How many times has this happened to you – you walk up to your refrigerator, imagining all the lip-smacking treats in store for you, only to be confronted with the harsh reality that your humble fridge ONLY possesses bowls of leftover rice and some chicken carcasses?
Trust me, been there. Note to oneself – go to the grocery store more often.
But you know what? It’s okay, we all have our days. This doesn’t mean we won’t satisfy our guts, does it? Well, fret not, the Guardian Angel of Leftovers has answered your call! Following are some heavenly ideas which can turn any leftover into a meal; just what you wanted to satiate your midnight binges! (Click on the italicized text for the link to the recipes)
- Leftover chapatis– The chapati is the indispensable household staple in India, and it’s quite often that you’d find these stacks of wholewheat breads in the fridge. You can give these rotis a delicious Tex-Mex cum Italian twist by just warming these in the microwave oven till they’re just warm, but still not crisp. Then top it all with tomato puree or ketchup, some bacon or prosciutto and cheese. Stick it in the microwave for a few seconds, till the cheese melts, and viola! Roti Pizza. Presto! OR turn it into a Tex Mex Wrap with some gorgeous filling of rice, black beans, salsa, lettuce, leftover chicken, guacamole and eggs!
- Cream Cheese– Make sure that the packet has not been left over for over a week, otherwise it wouldn’t be good to use. Nevertheless, this one recipe is an all time favourite, for it is quick, easy and looks sophisticated AF! Plus, it’s a treat for the people with a sweet tooth. This Cheesecake Parfait is your canvas- play with the toppings; use fresh fruits, Granola bars, rice crispies, chocolate, while keeping the base (ie, cream cheese and biscuit crumbs) the same. If you’re experimental, you c o u l d use Oreo biscuit crumbs. Basic recipe here .
- Chicken- And the gastronomic king strikes again! (yes, quite obviously, he’s one of my favourites) Expect Jamie Oliver to turn leftover chicken carcasses and meat in to something so healthy, rewarding and downright mouthwatering! Try this Frenchie Salad for happy days!
- Cooked elbow macaroni pasta and good ‘ol leftover cheese- This is more of a d-i-y in 5 minutes than a leftover-put-to-use meal, but the very fact that it can be made in a mug in such a short span of time makes it the go-to food fix if you’re hungry AND in a hurry. The quintessentially American Mac ‘n Cheese, that comes in a mug is your new best friend.
- Milk- Before you start bickering, please, hear me out. If you have an egg at your disposal, and some slivers of processed meat, then you’ll surely fall in love with this quiche in a mug recipe. It’s such a quick and comforting dish, you’ll just love it with all your heart.
- Mint – this is for the times when your refrigerator has nothing but herbs (it’s rare, but yes, it did happen to me). Don’t be afraid- make an amazing Virgin Mojito a.k.a Spritzer out of it! All you need is water, sparkling water/soda/ Sprite, sugar, lemon juice (cheat code: you can use Tang or any other instant lemon juice powder available) and ice cubes, and you’ve made yourself a cooler that will rid you of the summer blues(and dehydration!). For a cheeky alcoholic kick, which I’m sure you wouldn’t mind ;), add in a dash of white rum (you could try with vodka, but the original Mojito uses white rum),and you’re set!
It's Fraîche! 