Leftovers can be a great timesaver during the week when you are pressed for time, as a dinner you don't have to cook, or as a lunch you don't have to buy. If you're like me, you hate see food going to waste and you want to make the most of your leftovers.
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The problem is though after eating the same thing 2 days in a row, you're sick of the sight of it and are over it, but you're not into wasting food.
If you're cooking on the weekend, or a weeknight and end up with too much, there are some quick and easy tricks that will instantly liven up leftovers so that they are almost unrecognizable. With a few simple tricks you can get your leftovers:
- Tasting completely different
- Tasting better than before
- Tasting fresh and "just cooked"
- Looking like you need to devour it immediately
Don't struggle through the same meal day after day feeling miserable because you don't want to see good food go to waste, instead, get creative, liven up leftovers and get ready to makeover your dish so that you're excited to eat it again.
5 Ways to Liven Up Leftovers that Make You Actually Excited to Eat Them
1. Add Avocado, Tomatoes, Salt, and Lemon
Leftovers feel fresher with a pop of color and tang. I like to slice up some avocado and tomato, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and squeeze over a little lemon juice. For a spicy kick, I'll add a drizzle of sriracha-it's a game changer.
2. Add Some Crunch
Nuts and seeds are my secret weapons for leftovers. They add texture, protein, and healthy fats. I'll stir walnuts, sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds directly into saucy dishes, or mix them with rice for extra crunch. Crispy fried shallots are another favorite-perfect for salads and rice bowls.
3. Add Greens for Freshness
Greens can completely revive a meal. Steamed garlic greens, diced green beans, or spinach are easy options. Even a chicken casserole tastes brand new on a bed of fresh greens, wilted spinach, or lightly steamed zucchini noodles. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles with leftover bolognese is always a winner.
4. Reheat on the Stove, Not the Microwave
Microwaves tend to zap the life out of food, so I always reheat on the stove. A splash of oil, a wooden spoon, and some fresh herbs or spices can transform leftovers. I love those little packets of pre-chopped fresh herbs-they last weeks and taste amazing.
5. Add a Splash of Flavor
You don't need much to elevate leftovers. Salsa, sriracha, soy sauce, or a dollop of mustard can totally change the flavor. Even a squeeze of lemon or lime can brighten everything up.
6. Mix It Up with Sauces and Toppings
A good sauce can work wonders. Try pesto, tahini, or a homemade yogurt dressing. Toppings like grated cheese, crushed nuts, or fresh herbs take leftovers to the next level.
Top Tip
The number one tip for livening up leftovers is to add fresh elements like herbs, veggies, or a squeeze of citrus. It instantly brightens the dish, making it feel new and exciting, with almost no effort!
Next time you're stuck wondering, "What's for dinner?" and the thought of leftovers for the third night in a row makes you cringe, try some of these ideas to jazz them up and make them exciting again.
Transforming leftovers can actually be a lot of fun. With minimal effort, you can take your base meal and create something amazing in just five minutes.
Slow Cooker Recipes that Freeze Well
These dishes keep in the freezer for months make for great leftovers!
If you're freezing Meals, remember to pull them out the night before or morning before so you don't have to microwave them. Letting them defrost naturally in the fridge will be easier and more manageable for when you come home and put it into a pot on the stove.
Stir Fry Recipes That Make Great Leftovers
If you've struggled with leftovers in the past, pick one meal you think you could make ahead that you'd have leftovers for and plan out how you could liven it up as a weeknight meal that you would be excited to eat.
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