In the hustle and bustle of busy weeknights, finding time to cook can be challenging. At the same time, striving for a zero-waste kitchen can feel overwhelming. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can whip up delicious, sustainable meals that make the most of what you have. Here are some easy zero-waste recipes that fit perfectly into a hectic schedule while minimizing food waste.

1. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • Mixed vegetables (use up whatever you have: bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
  • Cooked rice or noodles
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Garlic and ginger (optional)
  • Oil for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Prep Your Veggies: Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Use up any leftover or slightly wilted vegetables you have in the fridge.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger if using.
  3. Stir-Fry: Add the vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until tender but still crisp.
  4. Add Sauce: Pour in a splash of soy sauce or tamari, adjusting to taste.
  5. Serve: Toss with cooked rice or noodles and serve hot.

Zero-Waste Tip: Save vegetable scraps for homemade broth.

2. Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas (or cooked chickpeas)
  • 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes)
  • Curry powder or spices of choice
  • Oil for cooking

Instructions:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes and curry powder. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  3. Add Chickpeas: Mix in the chickpeas and let them cook until heated through.
  4. Stir in Spinach: Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  5. Serve: Enjoy with rice, quinoa, or bread.

Zero-Waste Tip: Use leftover curry as a filling for wraps or sandwiches the next day.

3. One-Pan Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • Assorted vegetables (potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions)
  • Olive oil
  • Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prep Veggies: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces.
  3. Season: Toss vegetables with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Roast: Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes, or until tender and golden.
  5. Serve: Enjoy as a side dish or mixed with grains for a complete meal.

Zero-Waste Tip: Use vegetable scraps to make homemade vegetable stock.

4. Egg and Veggie Frittata

Ingredients:

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup milk (or a milk alternative)
  • 1 cup chopped vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc.)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Whisk Eggs: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in chopped vegetables and cheese if using.
  4. Cook: Pour mixture into a greased oven-safe pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until eggs are set and the top is golden.
  5. Serve: Cut into wedges and serve warm.

Zero-Waste Tip: Use up any leftover cheese or cooked meat in your frittata.

5. Soup from Scraps

Ingredients:

  • Vegetable scraps (onion peels, carrot tops, celery leaves)
  • 1-2 potatoes (for thickness)
  • 1 can beans or lentils (optional for protein)
  • Herbs and spices (thyme, bay leaves, pepper)
  • Water or broth

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Broth: Place vegetable scraps in a large pot and cover with water. Simmer for 30 minutes to create a flavorful broth.
  2. Add Vegetables: Strain out the scraps and add potatoes and any additional vegetables you have on hand. Cook until tender.
  3. Blend: For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup.
  4. Season: Add herbs, spices, and beans or lentils if using.
  5. Serve: Enjoy as a light meal or appetizer.

Zero-Waste Tip: Freeze leftover soup in portioned containers for easy future meals.

Conclusion

These easy zero-waste recipes not only fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle but also help reduce food waste and promote sustainability. By utilizing ingredients efficiently and creatively, you can enjoy delicious meals while minimizing your environmental impact. Embrace these recipes as part of your weeknight routine to make cooking both enjoyable and eco-friendly.