Reducing kitchen waste is not only good for the environment but also for your wallet. Scrappy cooking is all about utilizing every part of your food, turning what you might usually discard into delicious and nutritious meals. Here, we present five inventive recipes that transform kitchen scraps into culinary delights, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Crispy Sweet Potato Skins with Sweet Potato BBQ Sauce
This delightful snack turns often-discarded sweet potato peels into crispy, flavorful bites, perfect for dipping in a tangy sweet potato BBQ sauce made from the flesh of the sweet potatoes. By using the peels, you make the most out of the whole vegetable, embracing the essence of scrappy cooking. Paired with a creamy avocado dip, these crispy skins are both satisfying and eco-friendly. Tip: The sweet potato flesh used for the sauce can also be mashed and stored for other dishes like sweet potato pancakes or added to soups for extra richness.
Apple Coleslaw
This bright and colorful coleslaw uses fresh, crisp Granny Smith apples along with shredded purple cabbage, celeriac root, and radish, creating a healthy and tasty side dish. Scrappy cooking shines through as it utilizes the whole apple, integrating its natural sweetness and crunch. Tossed with a tangy lemon and mayo dressing, this coleslaw is a perfect example of turning everyday produce into a delightful dish. Tip: Apple cores and cabbage stems can be used to make a flavorful vegetable broth, adding depth to soups and stews.
Rosemary-Parmesan Almond Pulp Crackers
These Rosemary-Parmesan Almond Pulp Crackers are a clever way to use leftover almond pulp from homemade California almond milk, turning what might be discarded into a delicious, gluten-free snack. Infused with rosemary and Parmesan, these crisp crackers are perfect for dipping into hummus or spreading with Garlic and Herb Almond “Cheese.” The combination of earthy rosemary and nutty California Almonds creates a flavor-packed treat that’s both satisfying and sustainable.
Cauliflower Tart Cherry Salad
Transforming a whole head of cauliflower into a refreshing salad, this recipe combines thinly shaved cauliflower with Montmorency Tart Cherries and toasted seeds. By making use of every part of the cauliflower, Emily Caruso’s dish ensures nothing goes to waste. The tangy dressing and crunchy seeds add layers of flavor and texture, making it a memorable and sustainable meal. Tip: Cauliflower leaves can be roasted or sautéed with a bit of olive oil and seasoning, making a nutritious side dish.
Traditional Scottish Cock-a-leekie Soup
Inspired by Scottish tradition, this hearty soup blends the savory richness of chicken and leeks with the natural sweetness of California Prunes and the hearty texture of barley. Scrappy cooking is highlighted by using vegetable trimmings and chicken parts that might otherwise be discarded, infusing the broth with deep, comforting flavors. Garnished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley, this soup is a warm, delicious embrace. Tip: The tough stems and leek greens can also be used to enhance the flavor of homemade stocks and broths, ensuring every part of the vegetable is utilized.
Scrappy cooking is more than a trend; it’s a sustainable approach that encourages creativity and mindfulness in the kitchen. By making the most of every ingredient, you not only reduce waste but also discover new and delicious ways to enjoy your meals. These recipes demonstrate that with a bit of ingenuity, you can turn kitchen scraps into culinary masterpieces. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking in a way that’s both economical and environmentally friendly. Happy cooking!
