Posted 5 days ago
Sat 20 Jun, 2026 12:06 AM
You know those carrots in the back of your fridge you bought for meal prep but forgot about them, and now they're a bit soggy? You don't need to throw them away (as long as they're not mouldy). You can actually use up leftovers quite easily when they're nearing expiration, and it saves you money!
Here are 5 easy cooking hacks so you can start saving money and reduce wasting leftovers:
Save for Broth 🍖
Keep an ongoing 'Save for Broth' container in your freezer for vegetable peels (like carrots, onion and celery). Once the container gets full, boil them in water with leftover chicken bones (previously cooked) to create a flavourful, money-saving stock.
The Magic Quiche 🥕
You can pretty much put anything in a quiche, and that's why it's a really good way to use up leftovers. Combine any vegetables, bits of cheese, or leftover cooked meats with a base of eggs and a splash of milk. Pour into a crust or make it crustless in a muffin tray for a quick, no-waste meal!
Create a 'Use It Up' shelf 🧀
Dedicate a specific, highly visible spot in your fridge for items nearing their expiration date. Making a habit of checking this section can prevent food waste by up to 40%.
Freeze your herbs 🌿
If you use fresh herbs in your cooking, but notice they're all mushy and almost expired when you next use them, here's a hack for you. Chop them fresh and pack them into ice cube trays, and top with olive oil. You can then pop them straight into hot pans for future cooking. It's great as it always makes sure you have fresh herbs available.
Revive leftovers 🍛
Transform old rice into a fresh dinner by stir-frying it with soy sauce and any sad-looking vegetables from the bottom of your fridge. Not only does it save your leftovers, but it also turns them into a tasty meal!
As a student, any cooking hack is necessary, especially when it means you not only save money but also gain more food! 🍲