INDULGE, RESPONSIBLY.
OUR FAVORITE ZERO WASTE LEFTOVERS RECIPES
TEXT JULIA RESTOIN ROITFELD
Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite holidays of the year. Despite now living in the UK, I insist on maintaining the Thanksgiving tradition in our home.
I love the fact that it’s not about buying presents, and unnecessary consumption, but to spend time with loved ones, and reflect on all the things we must grateful and thankful for.
That said, as any big celebratory meal, it doesn’t come with no waste. Here are a few hacks, for a more mindful Thanksgiving, including some of our favorite quick and leftovers recipes, cause nothing tastes better than Thanksgiving leftovers!
ROASTED VEGGIE HASH
Great one to start the day1
If I have any of the roasted veggies left over, I love to reheat them in a cast iron skillet on the stove top. It’s a nice way to crisp up the veggies. Then I’ll make a hole in the center of the vegetables and crack an egg.
I like to add a bit of coriander and crushed peppers as a final touch.
Perfect Thanksgiving breakfast!
LEFTOVER
SHEPHERD’S PIE
Mix the turkey with leftover roasted vegetables or keep it traditional with peas, carrots,
Place the mixture in a baking dish and cover the top with mashed potatoes (or Sweet Potato mash!). Bake until everything is heated through and the top is looking golden brown.
A great one to have in little ramequins in the freezer for cold winter nights!
TURKEY AND CRANBERRY GRILLED-CHEESE
Definitely my favorite! Spread 4 slices of bread with Dijon mustard. Layer with cheese (any cheese ), turkey and cranberry sauce; top with remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with butter, spreading butter all the way to to the edges of the bread. Pan fry till golden.
A FEW EXTRA TIPS TO CELEBRATE THIS THANKSGIVING EVEN MORE RESPONSIBLY
The Planning
Perhaps the most important step. This is where we do the work that prevents us from under or over purchasing, and keeping the amount we buy (and spend!) tight. These questions come in handy when setting out to host:
How many guests are coming? How many kids vs. adults?
Do any guests have dietary restrictions? Gluten free? Vegetarian? Vegan?
Are guests bringing anything?
What am I cooking? Note sides, mains, and desserts.
How much food should I allot per person? See beautifully illustrated guide below!
Make a list of products to buy, what you already have, and how much of each product you will need.
Prep plates and dishes. Use washable napkins, cutlery, and serving utensils.
The Shopping
With the planning done, it is time to get shopping.
Bring your own reusable bags. Always bring more than you think you’ll need so you never have to buy a plastic one. Also, don’t forget to bring produce bags as well.
Head to bulk stores for any grains, flours, sugars, or nuts you may need. At bulk stores you can fill your own bags and containers, and you will often find more affordable pricing.
Venture to your local farmer’s market for fresh veggies and fruits. Luckily, most Thanksgiving produce is seasonal and available at markets. Tip: Buy some extra squash to serve as table decorations (but that you can eat later on!)
The FooD- A FEW MORE RECIPES FROM THE ZERO WASTE COMMUNITY.
Turkey is a huge source of waste on many Thanksgiving, especially considering many people have opted for vegetarian lifestyles. If you are going to cook a turkey, make sure you buy one from a local ,organic source and purchase one only as big as to feed the number of people who will actually be eating turkey. Here are some great Thanksgiving recipes from the zero waste community:
Roasted Whole Cauliflower with Green Tahini Dressing from Simple by Ottolenghi
Mushroom Gravy via The New York Times
Mashed Potatoes with Skins from Food and Wine
Sourdough Table Loaf by Sarah Owens for Food 52
Pumpkin Tart with Oat Crust from Forks over Knives
The Best Vegan Apple Crisp from The Minimalist Baker
Mom’s Turkey Noodle Soup by Elise Bauer (you can even use veggie scraps to make your own vegetable stock)
