Leftover "Exchange" Ideas

[groover808]

A friend and I in an effort to save money and capitalize on using leftovers (I tend to make large batches when cooking anything) are doing a leftover exchange. So the plan is to make some type of dish on Sunday, share the leftovers to bring work for lunch or an easy dinner. Requirements for dishes are:
- something that will keep and heat easily for a few days
- won't take me an entire day to cook ( I do have a crockpot)
- includes a protein component or hearty enough to be an entree
- hopefully has carbs included, if not, can be eaten with a carb on the side like rice or pasta
- something somewhat health conscious or can be made lighter, so this rules out a supper-fattening yet delicious lasagna :(

Any ideas? This past week my friend gave me yellow and red curry and I made pork chops smothered in cream of mushroom sauce with diced potatoes and fresh mushrooms.

[todao]

I grew up on "leftovers" but I usually make menu decisions based upon what I find in the refrigerator at any given time. I've never planned leftovers for a specific purpose. That'll take some thought.

[ipsedixit]

"I've never planned leftovers for a specific purpose."

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That was my thought as well. In groover808's case, it would seem like just making an extra portion for the neighbor ...

[groover808]

Yes, specifically recipes that can hold up well for a few days. Things like stews, casseroles, and chili stand out as obvious suspects, just looking for something I'm missing.

[writergeek313]

This time of year, soups are a sure bet. I made a great one a few weeks ago: chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, wild rice, kale, fresh thyme, and fresh cracked pepper. I poached the chicken breasts, then took them out and shredded them, and I added the garlic cloves whole, too, then took them out with the chicken, smashed them, and added them back to the soup.

I added too much rice and kept having to add more broth when I reheated, but other than that, it was great. Healthy, hearty, and relatively quick and low-maintenance.

[valerie]

What about turkey chili? Easy to make a large batch and it keeps well (freezes well too). I put it over brown rice for my kids and they love it.

Or similarly, rice and beans (with sausage). I got a recipe from CH a while ago and I make it somewhat often. I can post a recipe for either one if you are interested.

[link_930]

Made a large pot of chicken cacciatore with fingerling potatoes the other week. It got better as it sat, and reheated well for my friend and I for lunches and dinners.

[Cherylptw]

Pork chops smothered in cream of mushroom sauce with diced potatoes & fresh mushrooms is not "health conscious", key words being "smothered in cream"; you may as well have the lasagna

[groover808]

Oh, my description made it sounds pretty rich. I actually lightened it up by using center cut pork chops (hardly any fat), used maybe 1 tsp of oil to sautee the mushrooms and potatoes, and 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup with water and maybe 1/4 cup of non-fat milk. An old recipe from my grandma from the south...

[Emme]

Turkey (or lean beef/pork) meatloaf - when mom made this when i was young, it lasted for several days and reheated well

Stuffed Peppers

Cabbage and (Turkey) Meatballs

Tortilla Strata - tortillas, green chiles, light sour cream, shredded chicken, tomatoes, light cheddar/jack chese, salsa verde... layer in the order and amounts you desire, repeat, and bake til gooey

Frittatas

Polenta Casserole/Lasagna layered with ground turkey marinara, and a little parmesan

Salmon Croquettes - these lasted several days when I was a kid too

Lentil Soup! or Navy Bean!

[groover808]

Great ideas, loving that polenta idea. I'll probably be making chicken cacciatore tomorrow. I also see this chicken paprikash recipe on the side frame here on chowhound too!