How to Use Leftover Vegetables

With all the financial reasons to use up the food we buy, when it comes to vegetables another reason is taste.Try these tips for simple and creative ways to use leftover vegetables to please a variety of tastes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leftover vegetables
• Any of the following:
• Seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Cheese
• Pasta, rice and/or beans
• Sause

How to Use Leftover Vegtables

1. Pickle leftover cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion by adding them to vinegar and sugar. Try any combination of these leftover vegetables as you please and use about 1/2 cup of sugar per 6 ounces of white vinegar—add additional sugar to taste. If desired, add Nature's Seasons seasoning or a bit of basil. Let sit in the refrigerator for several hours. This side-dish can last several days.

2. Cook leftover potatoes in a number of ways. Combine mashed potatoes with a little milk, onion and seasoning and make potato patties. Fry in a lightly oiled skillet until medium brown. If needed, add breadcrumbs for consistency. Shred or cube baked potatoes and sauté in a lightly oiled pan with onion, salt, pepper and garlic and/or Old Bay seasoning.

3. 
   Pizza bread with vegtables

   Use leftover vegetables in pasta dishes and on homemade pizza bread. Some favorites include diced tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and olives. For easy pizza bread, cover bread with a light coating of leftover spaghetti sauce with added sugar to taste, add pizza seasoning or oregano, cheese and thinly sliced vegetable toppings. Pop in the microwave or toaster oven for about 15 to 20 seconds. As an alternative, try Alfredo sauce, chicken, cheese and vegetables and toast in the oven. Brush the bread lightly with a little olive oil and lightly toast first, if too soggy.

4. Make cheesy vegetables with leftover green beans, broccoli or cauliflower. Make a simple cheese sauce with Velveeta or Cheese Whiz and a little milk. Precook the vegetables if needed. Cook on the stove top on low or in the oven until heated. Jazz up the sauce with a little chili powder or dried scallions.

5. Replace boring sandwiches with wraps for a tasty way to use leftover vegetables. Use medium-sized soft wraps made with wheat and olive oil or other flat breads. Instead of mayo, try whipped cream cheese, and add leftover salad or use lettuce, sliced onion, sliced tomato and sliced onion along with the meat of your choice. Otherwise, try cucumber, artichoke and mushroom for a tasty vegetarian meal.

6. Keep homemade or store bought beef and chicken stock on hand. Add any combination of vegetables you like along with pre-cooked pasta, lentils or rice. Add leftover tomatoes for a new taste. Cook on low in a crock pot along with salt, lemon pepper and herbs or Greek seasoning for an easy and tasty soup.

7. Make an ethnic dish with leftover vegetables by stir-frying or sautéing in olive, sesame or peanut oil along with minced garlic. Add cumin and taco or fajita seasoning with plenty of onions for a Mexican dish, or coat vegetables in a teriyaki sauce to satisfy your Asian cuisine cravings. For a new twist add corn and go Cajun style.

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[richardchan]

on 5/16/2008 Great tips!

[jcorn]

on 5/16/2008 Super ideas!

[AmyBrantley]

on 5/15/2008 Yum! These are wonderful ideas :)