutting board.

Ingredients

  • 200g leftover rice and tomato
  • 1 medium egg
  • 80 g shredded cheese
  • 1 tbs chopped parsley
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 mozzarella cheese, fresh, cubed
  • 500 ml frying oil
  • Fresh basil, to taste

For the crumbs:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 200 g bread crumbs

Preparation

  1. In a bowl add rice, egg, grated cheese, parsley and pepper. Mix well.
  2. For the crumbed finish, separate flour, beaten eggs and bread crumbs in three different bowls.
  3. Spread the rice mixture into your hands and place a mozzarella cube in the centre. Close and mould into a ball.
  4. Coat the rice ball in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg and finally coat it in bread crumbs.
  5. Repeat until there’s no more rice.
  6. In a frying pan, heat up the oil and fry the rice ball. Serve them hot and garnished with basil leaves.

Chicken Quiche

Chicken quiche

Ingredients

  • 1 puff pastry base
  • 100 g chopped spinach
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 chopped garlic clove
  • 3 medium eggs
  • 200 ml cooking cream
  • 300 g cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Nutmeg, to taste

Preparation

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 170 °C.
  2. Line a removable-bottom tart dish with the puff pastry.
  3. In a frying pan, sauté the spinach and garlic in olive oil.
  4. Use a fork to whisk the eggs with the cream in a bowl.
  5. Add shredded chicken, chopped spinach, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Mix well.
  6. Lay the mix in the tart dish, over the pastry.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes.

Fish Tacos

Fish Tacos

Ingredients

  • 300 g leftover fish
  • 1 lime
  • 1 head red cabbage
  • 1 mango
  • 200 g pineapple
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 corn taco shells
  • 100 g spinach
  • 8 tsp cocktail sauce
  • Cilantro, to taste

Preparation

  1. Combine your fish leftovers with lime juice in a large bowl.
  2. Add shredded red cabbage and cubed mango and pineapple. Drizzle the mix with olive oil and combine.
  3. Lay the spinach in the taco shells and the fish mix over them.
  4. Drizzle with cocktail sauce, sprinkle with cilantro and serve immediately.

 

But, when it comes to leftover food, these are absolutely not the only options! Your leftover food has a lot of yet undiscovered potential. We’re talking about leftover chicken fajitas, quinoa or rice burritos, salmon soufflés, fried rice, enchiladas, soup, casseroles, among numerous others. Let your creativity run wild and love your leftover food.

Know 8 more tips to avoid food waste.