Say No to Waste: Cooking with Scraps
Sometimes it’s far too easy to throw away the brussels sprout leaves or the tops of your beets without really thinking about it. But we’re here to encourage you to save those scraps! Cooking with scraps not only reduces waste but also transforms those usually forgotten pieces into tasty treats. Here are some recipe ideas to help you celebrate Earth Day, every day.
Tasty Turnip Greens
One oft-discarded part of the turnip is its greens. Little do we know, they’re healthy and absolutely delicious! Next time you have turnips, don’t throw away the greens. Instead, create a heart-warming Turnip Greens Frittata.
Simply saute onions, garlic, and your chopped turnip greens. Beat some eggs with a splash of milk, season with salt and pepper, then pour over your sauteed mix in a skillet. Cook until set, and you have a delicious and nutrient-packed turnip greens frittata!
Broccoli Stalks Soup
Most of us are used to enjoying the florets of broccoli. But what about the stalks? These are normally discarded, but they can be transformed into a lovely Broccoli Stalk Soup.
Start by sauteing onion and garlic, then add your chopped broccoli stalks. Cover with vegetable stock and let it simmer until the stalks are soft. Blend until smooth, season with salt and pepper, then serve hot. This comforting, creamy soup not only tastes fantastic but also uses every part of the broccoli!
Celery Leaf Pesto
Celery leaves are often overlooked, yet they pack a punch of flavor. Instead of tossing these leaves in the bin, why not make a fresh pesto out of them?
Just replace basil leaves with celery leaves in your regular pesto recipe. Combine celery leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, and voila, you’ve got yourself a unique, flavorful pesto!
Fried Carrot Tops
The green carrot tops that we usually discard can be a tasty addition to any meal. They can be fried up and added to give a different texture and flavor to any dish.
Chop up your carrot tops and saute them with some garlic and olive oil until they’re crispy. Sprinkle them over a salad, grain bowl, or a simple fried egg for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.
Last Thoughts
In a world where more than a billion tons of food is wasted every year, it makes sense to find ways to use every part of the food we buy, including the parts we usually send to the compost bin. These delicious recipes using veggie scraps not only contribute to the reduction of waste but also provide an exciting twist in the kitchen.
Every kitchen scrap is an opportunity to create something tasty and nutritious. So, let’s rethink our relationship with our vegetable “waste”. Not only will we be doing the planet a favor, but our taste buds will also thank us, too!