By: Ginette Blake, RD
About half of all the food produced in Canada is wasted. That sure sounds absurd to me. Some of that waste is avoidable (i.e. try to eat your leftovers), and some is unavoidable (i.e. nobody finds coffee grounds and tea bags very appetizing!) While this waste happens at many levels of the food system (production, manufacturing, processing, distribution, restaurants, hotels, retail), we can all do something about the waste in our homes with a little planning. Food is sometimes wasted when we lack inspiration.
Sometimes, we call leftovers “planned-overs” at our house because the extra food is intentional and wanted. This can be super helpful on busy nights. This can simply be making enough of a particular meal to serve it for future lunches or dinners. The term “meal prepping” has become very popular. I like to spread it out and skip a day, rather than eat the same food for 3-4 days in a row. (If properly stored, leftovers are safe in the fridge for 3-4 days.)
- Slow Cooker Staples: I still favour my slow cooker to make big batches of soups and mixed meals like chili or curry. Some of it is eaten for a few days and some of it gets frozen for later enjoyment. Labelling and dating is an extra step that is always appreciated when the food is later thawed.
- Scrap Wraps: Making wraps with a bit of meat, hummus or beans, leftover roasted or raw vegetables and your favorite condiment, dressing and/or cheese makes a quick meal.
- Burritos: Burritos are a great way to use leftover rice. Add canned beans, salsa and your choice of fresh or frozen vegetables and spices. I especially like how crispy they get in the air fryer but the oven or frying pan work well too.
- Veggies & Eggs: Leftover vegetables are so quick to use in an egg dish like scrambled eggs or frittata.
- Fresh Finishes: A squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil or some fresh herbs can sometimes brighten up leftovers.
- Soup Starters: Almost any leftover meat, vegetable or grain can be added to a soup. Here are a couple of my favourites: Leftovers Soup and How to turn leftovers into soup
- More Ideas: So many other great ideas to try: Five ways with commonly wasted foods.
- Cooking for One or Two people? This resource is for you!
- Mix & Match: I’m not afraid to mix leftovers. A protein from one meal can sometimes be mixed with vegetables from another. It keeps mealtime interesting.
- Clear Storage: Finally, store leftovers safely in see-through containers when possible so they are easier to see.
Share your reimagined leftover tips at #WasteLesswithMLFPC
What a marvelous resource soup is for the thrifty cook –
it solves the ham-bone and lamb-bone problems,
the everlasting Thanksgiving turkey, the extra vegetables.~ Julia Child
