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10 Easy Recipes for Repurposing Leftovers

Got last night’s chicken sitting in the fridge? Some meat from a fondue party over the weekend? Or maybe some wilted veggies that need to be used ASAP? Here are a few zero-waste recipes to make the most of your leftovers.

1. Tuscan Ribollita Soup

This soup of Tuscan origin was traditionally made using leftover minestrone soup that’s been reheated and to which stale bread has been added. This hearty recipe consists of bacon lardons, leek, white kidney beans and Savoy cabbage. Garnish with dry leftover bread and large Parmesan shavings when serving.

2. Pasta-Stuffed Bell Peppers

You can breathe new life into anything, even leftover pasta. Whether it’s beef and macaroni or spaghetti, mix it with artichoke hearts, green peas and cheese, then stuff it into a bell pepper. You’ll feel like you’re enjoying something entirely new. 

3. Clean-Out-the-Fridge Risotto

With a basic risotto recipe, you can use practically any leftover that’s sitting in your fridge. Leftover cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, roasted veggies; in short, anything you have on hand. And if you have any risotto left over after dinner, simply make some arancini!

4. Chinese Fondue Stir-Fry

Did you miscalculate the amount of meat needed for your recent fondue night? Use the excess thin slices of meat to whip up a stir-fry that can also include what’s left of the veggies and broth.

5. Kitchen Sink Green Vegetable Soup

To make a respectable soup, simply start with chicken broth, some potatoes, onions and garlic for one that’s smooth and flavourful. Then add the vegetables of your choice, like spinach, kale or even carrots.

6. Kitchen Sink Fried Rice

Fried rice is a kitchen sink meal par excellence, given it can be made using leftover fried rice and any kind of cooked meat. Let your creativity take over.

7. Soup with Leftover Fondue Meat

To make soup fast using leftover fondue meat, warm some broth with diced tomatoes and add cooked spaghetti. Then add the fondue meat and finely sliced bell peppers.

8. Clean-Out-the-Fridge Vegetable Broth

Take your tired-looking veggies and boil them in water to make a broth; it’s a great way to reduce food waste. You’re then left with a delicious liquid that you can use to make a soup, cook vegetables, whip up a risotto, etc.

9. Clean-out-the-Fridge Strata 



A strata is made using stale bread, eggs, milk, cream and cheese. So it’s great for using leftover bread, but also any excess meat or cooked veggies. It makes for a great brunch or a quick dinner.

10. Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls

This recipe is great for using up leftover cooked salmon from the night before. Break the fish apart into flakes and let it marinate in a spicy sauce. And given that only the rice requires reheating, you won’t have to worry about the fishy smell bothering your colleagues near the microwave at lunchtime.

For more ideas on how to cook leftovers, be sure to consult our selection of recipes: