We had the opportunity to sit down with Dietitian Amanda Maiorano, who shares her top tips for maximising your leftovers. Amanda offers expert advice on creating nutritious and delicious meals using leftover ingredients, helping you make the most out of your food resources.
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
Make the Most of Leftovers
How do you come up with creative ideas to repurpose leftovers into new and exciting dishes?
I start by picking one ‘focus’ ingredient, then look at different ingredients that would work as a balancing accompaniment. For example, I often have leftover barbecued chicken thighs or tenderloins that I’ll reheat and serve with a fresh salad made from sumac, tomato, cucumber and feta, and some crunchy garlic pita bread.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the creation of Frank Green?
When I was a child, I used to play down by the river near my house every afternoon, fishing, skipping stones, and feeling like Huckleberry Finn. Whenever it rained my paradise was ruined; plastic rubbish came pouring down the river. I was shocked when I learned that every single piece of plastic ever made still exists today – unless we stop making it.
Do you have any tips for storing and handling leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and taste?
I’m a big fan of freezing leftover rice in individual portions, then defrosting them in the microwave when needed. It’s a great back-up ingredient to have for those quick work from home lunches.
How do you incorporate leftover recipes into a weekly meal planning routine?
When planning my weekly meals, I often make sure to cook a double-batch of certain ingredients to enjoy the following day for lunch or dinner. For example, tonight I’m planning on making my Crispy Skin Salmon with Pearl Couscous Salad, so I’ll cook an extra batch of couscous to enjoy for tomorrow’s lunch and add some tinned chickpeas, roasted beetroot and a tahini lime dressing!
What are some of your easiest leftover ingredients to work with, and why?
I often have lots of leftover grains like rice, quinoa and couscous and these are definitely some of the easiest leftover ingredients to transform into show-stopping dishes. I love creating different kinds of grain salads filled with lots of fresh herbs, citrus fruits, nuts and dried fruits. By adding a handful of these pantry-staples, I’m able to transform a humble container of leftover rice into a show-stopping dinner-party side, or even just a wholesome packed lunch.
How do you balance flavours and textures when incorporating various leftovers into a single recipe?
The key to maintaining the integrity of a meal when incorporating various leftovers is to add an element of freshness. This may look like soft herbs such as dill and coriander, or fresh fruit like pomegranate jewels, or even fresh cheeses like feta or ricotta. Not only do these additions add an element of savoury freshness, but they can also help build harmonious flavours.
Do you have any tips for storing and handling leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and taste?
I’m a big fan of freezing leftover rice in individual portions, then defrosting them in the microwave when needed. It’s a great back-up ingredient to have for those quick work from home lunches.
How do you incorporate leftover recipes into a weekly meal planning routine?
When planning my weekly meals, I often make sure to cook a double-batch of certain ingredients to enjoy the following day for lunch or dinner. For example, tonight I’m planning on making my Crispy Skin Salmon with Pearl Couscous Salad, so I’ll cook an extra batch of couscous to enjoy for tomorrow’s lunch and add some tinned chickpeas, roasted beetroot and a tahini lime dressing!
What are some of your easiest leftover ingredients to work with, and why?
I often have lots of leftover grains like rice, quinoa and couscous and these are definitely some of the easiest leftover ingredients to transform into show-stopping dishes. I love creating different kinds of grain salads filled with lots of fresh herbs, citrus fruits, nuts and dried fruits. By adding a handful of these pantry-staples, I’m able to transform a humble container of leftover rice into a show-stopping dinner-party side, or even just a wholesome packed lunch.
How do you balance flavours and textures when incorporating various leftovers into a single recipe?
The key to maintaining the integrity of a meal when incorporating various leftovers is to add an element of freshness. This may look like soft herbs such as dill and coriander, or fresh fruit like pomegranate jewels, or even fresh cheeses like feta or ricotta. Not only do these additions add an element of savoury freshness, but they can also help build harmonious flavours.
Do you have any tips for storing and handling leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and taste?
I’m a big fan of freezing leftover rice in individual portions, then defrosting them in the microwave when needed. It’s a great back-up ingredient to have for those quick work from home lunches.
How do you incorporate leftover recipes into a weekly meal planning routine?
When planning my weekly meals, I often make sure to cook a double-batch of certain ingredients to enjoy the following day for lunch or dinner. For example, tonight I’m planning on making my Crispy Skin Salmon with Pearl Couscous Salad, so I’ll cook an extra batch of couscous to enjoy for tomorrow’s lunch and add some tinned chickpeas, roasted beetroot and a tahini lime dressing!
What are some of your easiest leftover ingredients to work with, and why?
I often have lots of leftover grains like rice, quinoa and couscous and these are definitely some of the easiest leftover ingredients to transform into show-stopping dishes. I love creating different kinds of grain salads filled with lots of fresh herbs, citrus fruits, nuts and dried fruits. By adding a handful of these pantry-staples, I’m able to transform a humble container of leftover rice into a show-stopping dinner-party side, or even just a wholesome packed lunch.
How do you balance flavours and textures when incorporating various leftovers into a single recipe?
The key to maintaining the integrity of a meal when incorporating various leftovers is to add an element of freshness. This may look like soft herbs such as dill and coriander, or fresh fruit like pomegranate jewels, or even fresh cheeses like feta or ricotta. Not only do these additions add an element of savoury freshness, but they can also help build harmonious flavours.
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