Let’s dive straight into our collection of recipes to reduce food waste.

1. Minestrone Soup

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 45 minutes

This classic Italian soup is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables is the first recipes to reduce food waste. From carrot peels to celery ends, toss in whatever you have on hand. It’s a hearty and customizable dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of reducing food waste.

Check out this range of soup storage containers by clicking here.

2. Easy Homemade Pickle

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 3 days

Don’t discard leftover vegetables or herbs! This easy pickling recipe transforms them into tangy and flavorful pickles. It’s a great way to preserve food scraps and add a delightful crunch to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards.

Check out this range of pickling jars by clicking here.

3. Jools’ Chopped Salad

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This versatile chopped salad is a perfect vehicle for leftover cooked chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. Combine your protein of choice with chopped vegetables, cheese, and a simple dressing for a satisfying and customizable meal. It’s a great way to use up various leftover ingredients and create a healthy and refreshing salad.

Check out this range of salad choppers by clicking here.

4. Freezer-Raid Springtime Risotto

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This springtime risotto is a champion of using up frozen vegetables! Pop in any frozen peas, asparagus, or broad beans you have on hand, along with leftover cheese rinds for extra flavor. It’s a quick and easy way to create a vibrant and delicious risotto that utilizes frozen ingredients often hiding in the back of the freezer.

Check out this range of risotto pans by clicking here.

5. Vivid Green Risotto

Difficulty: Medium,

Time: 45 minutes

This verdant risotto showcases the power of fresh herbs to transform leftovers. Leftover cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach get a new lease on life when incorporated into this vibrant dish. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives add a bright and flavorful punch. It’s a medium-difficulty recipe that rewards you with a beautiful and delicious way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs.

6. Leftover Squash Pancakes

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Don’t let leftover roasted squash go to waste! These easy pancakes are a delicious and versatile way to use them up. Simply mash the squash, combine with a few simple ingredients, and fry them up into golden brown goodness. Top them with savory toppings like sour cream or cheese, or go sweet with maple syrup and fresh fruit. These pancakes are a fun and creative way to reduce food waste.

7. Gennaro’s Pasta Frittata – Lots of Ways

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

Gennaro’s Pasta Frittata is a lifesaver for leftover cooked pasta! This versatile recipe allows you to use any type of pasta, along with leftover vegetables, cheese, and even cooked meats. Simply combine everything in a bowl, pour it into a pan, and bake until golden brown. It’s an easy and creative way to transform leftover pasta into a satisfying and delicious frittata. The “Lots of Ways” in the title reflects the recipe’s adaptability to various leftover ingredients you have on hand.

Check out this pasta maker which you can use for this dish by clicking here.

8. Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This creamy and comforting dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked cauliflower. Combined with a cheesy sauce and your favorite type of pasta, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that reduces food waste. Plus, cauliflower offers a hidden veggie boost for a healthy twist on a classic comfort food.

9. Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 45 minutes

This baked pasta dish is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken and vegetables. Leeks and peas add pops of flavor and color, while the creamy sauce and baked topping create a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s a medium-difficulty recipe that utilizes leftover ingredients and transforms them into a family-friendly casserole.

Check out this range of casserole dish’s by clicking here.

10. Veggie Pad Thai

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This vibrant stir-fry is a champion of leftover vegetables! Toss in any leftover veggies you have on hand, from broccoli and carrots to bell peppers and snap peas. The quick-cooking rice noodles and flavorful pad thai sauce create a delicious and versatile dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of reducing food waste.

Check out this range of Vegetable Spiralizers that you need for this dish by clicking here.

11. Green Veggie Fritters

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Don’t let leftover greens go to waste! These fritters are a fun and creative way to use them up. Simply shred your greens, combine them with a few basic ingredients, and pan-fry them until golden brown and crispy. Serve them with a yogurt dip or your favorite sauce for a healthy and flavorful appetizer or snack. These fritters are a great way to use up leftover vegetables in a new and exciting way.

Check out this range of Vegetable Spiralizers that you need for this dish by clicking here.

12. Leftover Lamb Biryani

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This recipe breathes new life into leftover lamb biryani! Simply reheat the biryani in a pan or oven, adding a touch of moisture (like stock or yogurt) if needed. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without any additional prep work. Leftover biryani is perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious lunch option.

13. Speedy Quiche Traybake

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This quiche traybake is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, cheese, and even cooked meats. A quick and easy pastry crust made from scratch or store-bought puff pastry forms the base, while leftover ingredients are incorporated into the egg mixture. It’s a versatile and delicious way to transform leftover bits and bobs into a satisfying quiche.

Check out this range of quiche pans that are perfect for this dish by clicking here.

14. Chicken & Veg Soup

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This comforting soup is a perfect way to use up leftover cooked chicken and vegetables. Simply simmer them in a flavorful broth with your favorite herbs and spices. It’s a quick and easy recipe that utilizes leftover ingredients and creates a nourishing and soul-warming soup.

15. Bubble and Squeak

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This delightful dish is a classic way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables. Simply mash leftover potatoes, combine them with chopped leftover vegetables like cabbage or Brussels sprouts, and pan-fry them until golden brown and crispy. Bubble and squeak is a delicious and budget-friendly way to reduce food waste and create a satisfying side dish or vegetarian main course.

16. Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour

This timeless dessert is a champion of leftover bread! Use any leftover bread, from crusty baguettes to soft white slices, to create a comforting and budget-friendly pudding. Soaked in a creamy custard and baked until golden brown, it’s a delicious way to reduce food waste and enjoy a nostalgic sweet treat.

Check out this range of muffin tins that are perfect for this dish by clicking here.

17. Homemade Candied Peel

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 2-3 days

Don’t discard leftover citrus peels! Transform them into sweet and jewel-toned candied peel with this recipe. It’s a bit of a time commitment, but the results are worth it. Candied peel adds a delightful citrusy burst to cakes, cookies, or even yogurt parfaits. It’s a creative way to preserve leftover peels and add a touch of homemade magic to your desserts.

18. Leftover Cheat’s Lamb Biryani

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This recipe gives leftover lamb biryani a second chance to shine! Simply reheat the biryani in a pan or oven, adding a touch of moisture (like stock or yogurt) if needed. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal without any additional prep work. Leftover biryani is perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious lunch option.

19. Italian Mixed Bruschetta

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 15 minutes

This vibrant appetizer is a fantastic way to use up leftover bread and various toppings. Simply toast leftover bread slices and top them with a variety of chopped vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats. From a classic tomato and basil combination to a creamy white bean and roasted pepper spread, the possibilities are endless. Bruschetta is a delicious and versatile way to use leftover bread and create a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

20. Spanish Omelette

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This classic Spanish dish, also known as Tortilla Española, is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and cooked meats. Simply saute leftover veggies like potatoes, onions, or peppers, then combine them with whisked eggs and cook until set. It’s a quick and easy recipe that utilizes leftover ingredients and creates a satisfying and protein-packed omelet.

21. Leftover Sunday Roast Pasties

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

Don’t let leftover roast dinner go to waste! Transform it into delicious and portable pasties with this recipe. Simply chop leftover roast meat and vegetables, combine them with gravy or sauce for added moisture, and encase them in a flaky pastry crust. These pasties are a perfect way to use up leftover ingredients and create a satisfying lunch or snack.

22. Lentil, Aubergine (Eggplant) and Tomato Moussaka

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 1 hour

This vegetarian moussaka is a great way to use up leftover lentils and vegetables. Simply layer leftover cooked lentils with sauteed eggplant and tomatoes, top it with a creamy bechamel sauce, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Moussaka is a hearty and flavorful dish that utilizes leftover ingredients and creates a vegetarian main course perfect for a satisfying meal.

23. Easy Vegan Gnocchi

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 45 minutes

This recipe allows you to use readily available ingredients to create delicious vegan gnocchi from scratch! Perfect for those nights you have leftover mashed potatoes on hand. Simply transform leftover mashed potatoes into a soft dough with flour and a touch of olive oil. Roll the dough, shape it into bite-sized gnocchi, and boil them until they float. These gnocchi can be served with your favorite sauce for a satisfying and customizable vegan meal.

Leftover twist: If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, you can boil and mash potatoes specifically for this recipe. The beauty of gnocchi is its versatility, making it a great option for using up leftover mashed potatoes or simply incorporating fresh ingredients.

24. Pan-Fried Sea Bass, Creamed Potatoes, Spring Onions and Chilli

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 30 minutes

This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy fresh sea bass, but the creamed potatoes can be made with leftover mashed potatoes as well! Simply reheat leftover mashed potatoes with cream, butter, and seasonings for a creamy base. This recipe provides a quick and flavorful accompaniment to the pan-fried sea bass, but leftover mashed potatoes can be easily incorporated for a time-saving twist.

25. Healthy Noodles

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This recipe is a blank canvas for leftover vegetables and cooked meats! Use leftover chicken, shrimp, or tofu alongside your favorite chopped vegetables. Toss them all together with cooked noodles and a flavorful sauce for a quick and healthy stir-fry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, making it a perfect way to use up leftover ingredients and create a satisfying noodle dish.

26. Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 3-7 days

This recipe allows you to transform leftover cabbage cores or cabbage ends into tangy and flavorful sauerkraut. While it requires a bit of fermentation time (3-7 days), it’s a fantastic way to preserve leftover cabbage and create a probiotic-rich condiment. Sauerkraut adds a delightful bite to sandwiches, hot dogs, or alongside various meat dishes. It’s a creative way to use up leftover cabbage and create a versatile condiment.

27. Roasted Vegetable and Mozzarella Flatbread

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This recipe is a champion for transforming leftover vegetables into a delightful meal! Roast any combination of leftover vegetables you have on hand, from broccoli florets to bell pepper slices. Top store-bought or homemade flatbread with the roasted vegetables, melty mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs for a quick and flavorful vegetarian flatbread. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover vegetables and create a satisfying and customizable meal.

28. Herb and Vegetable Omelette

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This classic dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and herbs. Saute or steam any leftover veggies you have on hand, then combine them with whisked eggs and chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. Cook the omelette until set and enjoy a satisfying and protein-packed breakfast or light lunch.

29. Banana Peel Biscuits

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 1 hour

Don’t discard those banana peels! This recipe transforms them into a surprisingly delicious and healthy biscuit. While it requires a bit more effort than other options, it’s a creative way to reduce food waste and utilize an unexpected ingredient. The banana peels are dehydrated and ground into a flour-like consistency, then combined with other biscuit ingredients to create unique and flavorful biscuits.

30. Broccoli Hummus

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 15 minutes

This vibrant hummus recipe adds a delightful twist to the classic chickpea spread. Simply blend leftover cooked broccoli florets with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings. Broccoli hummus is a healthy and flavorful dip perfect with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers. It’s a great way to use up leftover broccoli and create a delicious dip or spread.

31. “Very Vege” Pesto

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 15 minutes

This pesto recipe is a champion for reducing food waste and adding a vibrant flavor boost to your meals. Embrace the “Very Vege” concept! Use leftover vegetables and herbs you have on hand, from kale leaves to leftover broccoli stems. Combine them with nuts, cheese, and olive oil to create a delicious and versatile pesto. Spread it on toast, toss it with pasta, or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables. “Very Vege” pesto allows you to get creative and utilize leftover ingredients for a flavorful and healthy condiment.

32. Pasta with Veggie Pesto and Peel Chips

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

This recipe showcases the versatility of “Very Vege” pesto and tackles leftover food waste on two fronts! Combine your homemade pesto with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. Additionally, transform leftover vegetable peels (like potato or carrot peels) into crispy chips by baking or frying them. These chips add a delightful textural contrast and utilize leftover scraps that might otherwise be discarded.

33. Curried Cauliflower 4 Ways

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

This recipe unlocks the potential of leftover cauliflower with four delicious variations! Simply roast or steam leftover cauliflower florets and then use them as the base for four different curried dishes. Explore options like a creamy coconut curry, a spicy Thai curry, a vibrant lentil and vegetable curry, or a simple stir-fry with curry paste. This recipe provides a flavorful and customizable way to use up leftover cauliflower and create exciting new meals.

34. Porridge Parathas and Banana Chutney

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 45 minutes

This recipe offers a delightful way to use up leftover cooked porridge and overripe bananas. Transform leftover porridge into flatbreads known as parathas by adding flour and a touch of oil. Cook them on a pan until golden brown and enjoy them with a sweet and spicy banana chutney made with overripe bananas. It’s a creative way to utilize leftover breakfast ingredients and create a unique and flavorful combination.

35. Swiss Pasta Gratin

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour

This comforting dish is a champion for transforming leftover pasta and cheese into a cheesy and satisfying casserole. Embrace the essence of Swiss cuisine! Use leftover cooked pasta, any type will do, and combine it with a creamy cheese sauce made with Gruyere or another Swiss cheese. Top it with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Swiss Pasta Gratin is a perfect way to use up leftover pasta and cheese while creating a warm and delicious meal.

36. Bread and Butter Pudding

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour

This timeless dessert is a champion for leftover bread! Use any type of leftover bread, from crusty baguettes to soft white slices, to create a comforting and budget-friendly pudding. Soaked in a creamy custard and baked until golden brown, it’s a delicious way to reduce food waste and enjoy a nostalgic sweet treat. Bread and Butter Pudding is a classic recipe that allows you to utilize leftover bread and create a satisfying and familiar dessert.

37. Veggie Loaded Meatballs

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

These meatballs are a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables and use up leftover cooked veggies. Grated or finely chopped leftover vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can be incorporated into the meatball mixture. This adds moisture, flavor, and utilizes ingredients that might otherwise be discarded. Serve these Veggie Loaded Meatballs with your favorite sauce for a nutritious and delicious meal.

38. Banana Loaf Cake

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour

This is our final pick of recipes to reduce food waste. This versatile recipe is a perfect way to use up overripe bananas and create a moist and flavorful cake. Simply mash overripe bananas and combine them with other cake ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs. The result is a delicious and budget-friendly cake that utilizes a fruit that might otherwise be thrown away. Banana Loaf Cake is a classic recipe that offers a sweet way to reduce food waste and enjoy a homemade treat.