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Leftover food recipe ideas

You know the feeling: you open the fridge to be confronted by Ghosts of Sunday Roast Past. What should you do with leftover food? Our leftover meals make it easy to put these to good use. Whether it's leftover chicken on a pizza, Christmas turkey stirred into a spicy stew, or a using up veg in a crisp bubble and squeak, we've got all the leftover recipes you need.

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Editor's choice

These simple pesto, artichoke and chicken pizzas come together in just 30 minutes for a fast midweek meal.
Chicken and pesto pizzas
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If you’ve got surplus Sunday roast make your leftover meat go further with this savvy roast beef recipe
Beef massaman curry
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Turn leftover roast beef into a vibrant salad in just 10 minutes with this easy recipe
Celeriac, orange and roast beef salad
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Give your leftover roast lamb another chance to shine with this rich and meaty ragu recipe
Leftover lamb ragu
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This classic British brunch dish makes for a delicious dinner idea for two. Root vegetable mash replaces potato, lending extra sweetness and nutty flavour to the bubble and squeak patties which are topped with perfectly poached eggs
Bubble and squeak with poached egg
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A simple, homemade chicken jalfrezi that will have you tossing all those takeaway menus
Chicken bhuna
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Using microwave rice for this salad makes it so quick to make – ideal for a throw-it-together meal when time is short
Leftover speedy warm lamb rice salad
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Make the most of your leftovers with this, the ultimate beef sandwich which layers griddled garlic ciabatta with a dollop of horseradish, roasted tomatoes and slices of leftover roast beef
Ultimate leftover beef sandwiches
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Popular leftovers recipes and ideas

Easy chicken korma
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This really easy chicken korma recipe gives tender chicken breast in a mildly-spiced, rich and creamy curry sauce. Learning how to make chicken korma is pretty straightforward – it’s sure to become a regular dinnertime feature!
  • Serves 4
  • 10 mins to prepare and 25 mins to cook
  • 454 calories
Fruity buttermilk pancakes
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Start the day with these fluffy fruit pancakes. Eggs and buttermilk are whisked into self raising flour, then the batter is sweetened with honey and blueberries. Swap the flour with wholemeal self raising flour for an extra healthy take.
  • Serves 4
  • 15 mins
  • 268 calories
Chocolate pancakes
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Swap plain pancakes for these rich chocolatey pancakes for an indulgent brunch. Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream or yogurt for a morning treat.
  • Serves 4
  • 10 mins to prepare, 30 mins to rest and 15 mins to cook
  • 296 calories
Moroccan meatballs
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These spicy beef meatballs in a rich coriander and cumin-flavoured tomato sauce are so easy to prepare, and to make in large batches to freeze for a later date. Serve with warm flatbread and fluffy cous cous.
  • Serves 4
  • 50 mins
  • 740 calories
Gnocchi with blue cheese, bacon and spinach
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Five ingredients: One big pot of creamy gnocchi for four. Like fresh pasta, gnocchi is ready to eat in minutes. Whilst its cooking, fry the bacon until crisp, add the spinach and, once wilted stir in the Crème de Saint Agur cheese and milk then combine.
  • Serves 4
  • 20 mins
  • 915 calories
Vegetarian bolognese
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Vegetarian or simply want to cut down on your meat intake? Using vegetarian mince such as quorn mince isn't the only difference to a traditional bolognese: this one includes hot sauce and ketchup, for a lovely fiery kick.
  • Serves 4
  • 50 mins
  • 525 calories
Hot cross bread and butter pudding
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A sensational spin on a British classic. This is a great way to use up leftover buns, add chocolate and custard for an indulgent and comforting pud.
  • Serves 6
  • 45 mins
  • 321 calories
Fish pie with sweet potato topping
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Give your fish pie an update with a delicious sweet potato mash topping. The filling for this modern take on a comfort food classic is made from haddock, delicately poached in creme fraiche, then combined with mustard powder, dill and hard-boiled egg.
  • Serves 2
  • 20mins to prepare and 40mins to cook
  • 607 calories

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