Reinventing leftovers
DON’T LET OVERLOOKED INGREDIENTS IN YOUR FRIDGE BECOME A WASTED OPPORTUNITY
How many times have you looked into the fridge and discovered a supermarket aisle of forgotten ingredients? I’d say most of us do this at least once a month.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. It makes sense for us to be more thoughtful about the ingredients we use and how we prepare dishes.
Being smart with leftovers doesn’t just have financial benefits. It impacts our contribution to food waste, too.
Plus, a scientific study has revealed that leftovers do indeed taste better. The Harvard School of Public Health found that food continues to change its chemical makeup after being cooked. According to the study, proteins may further break down when the leftovers are reheated, producing new flavours which wouldn’t have been there when the food was freshly cooked. Food develops new flavour molecules, and for us, that means it tastes better.
Think of spaghetti bolognese. Or a pot of curry. Or even tiramisu. Spag bol always tastes better the next day, and curries become more intense. The flavours are enhanced as time passes (which may explain why you don’t eat tiramisu straight away).
WHAT CAN I MAKE?
There are plenty of ways to use up what’s in your refrigerator. But if you still don’t know what to do make, follow rule number one: don’t bin it just yet.
Start cultivating a mindset of frugality and take the time to plan what you can do with your leftovers instead. Write up a list of recipes you can make using what you have. Then, as time goes on keep tabs on what’s in your fridge, and don’t let things go to waste. You’ll soon find you’ve developed a creative mindset that seeks out ways to turn leftovers into delicious meals. And most importantly, you’ll have a reason to meal prep.
STAYING SAFE
Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you can eat leftovers that have been in the fridge for very long periods. Food placed in the refrigerator should be consumed within 3-4 days. If you’re not going to eat them that quickly, freeze your leftovers which will stop the growth of microorganisms.