Using leftover food to make delicious dishes

proper use of leftover food

There is often leftover food in the house, which many people consider useless and throw it away. This is not only a wastage of food but also a waste of money. If leftover food is stored properly, it can be reused to make many new and delicious dishes.

1. Veg Fried Rice from Leftover Rice

Instead of reheating leftover rice from the night before, turn them into veg fried rice. The taste of rice can be enhanced by adding vegetables and mild spices for freshness. This is a great option for lunch or dinner.

How to make?

• Heat 1-2 spoons of oil in a pan.
• Add onion, carrot, capsicum, peas or vegetables of your choice and fry for 3-4 minutes.
• Now add the remaining rice and add salt, black pepper and a little soy sauce as per taste.
• Cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes.
• Add green coriander on top and serve hot.

2. Roti Nachos with Leftover Roti

Instead of throwing away the leftover rotis at home, you can make tasty roti nachos by making them crisp. This is a fun snack for light evening hunger.

How to make?

• Cut the roti into small triangle shapes.
• Apply light oil and crisp it in pan or oven.
• Add onion, tomato, capsicum and chaat masala on top.
• If you want, add some cheese and heat for 2 minutes.
• Serve with tomato sauce or green chutney.

3. Dal Paratha from leftover lentils

Leftover pulses can be used to knead dough instead of throwing them away. This makes parathas tasty and nutritious.

How to make?

• Mix flour in the remaining dal and knead it.
• Add green coriander, celery and finely chopped green chillies.
• Add a little more flour if needed.
• Roll out the paratha and bake it on a pan with ghee or oil.
• Serve with curd, pickle or chutney.

4. Sandwich with leftover vegetables

If there is leftover potato, paneer or mixed veg vegetable, a quick sandwich can be made from it.

How to make?

• Apply butter or green chutney on bread.
• Spread the remaining vegetables well.
• If desired, place a slice of cheese.
• Place the second bread and bake it in a pan or sandwich maker.
• Serve with sauce.

5. Crispy Tikkis from Leftover Khichdi

Instead of eating Khichdi again, tasty tikkis can be made from it.

How to make?

• Add some gram flour or bread crumbs to khichdi.
• Shape into small tikkis.
• Add light oil on the pan and cook till it turns golden from both the sides.
• Serve with green chutney or curd.

6. Bread Upma with Leftover Bread

Delicious bread upma can be prepared with a few slices of bread.

How to make?

• Cut the bread into small pieces.
• Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves and green chillies.
• Add onion and tomato and fry lightly.
• Now add bread pieces and mix well.
• Add green coriander on top and serve hot.

Things to keep in mind when using leftover food

• Always keep food covered in the refrigerator.
• Try to use it within 24 hours.
• Eat food only after reheating it thoroughly.
• If the aroma, color or taste of the food has changed, do not use it.
• Avoid heating the same food repeatedly.