#FoodWasteFriday: Freestyle Cooking
How to Become a Freestyle Cook
Use recipes in a flexible and independent way! There’s no right or wrong way to go about it.
Start with considering what things you like about recipes or dishes you’ve tried before. What are your favorite combinations? What spices do you like? What are the main ingredients in the foods you like?
Adjust an existing recipe to your liking
Combine two recipes (think stews and soups!)
Follow a recipe idea as a guide
Create a new recipe
Use It Up Cooking Ideas
These are some non-recipe ideas you can adjust according to what you have on hand!
Chili. Add various veggies, a handful of grains, and whatever beans are in the cupboard. If you eat meat and have some bits in the fridge, toss them in.
Dal. I love Indian food flavors and aromatic dishes. Try a dish with dry split peas or lentils, onions, tomatoes and spices. Add veggies that are already in the fridge or garden.
Frittata. Combine veggies and eggs for a satisfying dish that’s easy to make.
Pizza. You may need some staples for this one (dough, sauce, cheese) and then add on those miscellaneous veggies and meat.
Soup. Vegetable soups can be made with as few or as many ingredients as you like.
Roasted Vegetables. This is one of my favorites in the winter when there are lots of root vegetables available. Dice, spice, drizzle with oil and pop them in the oven for a low-stakes meal.
By restricting yourself to using ingredients that you already have on hand, you get creative, save money and reduce food waste!
