I know it’s hard to find time to cook, but what if when you DID cook, you cooked double? Leftovers are great for lunches (so much cheaper and healthier than eating out daily) and great when you’re short on time in the evenings. Let’s face it, leftovers save cooking time!
There are people who just don’t like leftovers. My husband has always said if you don’t like the leftovers, you’re not cooking the right recipes. To an extent, he’s right. Often there have been times there just didn’t seem to be enough of something we really like…so I’ve started making double of some recipes. Here’s what we’re eating on repeat this week.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
This is one of my very favorite recipes. It easy and quick when I substitute cole slaw mix for the cabbage, AND it tastes like my grandmother’s goulash. I could never find that recipe after she was gone, but I instantly recognized the flavor when I made this dish.
I had to use a soup pot to double the recipe, just to have room. But it worked just fine, and I’m excited to have it again tomorrow night. When others at church are enjoying their pizzas, I’ll be enjoying a childhood memory…and a Whole30 compliant meal.
The recipe link is in the subheading above…but remember my trick of using cole slaw mix when you really need a time saver!
Pork Au Poivre
A friend gave me the cookbook “Desperation Dinners” at least a decade ago. I’ve enjoyed many of those recipes, but I keep coming back to this one over and over. It simply means Pork with Pepper. I prefer to use Montreal steak seasoning myself.
The recipe calls for 1.25 pounds of pork tenderloin. Well, that cut of meat comes in 2-pound packages. So, I just make the whole thing. It fits in my large skillet so no problem there. Make sure they begin to brown on the surface for the best flavor!
If the meat is already cooked, it can be lots faster to steam or sauté some veggies to go with it. You could even switch it up and throw together a salad if you need a fresh change.
I found the recipe here so you can see it for yourself, but I highly suggest you invest in the book. So many good recipes in there! (Amazon has it here)
My “go-to” meal for lunch? Chicken Salad!
I like to mass cook chicken when it’s on sale and freeze in 3 cup sets to make chicken salad easy peasy. Check out my favorite chicken salads and others here to beat the heat this summer!
Absolutely leftovers save cooking time!
I love cooking, but I also like having a life. When you work away from home, having both those things can be a challenge. That’s why I’m always looking for ways to make cooking more efficient and healthier. Do you have a favorite meal for leftovers? Please share in the comments!
