Reducing food waste doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Reducing food waste is important, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. One delicious way to cut waste at home is up-cooking: transforming leftovers into new dishes.
Instead of tossing last night’s dinner, try this hearty, protein-packed leftover bowl:
Leftover Chicken Harvest Bowl
Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 35 mins Makes: Four to six servings
Ingredients:
- Leftover cooked chicken and roasted vegetables (or other available ingredients).
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 cups (500 ml) quinoa, cooked (or preferred cooked grains such as rice, barley, couscous, etc.)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar (or dressing of choice)
- 1 lb (454 g) package …
Reducing food waste doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Reducing food waste is important, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. One delicious way to cut waste at home is up-cooking: transforming leftovers into new dishes.
Instead of tossing last night’s dinner, try this hearty, protein-packed leftover bowl:
Leftover Chicken Harvest Bowl
Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 35 mins Makes: Four to six servings
Ingredients:
- Leftover cooked chicken and roasted vegetables (or other available ingredients).
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2 cups (500 ml) quinoa, cooked (or preferred cooked grains such as rice, barley, couscous, etc.)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar (or dressing of choice)
- 1 lb (454 g) package baby spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted nuts or seeds, finely chopped
Preparation:
- Dice leftover chicken and roasted vegetables. Place into small mixing bowl.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until just starting to brown and chicken is warmed through.
- Add a handful of quinoa (or cooked grain of choice) and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Toss well.
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted.
- Garnish with toasted nuts or seeds for more crunch and extra protein.
This simple dish brings bold fall flavours to your table while keeping quality protein at the centre of your plate. One way to stay fueled during busy days without wasting food is to look at your fridge with fresh eyes. With a little creativity, yesterday’s meal can become today’s favourite.
Tip: Consider chicken that was raised without antibiotics or protein that helps support sustainable farming, like the options at Maple Leaf Foods. You can learn more about protein options, up-cooking ideas, and ways to reduce food waste at mapleleaf.ca.