Food waste is an important issue in the UK. Making small changes to our everyday cooking habits can help us make better use of the food we buy and find new ways to use the ingredients we have.
Get into the habit of checking your pantry and fridge before heading to the supermarket. Rather than starting from scratch with your shopping list, take a look at the fruits and vegetables you have at home, along with any opened packets or ingredients that need using. Base your meals around these ingredients and search Cookidoo® for recipes that use them. You never know – you might discover a new dish to add to your favourites!
The best way to avoid unnecessary purchases and impulse buys at the supermarket is to take a shopping list and stick to it. If it’s not on your list, don’t buy it!
Where possible, choose ingredients with less packaging. You may be able to buy staples such as rice and pasta in larger quantities or from bulk sections, depending on what’s available in your local supermarket. Some supermarkets also sell misshapen or wonky produce, which can be a great-value option.
If you live near a farm shop or weekly farmers’ market, take the opportunity to explore the locally available meat and fresh produce. It’s a great way to discover different ingredients and shop from local producers.
With around 70% of UK food waste occurring in households, making small changes to the way we cook at home can help us use the ingredients we buy in different ways.
Stems, peels and leaves can be useful ingredients in their own right. Thermomix® makes quick work of tougher vegetables and their trimmings – try blitzing them into pesto, soup or sauces.
Not all vegetables need peeling; some simply need a good scrub before cooking. If you prefer to peel them, try using the peelings to flavour stocks or as a garnish. Meat trimmings and bones can be used to make deeply flavoured broths and soups, while day-old bread works well in croutons, bread pudding or strata.
Batch cooking is another practical way to prepare meals in advance. Add whole vegetables, beans or legumes to chillies, shepherd’s pie or spaghetti Bolognese, then freeze extra portions or enjoy them for weekday lunches. Having prepared meals ready to go can be particularly useful on days when you don’t have the time or energy to cook.
If you have extra fruit or vegetables, experiment with different flavour combinations in juices or smoothies. Preserving is another way to enjoy seasonal produce in different forms. From jam to sauerkraut, there are plenty of delicious ways to prepare and enjoy your favourite fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
__Search on Cookidoo® for more inspiration to use up your leftovers and make the most of the ingredients you have. __
