I don’t know about you, but I am so upset when wasting food, it is the worst! Recently, I got really serious about finding smart ways to use up excess food and leftovers, and living a more sustainable life. It is especially hard for me to see fresh veggies and fruits go bad. All those vitamins and nutrients going to waste? That is practically a crime in my kitchen.
So, I decided to get creative. I started experimenting with fun, easy ways to turn ingredients into delicious new dishes. I know you love learning smart kitchen tricks, too, so let’s dive into how we can use food wisely and make the most of what we have.
Leftover veggies
Have you ever bought too many veggies? Don’t let me start about it! They are so delicious and healthy, but they can spoil fast if not used up on time. Looking for smart ways to use them up and feel good about it? Uh I have plenty tips to share.
Make the most delicious homemade tomato sauce
If you are like me and sometimes end up with a few too many tomatoes, don’t let them go to waste! One of my favorite ways to use them is by making a homemade tomato sauce. It is super easy, incredibly tasty, and you will be so glad you saved those tomatoes.
This sauce is simple to make and absolutely delicious. Check out my recipe, and let me know how it turns out for you. No more stressing over too many tomatoes, because opportunities arise for delicious meals ahead.
You can use this sauce in stews, Bolognese sauce, as pizza sauce, or even on warm sourdough with a slice of cheese for a quick, tasty breakfast. Or you have friends coming over? Slice up a baguette, spread some sauce, add cheese, and voilà! You’ve got a perfect party snack.
Too many leafy greens pilling up?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This is the perfect chance to get creative and make something delicious.
Smoothies to the Rescue
Blend the leftovers of spinach or kale (or both) into a smoothie with some bananas, mango, or pineapple, and you will get in no time a vitamin-packed powerhouse. You will feel incredibly great knowing you’ve used up the greens in such a tasty way.
Add Them to Soups or Stews
Another easy option is to use your leafy greens into your regular soups or stews. Just add them toward the end of cooking to keep those nutrients intact an you will get enhanced and heathier variation.
Leftover Stems?
Do you ever wonder what to do with broccoli or cauliflower stems, or other random veggie bits like peppers or carrots? I have a super easy solution for you: just toss them into a pot, season well, add water, and cook up a healthy, delicious vegetable broth.
Want to go the extra mile? After cooking, remove the veggies, blend them, and you will get a thick, healthy broth that has 100% of all veggies used.
Savory Muffins? Yes, Please!
Why not finely chop the greens and mix them into your favorite savory muffin batter? Not only will they add extra nutrition boost, but they will also take the flavor up a notch. Trust me, you can’t go wrong here and it is so easy!
Too Much Fruit? Let’s Have Some Fun!
If you’re a fan of cocktails or mocktails (seriously, who isn’t?), you will love adding a little flair with fancy flavored ice cubes. They make any drink look stunning and taste even better. All you need is your fruit, water and some silicone ice cube molds. Check out my blog post for more on how to make them. Also, I would love to hear what you think. Even better, tag me to see your beautiful creations.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
How about making a jam? So easy and quick to make. Just add your favourite leftovers of fruit, sugar, vanilla and some lemon or orange zest and cook on low heat for approx. an hour. All those juicy flavours will slowly caramelize and turn everything to the next level. No more plain sandwiches – they will become so delicious and fun. And you will be the best parent, friend or host that uses ingredients sustainably and smartly.
Smoothies? Yes, please!
Well, I should have put that as number one as it is the easiest and the best way to use excess fruits laying around. All you need to do is blend what you have with some yogurt, coconut water or non-dairy milk, and it’s that simple! If you want to boost it a bit, add some of your protein powder and you have a whole meal in your glass. The best part about smoothies is that they are a fantastic way to use up both veggies and fruits at once. Many combinations create delicious flavors when blended together. You almost can’t go wrong here!
Did you catch the muffins part above? Follow same process for the fruits – cut them finely and through them in your favourite muffins dough. Bring it all together to beak and eat healthier and more delicious food.
I’ve got plenty more kitchen hacks up my sleeve, and I am so excited to share them with you. All you have to do is download my Top 20 Kitchen Hacks Guide. It is completely FREE! You’ll have a whole collection of time-saving, stress-busting tips right at your fingertips.
I would love to hear what you think. Do you have any cool tips to add? Let me know! I am always up for more smart kitchen tricks.
Oh, and if you know someone who is always battling in the kitchen, feel free to share this post with them too! Let’s help everyone cook smarter, not harder and have fun!
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