Using every little bit of your leftovers

Food waste is a hot topic these days because it creates havoc with systems along the waste chain. Fermented foods create gases and when sealed in bags these gases can ignite and cause a “popping” sound. Gas by itself is not pleasant and can make you feel a little nauseous if you breathe a lot. These gases and liquids eventually leave the bags and reach the landfill where they can cause fires, wreak havoc on air purity, and can result in the accumulation of toxins underground downhill from the landfill. Edible waste in dumpsters and at the landfill attracts animals, which carries its own set of dangers for both the animals and the landfill. Networking with farmers and various composting methods or machines are obvious answers, and there are numerous programs that work in this regard. However, what if we could reduce food waste right from the start, right in our own kitchens?

You may be thinking: “Some leftover broccoli, 1/2 cup creamed corn, 1/4 cup peas in the pot … It seems like a waste to throw in the compost bin, but what can you do with so little? “a lot, actually.

Freeze even the smallest amount of leftovers in small containers or resealable bags. Clearly label the content and quantity. They can now be taken out when you are making soups, stews, casseroles, enchiladas, or sauces. It’s surprising how much these little additions will enrich the flavor and nutritional content of the dish. The advantage is that the family will save a great deal of money over time.

In our cookbook, From One Small Garden, we have recipes designed specifically to help you deal with small amounts of leftovers. Some of our favorite ways to use up leftovers are to make veggie patties, pakora, fritters, spicy crepes, or a hearty homemade soup.

While it may seem silly to save such a small amount of leftovers, now you can see that it is a smart and eco-friendly habit. Doing this means that you took something that was formally considered waste and turned it into a whole new food that is both tasty and nutritious. With an extended budget and less time spent shopping, creative food planning like this can certainly have a positive impact on both waste production and the family budget.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *