Introduction to Leftover Cooking

Leftovers are often seen as a nuisance, but they can be transformed into delicious meals with a bit of creativity and planning. From roasts to soups, turning surplus food into something new and exciting can not only save money but also ensure that every ingredient is used to its fullest potential.

Planning and Preparing for Leftovers

When planning your meals, consider which dishes are best left for another night. Roasts, stews, chili, soups, and one-time event dishes like roasts are excellent candidates for effective leftover utilization. For these dishes, precooking can be a game-changer. For instance, sous-vide cooking can help you undercook large batches of meat, which you can then finish later in the week for various meals. This method is particularly useful for chicken thighs, which can be used in numerous recipes from poached chicken with teriyaki dip to shredded chicken with chile sauce, diced chicken with mac and cheese, and even instant ramen toppings.

Transforming Meat into Versatile Meals

When you cook meat to a medium-rare and then finish it in the oven later, the possibilities are endless. The discarded chicken can transform into several dishes with minimal time and effort. For example, poach the chicken and serve it with a teriyaki dip, shred the chicken for a chile sauce made from dried Ancho and Guajillo chiles, dice it for a comforting chicken mac and cheese, or use it as a topping for instant ramen.

Building a Stockpile of Leftover Ingredients

Leftovers can be saved and repurposed with the right storage techniques. My mother, a practical woman, teaches us to repurpose every bit. After roasts, store the bones for two weeks, then use them to make bone broth. Even vegetable scraps find a new life when repurposed. Freeze onion peels, carrot tops, and celery tops to make bone broth. Leftover vegetables can be stored in freezer bags with a label for future soups. A variety of soups and stews, like hot and sour soup, stir-fry veggies, and vegetable soup, can be made with these ingredients. Leftover meats are either frozen individually or used within three days. My family loves my meat pies, especially pork pies, so I make at least one a month and even the stews and soups are favorite meals.

The Leftover Layer Bake: A Creative Solution

One of my favorite leftover repurposing techniques is the leftover layer bake. This is a no-fuss, no-recipe meal that utilizes any ingredients you have on hand that need a home. Start by gathering everything in your refrigerator that you would normally discard. Place the items on a chopping board, then transfer them to a baking dish and sprinkle with grated cheese. Layer the ingredients, including a bechamel sauce if available. Top with grated cheese and bechamel, then bake until golden and bubbly. It's a quick and delicious way to use up leftover ingredients. It's also a great way to entertain, as you can invite the staff from the local pizza places for a celebration at your home!

Conclusion

Leftover cooking is not just about saving money and reducing waste; it's about creativity and enjoying the process of turning a few ingredients into a feast. Whether you prefer to sous-vide meats, make bone broth, or use a leftover layer bake, there are many ways to embrace this culinary art. So, the next time you're faced with a multitude of leftovers, let your imagination guide you and turn them into something extraordinary.