Freezer Soup and Other Recipes for Leftovers
February 9, 2009 by Katelyn Thomas
Filed under Frugal Gourmet
There was an article in my local paper, The Cecil Whig, today that discussed Freezer Soup. This woman’s frugal grandma would freeze her leftovers, even if it was just a tablespoon of leftover green beans, throughout the week and then would toss everything into a pot on Friday to make a big pot of soup for dinner. I remember a lot of casseroles and soups to use up a single ham bone growing up, but I don’t remember Freezer Soup.
I guess you’d have to plan your menu pretty carefully during the week to avoid a gross Friday meal…Let’s see – 1 slice of pizza, a spoonful of leftover shrimp fried rice…
One thing I do to avoid wasting leftovers is to plate up an extra meal and pop it right in the freezer if it looks like we have too much food that night. Then, when someone’s in a rush and needs a lunch or dinner on the go, he or she can heat up the DIY frozen meal and chow down.
Leftover Veggie Stir Fry
My brother has a thrifty leftover dish that we really enjoy, though. When I mention that some of the veggies need to be cooked ASAP, he puts together a stir fry using all the veggies that need to be used up (carrots, broccoli, etc.) and whatever meat we have left over in the fridge. Just a spoonful of olive oil, a tablespoon of garlic, salt and pepper and it tastes delicious. He’ll also toss in a few eggs and a bit of chicken broth if there is no meat.
Do you have a favorite way to use up leftovers so they don’t go to waste?
Photo by Sophie/Stock Exchange
I agree, freezer soup could be dicey … we do freeze peelings for making stock.