Make the most of your leftovers

On those busy days when you can’t be bothered to cook, there’s nothing better than having a delicious meal ready to reheat.

Batch cooking

By planning how to make the most of your leftovers, you can cook more than you need for one meal and then portion out the rest for another time.

Leftovers are brilliant for lunch the following day, or pop them into containers and freeze for when you need them.

Another bonus is that it can save you money. Cooking for one or two people can be more expensive, so it’s often more cost-effective to batch cook bigger portions. It could also mean you won’t be tempted to buy lunch when you’re out and about.

And if all that wasn’t enough to convince you to love your leftovers, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste. If you’re cooking bigger batches, it's easier to use up all your ingredients as you’ll be less likely to have half an onion or a handful of mushrooms left over.

Leftover inspiration

The beauty of leftovers is you can have the same delicious meal again, or you can turn it into something new. For example, if you made a large batch of chilli, you can then make stuffed peppers or a burrito.

If you’re struggling for ideas on what to make with your leftovers, try the recipe finder from Love Food Hate Waste.

Leftovers in the fridge should be eaten within two to three days, so don’t forget the freezer is your friend if you want to keep them for longer!