It also helps to save on food waste…
Plumbworld, a leading bathroom and kitchen expert, highlights the importance of repurposing ingredients to create new meals, which can save up to £2,020 annually. By creatively repurposing leftover ingredients, UK households can reduce food waste, save money, and discover new and exciting dishes in the process.
Reduce Food Waste: Food waste is a significant issue in the UK, with households throwing away millions of tons of food each year. The financial impact of this waste is enormous, with estimates suggesting that the average UK household could save around £720 annually by effectively using leftovers. By repurposing leftovers, you can cut back on waste and make the most of the food you buy.
Cut Grocery Costs: Leftovers can play a pivotal role in reducing grocery bills. Rather than buying new ingredients for each meal, leftover food can be transformed into new dishes, stretching your grocery budget further. By consistently incorporating leftovers into your meals, you can save up to £10 weekly, which totals £520 a year.
Save Time: Meal preparation time can be significantly reduced by using leftovers, as cooking from scratch isn’t always required. Quick meals from leftovers can help you avoid costly takeaways or dining out when time is tight, saving an estimated £780 annually.
Total Potential Savings:
- Reduced Food Waste: £720 annually
- Reduced Grocery Costs: £520 annually
- Avoiding Takeaways: £780 annually
Total Annual Savings: £2,020
Tips for Using Common Leftovers in the UK:
Roast Chicken: Leftover roast chicken is versatile. It can be shredded and used in wraps, tacos, and sandwiches, or added to salads or stir-fries. You can also use the carcass to make a flavourful broth for soups.
Vegetables: Roasted or boiled vegetables can be easily repurposed. Pureeing them with stock creates a hearty soup, while chopping them finely turns them into fillings for pies or pastries. For a lighter meal, they can be added to a frittata with eggs and cheese.
Bread: Stale bread can be turned into breadcrumbs for coating fish or meat. Another option is making croutons for salads or soups. For a sweet treat, use stale bread in bread pudding or French toast.
Rice: Leftover rice is excellent for fried rice, but it can also add substance to soups and stews. For a vegetarian option, it can be used as a base for stuffed vegetables, like peppers or courgettes.
Potatoes: Mashed potatoes lend themselves well to potato cakes, often mixed with cheese and herbs, and then fried. They also serve as a great topping for shepherd’s pie or can be used to thicken soups for a creamy texture.
Pasta: Extra pasta can easily become part of a pasta salad, combined with fresh vegetables and a light dressing. It can also be used in baked pasta dishes or mixed with eggs and cheese for a pasta frittata.
A spokesperson from Plumbworld:
“Maximising the value of your leftovers can make a significant impact on your budget and health. One practical strategy is to incorporate leftovers into meal planning. Designate specific days of the week for “leftover makeover” meals, where you transform leftover proteins, grains, or vegetables into creative dishes like stir-fries, casseroles, or grain bowls. This not only helps in stretching your budget by reducing food waste but also ensures you’re eating varied and nutritious meals throughout the week.
“Another tip is to store leftovers properly for maximum freshness and safety. Using airtight containers and labelling them with dates ensures you use leftovers promptly and avoid unnecessary spoilage, which can be a health hazard. If you have a surplus of leftovers that can’t be consumed in a few days, freezing them in meal-sized portions makes future meals convenient while preserving nutritional value. By being proactive with your leftover management, you’ll save both money and time, and keep your meals wholesome.”
