Introduction
Food waste is a major concern, but with a little creativity, surplus fruits and vegetables can be turned into delicious meals instead of being thrown away. Whether your produce is slightly overripe or nearing its expiration date, these simple recipes will help you make the most of them.
1. Overripe Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
💡 Tip: You can also freeze overripe bananas and use them later for smoothies or baking.
2. Leftover Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- Assorted leftover vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, etc.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 cup cooked rice or noodles
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic.
- Add chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
💡 Tip: This recipe works with any combination of veggies you have on hand!
3. Homemade Croutons from Stale Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and herbs.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Use as a salad topping or soup garnish.
💡 Tip: Store croutons in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
4. Apple & Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, chopped
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup plant-based milk or water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a pot, cook oats with milk or water over medium heat.
- Add chopped apples and cinnamon.
- Stir occasionally until oats are soft (about 5 minutes).
- Sweeten with maple syrup if desired.
💡 Tip: Apples that are slightly soft or bruised work great for this recipe!
Conclusion
Instead of letting fruits and vegetables go to waste, turn them into delicious meals with these easy recipes. Reducing food waste not only helps the environment but also saves money and encourages creativity in the kitchen. Start experimenting with surplus ingredients today!