stuffedveggies: Ten Creative Plans to Upcycle Leftovers

The prudent use leftovers is important to a healthy family budget. But, of course, very few families really enjoy eating leftovers of a big meal for the third or fourth night in a row. So, a bit of creativity really goes a long way.

Most of the time, when I serve meals this way, I add a little something extra - like Garlic Toast, some salad, baby carrots, capers or olives, a sauce - you know, something that adds an additional layer of texture & flavor.

Here are a few ideas that work for my family:

1. One thing I've done for years is to prepare a large meal and freeze it to serve more than once - but not more than once in a row! This is especially helpful when you're cooking for one, or for a very small family, and don't want to waste a lot of time with recipes that take 45 minutes for one serving. They're also helpful when you have one family member on a special diet or with an allergy. Read more about this method in my post Cooking for the Single Vegan

2. I also pack leftovers after dinner into individual portions to make future lunches for my husband to take to work - or for us to eat during our home school days. These can go into the fridge or freezer, depending on the content and your serving schedule.

3. One day I was sitting with a friend who I knew had very little budget for food for her large family. She mentioned that her voracious teenagers really liked my lentil soup. Then she surprised me, and said, they even like it better the second night when I serve it over spaghetti! For an additional dollar or two, she made an already frugal meal into two abundant meals for her family. This also works great with a variety of other soups and stews. For a little added Oomph, top with capers, olives, salad, or avocadoes. For Omnivores, an addition of shredded cheese and or sour cream also adds interest.

4. My Indian friends really enjoy having Dal for a second night poured over their favorite Basmati Rice. It seems like a whole new meal that way.

Serve your Favorite Indian Legume Dish over Rice the second time

5. Make a Wrap. This is my favorite way to use a bit of spread - like hummus, or peanut sauce- and a bit of raw or cooked veggies from the back of the fridge. You can also throw in some Rice, if you like. If you have the veggies & rice, just make some sauce or spread to add, and you've got a meal!