Our Top Pairings for Commonly Wasted Foods
We often think about food waste holistically: if we reduce waste for every type of food, we’ll get the best result. However, some foods are much more commonly wasted than others so maybe they deserve a little bit more attention.
According to the EPA Ireland, 41% of Irish people report they have thrown away bread with 20% of bread and baked goods going to waste. 50% of salad veg ends up in the bin, as does 25% of fruit and vegetables.
To help you to combat this, we’ve put together some easy food pairings for these foods so that you ALWAYS know what to do with the butt-end of that loaf, that last knob of cucumber or the browning apple in the fruit bowl.
PAIRINGS FOR COMMONLY WASTED FOODS
BREAD
BREAD POHA
This hearty Indian breakfast dish casts bread as the star - find the recipe in our Remix Recipe Cookbook.
FRESHEN IT UP
Run your bread under a bit of water and re-bake it for 6 - 10 minutes until crusty.
FRENCH TOAST
More mature bread will actually soak up more of your custard than fresher bread. Low on time? Bake your french toast for 20 - 25 minutes instead of frying.
CROUTONS
Rip that old bread into croutons that would make any artisanal salad bar swoon and freeze them so they’re ready to bake whenever you fancy a salad.
BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING
Originating from finding a use for stale bread scraps, bread and butter pudding is food-waste-friendly and more comforting than a hug on a bad day.
Note: don’t try to salvage mouldy bread - we don’t want anyone to become ill!
WILTING SALAD LEAVES
SAUTE
Saute any wilted green with garlic and salt or soy sauce and you’ve got the perfect healthy side.
KALE OR SPINACH SMOOTHIE
Blend your kale or spinach into your fruity smoothie to up vitamins and reduce waste.
REVIVE
Add your lettuce (or any other leaves) to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes and then pat dry.
SOUP
Lettuce in soup may sound wacky but trust us, add potatoes, peas, onion, leeks and your usual a-soup-rements and you’d be surprised how great it is.
PESTO
Kale, rocket, watercress and other flavourful leaves can be amazing in pesto variations.
APPLES
(Did you know 1.3 million apples are thrown away each year?)
MORE SMOOTHIES
Smoothies are the food waste reduction game changer - enough said.
APPLE SAUCE
Apple sauce may feel quite American but it’s ideal for vegan baking to add the moisture that can be missed when you’re cooking without eggs.
FRUIT CRISPS
Fruit crisps hit different. Bake slices of browning apple tossed in cinnamon for a sweet treat.
MAKE MORE SOUP
Apple plays well with flavours such as celeriac and fennel.
APPLE PIE BAKED OATS
Soft, supple baked apple makes for a breakfast that sets you up for the day.
POTATOES
In the UK, half of the potatoes taken home end up in the bin.
EVEN MORE SOUP
Boiled too many potatoes? Add them to soup for a creamy, velvety result.
POTATO CAKES
Use your old mash to make breakfast.
SHEPHERD'S PIE
Pull out this classic to make the most out of veg and mash in your fridge.
ROASTIES
Roast potatoes are delicious in breakfast burritos or simply smash them and pan fry for a bit of variety with your next meal.
CURRY
Potatoes and curry are a match made in food heaven.
So go get coupling the odds and ends in your fridge and cupboard and make the most commonly wasted foods into delicious, nutritious meals!