Hey is that show coming back? I really enjoyed The Leftovers on HBO. At first, I found it to be very Lost-esque; but by the end of the season, there was very little payoff! It sounds like it has been renewed for a second season. But now that we no longer have HBO nor DVR, it’ll be a lot longer until I check that one out.

Let’s talk about leftover food today.

When my husband was out of town a couple of weekends ago, I was determined to use up all of the leftovers in the house – a half cup of veg here, a half pound of meat there…

I assembled a nice hot meal, loosely based on this Power Bowl formula I often use to make lunches during the week. I also wanted to finally action a Green Sauce recipe I’ve been eying. So I did pick up a few ingredients.

And here were the results… Maybe not the prettiest, but it sure was tasty!

Hot Plate with Green Sauce

{Makes 4 servings}

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 – 2 Tbsp granulated garlic
• 5 to 6 cups vegetables
• 2 large handfuls spinach
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Green Sauce {You can make ahead or while your vegetables are cooking!}

Method:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium to medium-high heat.
• Add chopped onion. Cook until translucent.
• Add 1.5 pounds of any combination of ground beef and turkey.
• Add 1 to 2 Tbsp of granulated garlic or garlic powder.
• Cook meat through until there is almost no pink, breaking up the pieces.
• Add some salt and pepper, to taste.
• Add vegetables little by little, stirring in those that cook longest first and those that don’t take very long to cook last. For example, I had some leftover asparagus and broccoli that I had frozen that went in first. I added my sliced mushrooms and chopped tomato last.
• Add some more salt and pepper (or more garlic, if you wish!) to taste.
• When vegetables are nearly cooked to desired texture, add spinach and stir in until wilted.
• Serve immediately and drizzle with desired amount of Green Sauce.

You could even serve this over rice or pasta if desired.

I hate wasting food. It has taken me several years to realize that I don’t have to let my produce go rot in my fridge before throwing it out. Don’t waste your leftover vegetables! You can just put them all in one dish. Add a protein and a little sauce and you’ve got a tasty, healthy meal.

How do you use odd amounts of leftover food to avoid waste?

Feel free to share your favorite recipes!

Cheers~
Carrie