Revive Leftovers By Turning Them Into Hearty Soup

Soup is one of those meals that is practically universal in its appeal. It crosses cultural borders and can be customized for regional palates, using local and seasonal ingredients, and can be easily shared as a simple dish or the centerpiece of a special occasion. It also has a history of being an ideal food for the masses since it's the perfect way to stretch ingredients — and also make use of leftover ones.

The fundamentals of a good soup come down to a few critical factors. A liquid such as stock or broth is your base, but you could also use bouillon such as Maggi cubes, vegetable juice, or even beer. You also need aromatics, such as celery and onion, and seasonings. This foundation then invites you to take inspiration from your leftover selection and craft a hearty, satisfying bowl of soup — while also minimizing food waste. So instead of simply nuking those foods you didn't finish, follow a few simple guidelines and you'll have an innovative and delicious dish.

When it comes to creating a soup with leftovers, a few ingredients really add substance. Proteins such as chicken, pork, and beef can help turn your bowl into a sustaining main dish. You can even opt for seafood and go with a creamy Finnish salmon and potato soup. Grains such as leftover rice or pasta, or legumes such as beans or lentils, provide a stick-to-your-ribs component. Veggies, including yesterday's roasted cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes, add a chunky, abundant quality to your broth. You can even take an entire composed dish such as day-old lasagna and turn it into a brothy bowl by cooking it with a liquid, such as tomato juice, and adding additional seasonings, meat, and cheese. You could also simmer some stashed away chicken tikka masala with chicken broth and garnish with raita and fresh herbs.

When making any quality soup, it's important to give it a rest after cooking. About half an hour allows time for carefully layered flavors to come together. This can make a huge difference in the experience of your dish — and it's even better if you have a bit more patience to let it all meld. Regardless, using leftovers saves time and gives new life to your previously loved foods while serving as a substantial and satisfying meal any soup lover can appreciate.