What to do with leftover vegetables

Are wilting veggies cluttering your fridge? Explore smart, simple solutions that keep your produce vibrant and crunchy while saving pennies. Say no to waste with these ingenious storage tips.

Don’t underestimate veggie scraps. Experiment with these scrap-savvy culinary innovations, instead. Roasted onion peels morph into aromatic powder; roots brew into tasty stock, and peels from potatoes and carrots become crispy delights with a drizzle of olive oil and a spin in the oven or air fryer.

01

Quiche and frittatas

Quiches and frittatas are an ideal choice for repurposing leftovers. They're versatile, easy to whip up, and can accommodate a variety of leftover veggies. The addition of greens, cheese, and eggs creates a tasty and budget-friendly dish that can be enjoyed at any meal. They're also perfect for picnics or parties. Plus, they can easily be frozen, allowing for a quick and easy option when you're pressed for time. Turn your hand at making quiches and frittatas with your leftovers and discover the joy of sustainable cooking.

02

Vegetable soup and stock

Vegetable soup or stock is a clever way to use up leftover vegetables like sweet potato, carrots, parsnips and greens. Simply roast your combo then add to sauteed onion and garlic, cover with stock and simmer. When making stock, simply throw together unpeeled veggies into a pan of water and cook for about an hour before straining. You can freeze your stock to prepare a comforting homemade dish for those colder days. Try these soups and stocks and discover how your old veggies can bring warmth and depth to your meals.

03

Fritters and bubble and squeak

Got leftover mashed potato? Toss into a kid-friendly bubble and squeak for a quick meal when you need a no-think option. Traditionally made with leftover cabbage and potato, the dish garnered its name from the noise it makes when the cabbage hits the pan. No cabbage? No problem! Leftover silverbeet or broccoli are also good alternatives. Fritters are another thrifty way to use up leftover vegetables - they are perfect as snackable bites, and suitable for freezing and reheating. Creating these allows you to enjoy individual portions of delectable crispy bites, promoting a waste-free cooking ethos. They're great for kids' lunchboxes, offering a variety of nutritional benefits.

04

Sauces

Transform your veggies into delectable sauces or pestos, where every dollop is an explosion of flavour. Combine them with pantry staples to create aromatic pestos that are fantastic additions to a range of dishes. Green veggies and even scraps, like carrot leaves, can be converted into mouth watering sauces, bringing a fresh and zesty vibe to your meals. Learn how to make a  basic pesto with this easy recipe. Discover the boundless possibilities of creating sauces from leftover vegetables and elevate your culinary creations to new heights.

05

Pickles

Turn your leftover vegetables into crunchy, tangy pickles, extending their shelf life and adding a vibrant touch to your meals. The transformation is simple, but the result is a jar full of zest and crunch that will enhance dishes with its unique flavour. Explore the art of pickling and see how it can bring a new dimension of taste to your kitchen, ensuring no vegetable goes to waste. Each bite of these pickles is a reminder of the culinary journey that brings sustainability and flavour together in harmony. Watch this video on how to make the best pickles.

06

Salads

Salads are a great way to mix and match your leftover vegetables, creating nutritious and tasty meals in a matter of minutes, perfect for lunchboxes or when you’ve had a busy day in the office and need a quick meal pronto. Toss in proteins, carbs like rice, quinoa or pasta, a creamy dressing and any herbs like parsley, dill or basil and you have a balanced dish that’s both refreshing and fulfilling. Need some inspo? Try this pasta salad with summer tomatoes and herb dressing or spring greens with sesame crusted chicken salad.

07

Stir fry

Stir fries are the quintessential fuss-free dish, perfect for incorporating a medley of leftover vegetables. Their speed and ease make them a go-to for weeknight dinners, offering a bounty of flavours and textures with every bite. Experiment with different vegetables, sauces, and proteins to create a range of dishes that are not only tasty but also packed with goodness.  Add stir fries to your weekly meal rotation for a quick and easy dinner and discover how this versatile dish can bring excitement and flavour to your dining table.

08

Fried rice

This classic dish welcomes all of your leftover vegetables with open arms. It's the perfect combination of flavours, textures, and nutritional goodness, offering an ideal solution for quick weeknight dinners. The combination of rice, vegetables, and seasonings creates a quick and easy dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Explore the versatility of fried rice and see how this timeless classic can be easily transformed into a satisfying waste-free meal, allowing you to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a flavoursome and fulfilling way.

09

Bakes

One pan bakes are a versatile way to use your leftover veggies and can save on washing up too!  From Yorkshire pudding and veg bake to this miso vegetable bake or eggplant and goat’s cheese gratin, baked dishes are warm, comforting, flavoursome and family-friendly. They allow your veggies to shine and create hearty meals that are bound to please. Explore these crowd-pleasing vegetable bakes and discover how baking can bring joy to your table, as well as ensure every vegetable is enjoyed to the fullest.

10

Pizza

Vegetable pizzas are a scrumptious and cost-effective way to use your leftover veggies. With a budget-friendly homemade dough as the base, veggies bring colour, flavour, and texture to your pizza. Make sure you slice them thinly or into smaller chunks so they cook evenly.  The addition of cheese and a hot oven transforms the dish into a crunchy, melty explosion of taste. Try your very own homemade pizzas and discover how this versatile dish can be. It's a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing way to use all your leftover veggies.