Waste Not, Want Not: Three Dishes to Cook with Leftovers
It’s an art form, stretching your groceries a little further each week. If you’ve got a big family, live in a busy household, or have limited free-time, you’ll likely be a pro at this. Parents – particularly those with fussy kids – are excellent at switching meals up every now and then.
Leftovers shouldn’t mean reheated plates. They don’t need to feel like a repeat of last night’s dinner. Oh no, think even bigger than that! Yesterday’s meal could become something entirely new – you just need to be a little creative. Heck, the meal you cook might even be better than the original. And no one would complain about that, right?
So, if your fridge has brisket, shredded chicken, or a container of plain spaghetti, your dinner is already halfway done. The three recipes below turn these simple leftovers into crave-worthy comfort food, while keeping grocery budgets in check!
Buffalo Chicken-Fried Brisket
Leftover brisket is a gift – some might say, the gift that keeps on giving. Tender, flavorful, and already cooked low and low – it’s the perfect base for something bold. Instead of serving it the same way twice, let’s give it a spicy twist.
Slice the brisket. You should aim to create thick pieces. Dip every slice into a bowl of buttermilk. Then dredge in seasoned flour. Create a crispy coating by pan-frying to lock in moisture. Once they are golden brown, drizzle the slices generously with buffalo sauce. Use a sprinkle of blue cheese or a good dollop of ranch dressing to finish.
Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor – in other words, yummy! This buffalo chicken-fried brisket could then be paired with roasted vegetable. Or maybe you’ll tuck the slices into a sandwich roll for a hearty meal.
Of course, having the right tools makes this a lot easier. A sharp knife makes slicing leftover meat simple. A dull knife, on the other hand, is a fast way to injure yourself. This is crucial to remember when working with something as rich as chicken brisket. Your prep work will be faster and much safer going forward.
Hot Chicken-Stuffed Waffles
Don’t just push leftover fried or roasted chicken to the back of the fridge. Instead of letting it sit too long, turn it into a brunch-style dinner. It’ll feel anything but ordinary.
Shred the chicken and toss it in with a mixture of a little bit of hot sauce and melted butter. Prepare some waffle batter as you usually would – although this might be the perfect time to try a new recipe – then pour a little bit into a preheated waffle iron. Add a spoonful of the spicy chicken mixture on top, then cover with more batter. Cook until golden and crisp.
The waffles come out fluffy inside with pockets of savory heat throughout. It could be paired with many different condiments, depending on the meal – a drizzle of honey, a splash of maple syrup, or even a swipe of spicy mayo.
Crispy Spaghetti Pie
Pasta seems uninspiring at times, especially leftovers. However, it has the potential to transform into a comforting baked dish – just with the addition of a few pantry staples. It truly is that easy!
Toss cold spaghetti with beaten eggs and some shredded mozzarella. The mixture should then be pressed into a greased pie plate – this should form the crust. Spoon leftover marinara and any extra cooked meat or veggies over the top. Sprinkle with more cheese to finish.
Bake until the edges are crisp, the center is set. Once cooled, slice into wedges like a pie.
To conclude, saving leftovers is more than just stretching a dollar – it’s about making the most of what’s already been prepared. Use a little imagination and yesterday’s dinner becomes tonight’s new favorite.
