4 clever ways to use up food scraps and leftovers : NPR
Key Points:
- Many people struggle to use leftovers and ingredients before they spoil, leading to food waste and unnecessary grocery expenses, with about a quarter of food products wasted nationally.
- Chefs recommend shifting mindset to view cooking with leftovers as a creative challenge rather than a chore, using flexible "hero recipes" like stir-fries, frittatas, or fried rice to incorporate various ingredients.
- Labeling leftovers with dates and intended uses helps reduce guesswork and encourages timely consumption, while saving herb stems and other odds and ends for sauces or soups maximizes flavor and reduces waste.
- It is important not to strive for perfection in using up all food; occasional composting or freezing scraps for future use can help maintain balance and enjoyment in cooking.
- The article includes a simple "Make-It-Your-Own Stir-Fry" recipe to inspire flexible, zero-waste cooking at home.