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Budget Leftover Recipes - Simple Ways To Turn Extras Into Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Grains and bases: Rice (white or brown), pasta, couscous, tortillas, bread, potatoes, and oats.
  • Proteins: Eggs, canned beans (black, chickpeas, kidney), canned tuna or salmon, rotisserie chicken, tofu, or leftover meat.
  • Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, frozen mixed veggies, and any cooked veg from previous meals.
  • Flavor boosters: Soy sauce, vinegar (white, apple cider), Dijon or yellow mustard, hot sauce, chili flakes, tomato paste, curry powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and bouillon or stock cubes.
  • Dairy and extras: Cheese ends, yogurt, butter, olive oil, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and lemon or lime.
  • Herbs and garnish: Green onions, parsley, cilantro, sesame seeds, and nuts or seeds for crunch.

Method
 

  1. Fried Rice Rescue Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and any firm veg (carrots, peppers). Cook 3–4 minutes.
  2. Stir in leftover rice (cold rice works best) and a splash of water to loosen. Add any cooked protein (chicken, tofu, egg) and soft veg (peas, spinach).
  3. Season with 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce, a dash of vinegar, and chili flakes. Push rice aside, scramble 1–2 eggs in the pan, then mix through.
  4. Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.
  5. Sheet-Pan Hash Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss chopped potatoes or leftover roasted veg with oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  6. Spread on a sheet pan. Roast 15 minutes. Add chopped leftover meats or beans and any quick-cook veg (broccoli florets), roast 10–15 more minutes.
  7. Top with a fried or poached egg, or sprinkle with cheese and return to the oven to melt.
  8. Speedy Pasta Toss Boil pasta until just tender. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water.
  9. In a pan, warm olive oil with garlic. Add any chopped cooked veg and protein. Stir in 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste or a handful of canned tomatoes.
  10. Add pasta and a splash of pasta water to make it saucy. Finish with lemon zest, herbs, and cheese scraps.
  11. Pantry Soup Pot Sauté onion, celery, and carrot in a pot with oil until soft.
  12. Add 1 can tomatoes or 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1–2 stock cubes, and water to cover.
  13. Stir in leftover beans, cooked grains, and chopped cooked veg. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
  14. Season with vinegar or lemon, herbs, salt, and pepper. Swirl in a spoonful of yogurt if you like.
  15. Wrap It Up Warm tortillas. Spread with hummus, mustard, or yogurt.
  16. Add leftover protein and veg. Toss with a quick slaw (shredded cabbage + vinegar + a pinch of sugar + salt).
  17. Finish with hot sauce or a squeeze of citrus. Roll and toast in a dry pan to seal.
  18. Curry-In-A-Hurry Sauté onion in oil. Add 1–2 tablespoons curry powder or paste and cook 30 seconds.
  19. Stir in canned tomatoes or coconut milk. Simmer 5 minutes.
  20. Add leftover veg and protein. Simmer until heated through. Season with salt and a squeeze of lime. Serve over rice.