11 Recipes That Make Delicious Use of Produce Scraps, From Kale Ribs to Carrot Tops

Food waste is a major issue, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity, you can turn produce scraps into delicious and nutritious dishes. Here are 11 recipes that make delicious use of produce scraps, from kale ribs to carrot tops. Let’s dive in and start reducing food waste while enjoying some tasty treats!

Savory Kale Stem Pesto

Ingredients

• Kale stems (from one bunch of kale)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the kale stems into small pieces.
2. In a food processor, combine the kale stems, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Blend until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over pasta for a quick and easy dinner.
• Spread on toast for a flavorful snack.

Zesty Carrot Top Pesto

Ingredients

• Carrot tops (from one bunch of carrots)
• 1/2 cup nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of one lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and chop the carrot tops.
2. In a food processor, combine the carrot tops, nuts, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Blend until smooth, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Use as a dip for fresh vegetables.
• Drizzle over roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.

Crispy Potato Peel Chips

Ingredients

• Potato peels (from 4-5 potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and your favorite seasonings (such as paprika or garlic powder)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the potato peels with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings.
3. Spread the peels in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a crunchy snack on their own.
• Serve with your favorite dip.

Refreshing Watermelon Rind Salad

Ingredients

• Watermelon rind (from one small watermelon)
• 1 cucumber
• Fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Peel the green outer layer of the watermelon rind and chop the white part into small pieces.
2. Slice the cucumber and chop the mint leaves.
3. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon rind, cucumber, and mint leaves.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a refreshing side dish at your next BBQ.
• Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal.

Flavorful Broccoli Stem Slaw

Ingredients

• Broccoli stems (from one bunch of broccoli)
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 head of cabbage
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Shred the broccoli stems, carrot, and cabbage.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded vegetables.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish with burgers or sandwiches.
• Use as a topping for tacos or pulled pork.

Hearty Vegetable Stock

Ingredients

• Vegetable scraps (such as onion skins, carrot ends, and celery leaves)
• 8 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the vegetable scraps in a large pot.
2. Add the water and bay leaves.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours.
4. Strain the stock and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Use as a base for soups and stews.
• Freeze in portions for future use.

Citrus Peel Infused Water

Ingredients

• Citrus peels (such as lemon, lime, or orange)
• 8 cups water

Instructions

1. Wash the citrus peels thoroughly.
2. Add the peels to a pitcher of water.
3. Let sit in the fridge for a few hours to infuse.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
• Use as a base for cocktails or mocktails.

Crispy Brussels Sprout Leaves

Ingredients

• Leaves from 1 lb of Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprout leaves with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a snack or side dish.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Sweet Apple Peel Chips

Ingredients

• Apple peels (from 4-5 apples)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
2. Toss the apple peels with sugar and cinnamon.
3. Spread the peels in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 1-2 hours, or until crisp.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a sweet snack.
• Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.

Nutritious Beet Green Smoothie

Ingredients

• Beet greens (from one bunch of beets)
• 1 banana
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water or coconut water

Instructions

1. Wash the beet greens thoroughly.
2. In a blender, combine the beet greens, banana, pineapple, spinach, and water.
3. Blend until smooth.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack.
• Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.

Radish Greens Soup

Ingredients

• Radish greens (from one bunch of radishes)
• 2 potatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Wash the radish greens thoroughly and chop them.
2. Peel and chop the potatoes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add the potatoes, radish greens, and vegetable stock.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
6. Blend the soup until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Conclusion

Using produce scraps not only helps reduce food waste but also allows you to create delicious and nutritious meals. These recipes show that with a little creativity, you can transform what might seem like kitchen waste into culinary delights. So next time you’re prepping vegetables, think twice before tossing those scraps—they might just be the star of your next meal!