Before “meal prep” was a thing, cooks were finding a way to turn yesterday’s bits into something new and tasty. Those humble leftovers gave us some of the most iconic foods around. Here are 10 delicious foods that wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for leftovers.
10. Almond Croissants
Almond croissants are often a bakery’s delicious secret for dealing with yesterday’s unsold pastries. That’s right…day-old or imperfect croissants are given a second life by being split open, soaked in a sweet syrup, filled with an almond paste (frangipane), and then re-baked until crispy. This practice transforms a potential loss into a decadent treat on the pastry shelf.
9. Chop Suey
Chop Suey is a staple of American Chinese cuisine, born out of necessity in the mid-1800s by Cantonese-American immigrants. Faced with unexpected guests or limited ingredients, chefs would stir-fry a mix of assorted vegetables and whatever meat scraps available on hand. The name of the dish is believed to come from the Cantonese phrase “tsap suei,” meaning “miscellaneous leftovers.”
8. Croutons
The word “crouton” comes from the French croûte, which means “crust,” and for centuries, they have been the go-to method for using up stale bread. The practice can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where day-old bread was cubed, seasoned, and toasted or fried in oil or butter.
7. Migas
The name of this popular Tex-Mex and Spanish breakfast dish literally means “crumbs.” Migas was created to use up stale, leftover corn tortillas. These tortilla scraps are fried until crispy, then scrambled with eggs, peppers, and onions. It’s a dish created by “thrifty poor people” that has turned into a well-loved brunch staple.
6. Arancini
What do you do with leftover risotto? Italians make arancini. These fried rice balls are a Sicilian specialty, and their creation is a direct result of not wanting to waste a single grain of risotto. The cooled, leftover risotto is molded into balls, filled with cheese or meat, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
5. Shepherd’s Pie
The UK’s ultimate comfort food originated from the thrifty kitchens of 18th-century. Shepherd’s Pie was originally conceived as a way to use up leftovers from a Sunday roast. The leftover meat was minced and cooked in a gravy with vegetables, then topped with a crust of mashed potatoes. It was a hearty, economical meal for working-class families, and a delicious way to ensure zero waste.
4. French Toast
This French breakfast classic was invented as a way to rescue day-old bread that was too tough to eat. By soaking the hardened slices in a mixture of eggs and milk, the bread is rehydrated and transformed into a custardy delight when fried. The practice is ancient, with a similar recipe appearing in a Roman cookbook from the 5th century.
3. Panzanella
This Tuscan summer salad is another Italian solution for stale bread. Panzanella was born in the countryside where farmers would soak day-old bread in water and then mix it with fresh vegetables from their gardens. The bread soaks up the juices of the vegetables and the vinaigrette, becoming the star of the dish.
2. Ribollita
The name of this hearty Tuscan soup literally means “reboiled,” hinting at its leftover origins. Ribollita was traditionally made by reheating and reboiling day-old vegetable soup. Stale bread is added to thicken the soup and make it more substantial, turning a simple soup into a complete meal.
1. Fried Rice
At the top spot, we have the most globally recognized leftover dish: fried rice! It’s a staple in countless households and a perfect way to use up day-old rice. Fried rice is also a canvas for all sorts of leftovers, from small bits of meat to vegetables. Add a little soy sauce and a scrambled egg, and yesterday’s scraps are transformed into a delicious meal!