Save time and money by preparing larger meals and planning for leftovers.
How to store leftovers
Wrap leftovers tightly.
Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours or less of preparation.
Use within 2 to 3 days after cooking.
Leftovers can be frozen for 2 to 3 months.
Remember to label and date all packages and use the oldest ones first.
Ideas for How to Use Common Leftovers
Cooked Vegetables
Add to a pasta salad or lettuce salad.
Add to a casserole.
Add to a can of soup.
Use potatoes as a casserole topping.
Use in omelettes.
Add to spaghetti sauces.
Add to a stir fry.
Fruit
Add to jelly or Jell-O.
Use in a tossed salad.
Eat raw as a snack or dessert.
Use over cereal.
Add to pancakes or waffles.
Add to yogurt, ice cream, or cottage cheese.
Blend into a milkshakes.
Add to baked goods.
Freeze overripe bananas and use in loaves or muffins.
Freeze grapes and eat as a snack.
Meat and Alternatives
Combine with potatoes and onions.
Add to macaroni and cheese.
Use in a casserole.
Use in spaghetti sauce one day, then add kidney beans, chopped vegetables, and chili seasoning for another meal,
Use in soups,
Freeze for later use,
Use in a sandwich,
Grain Products
Use leftover pasta for pasta salad, soups, or casseroles.
Use leftover rice for rice pudding, soups, casseroles, or fried rice.
Use dried bread to coat chicken or fish, as a casserole topping, or as croutons for salads or soups.
Simply Soup
This soup is so easy to make, you almost do not need a recipe. Look in your pantry and see what you have.
16 oz. (473 mL can) whole tomatoes with juice
1 cup (250 mL) cooked rice, pasta, beans, peas, or lentils
1 cup (250 mL) leftover vegetables, chopped
1 cup (250 mL) leftover meat or poultry
To taste - favourite herbs
1 can soup (your choice)
Put all the ingredients in a large pot. Simmer for 30 minutes. Enjoy with a whole wheat bun, milk, or fruit. Reprinted from To Your Health! Adventure of the Solo Diner, Dietitians of Canada.
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