3 Delicious Ways to Use Up Your Shabbat Leftovers

After a busy weekend of family meals, many of us find ourselves facing the same question: what should we do with all the leftovers?

A little chicken, some rice, a few roasted potatoes, extra vegetables, and half a challah are often left sitting in the refrigerator. They are still perfectly good, but somehow they never seem as appealing the second time around.

For years, I simply reheated everything and hoped for the best. More often than not, the leftovers stayed untouched.

Let's be honest: when family members walk into the kitchen and ask, "What's for dinner?" nobody gets excited by the answer, "The leftovers from the weekend."

But sometimes all it takes is a little creativity.

The same ingredients can feel completely different when they are transformed into a new dish. "Rice and chicken leftovers" may not sound exciting, but "a hearty chicken and rice skillet" is another story entirely.

Here are three easy and delicious ways to turn leftovers into meals your family will actually look forward to eating.

Baked Leftovers Casserole

This flexible casserole is perfect for clearing out the refrigerator while creating something warm, filling, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Leftover vegetables
• Leftover bread or challah
• Leftover chicken, meatballs, or other proteins (optional)
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cut the leftovers into bite sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the flour, eggs, and seasonings, then mix until everything is evenly combined.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake until the casserole is set and golden on top, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Hearty Leftovers Soup

One of the easiest ways to use leftovers is to turn them into a comforting soup. The beauty of this recipe is that it changes every time, depending on what you have on hand.

To keep the soup tasting fresh, add a few new vegetables and herbs alongside your leftovers.

Ingredients

• Leftover chicken or beef
• Leftover vegetables
• Fresh vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or asparagus
• Water or broth
• Salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste

Directions

Place all the ingredients in a large pot and cover with water or broth.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended together.

Serve hot.

Chicken and Rice Leftovers Bowl

This quick skillet meal gives leftover rice and chicken a completely new identity.

Ingredients

• Leftover rice
• Leftover chicken, shredded
• Grated vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, or turnips
• A drizzle of olive oil
• 2 eggs
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin or other favorite spices

Directions

Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet.

Add the rice, chicken, and grated vegetables, stirring until everything is warmed through.

Season to taste, then crack the eggs directly into the skillet. Stir until the eggs are cooked and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Serve immediately while hot.

Waste Less, Enjoy More

Leftovers do not have to feel like leftovers.

With a little imagination, yesterday's meal can become today's casserole, soup, or skillet dinner. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also saves time, money, and the effort of preparing an entirely new meal.

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that start with whatever happens to be waiting in the refrigerator.