From Easy Chicken Enchiladas to Chef John’s American Goulash, there are plenty of recipes that not only taste delicious the day they are made but also make for fantastic leftovers. Nothing beats having a meal ready to go in the fridge, just waiting to be reheated and enjoyed all over again. Let’s take a closer look at some of these recipes and why they make such great leftovers.
First up, let’s talk about the World’s Best Lasagna. This classic Italian dish is a labor of love, with layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce all coming together to create a hearty and comforting meal. The flavors in lasagna only get better with time, as the ingredients have a chance to meld together and develop even more depth. Plus, when you reheat a slice of lasagna, it holds its shape much better than when it’s fresh out of the oven, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Next, we have Beef Stew. This hearty and warming dish is perfect for chilly nights and makes for excellent leftovers. The rich flavors of the stew only intensify as it sits in the fridge overnight, allowing the meat to become even more tender and the vegetables to soak up all the delicious broth. Whether you eat it as-is or serve it over biscuits, beef stew is a classic comfort food that only gets better with time.
Another favorite dish that makes great leftovers is Baked Ziti. This cheesy and saucy pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s even better the next day. The flavors have a chance to meld together, and the pasta absorbs even more of the sauce, creating a dish that is even more delicious than when it was first made. Just be sure to cook the ziti noodles until they are slightly firm (al dente) so they don’t become mushy when reheated.
Lastly, let’s talk about Chef John’s American Goulash. This simple and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, and it tastes even better the next day. The flavors have a chance to come together, creating a meal that is rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, goulash is incredibly versatile and can be served with a side of bread, over pasta, or even on its own.
In conclusion, these recipes are just a few examples of dishes that make fantastic leftovers. Whether you’re enjoying Easy Chicken Enchiladas, savoring a slice of World’s Best Lasagna, digging into a bowl of Beef Stew, indulging in Baked Ziti, or savoring Chef John’s American Goulash, you can rest assured that your leftovers will taste just as good, if not better, than the day they were made. So go ahead and make a big batch of your favorite recipe – your future self will thank you for it! When it comes to reheating meals, not all ingredients hold up well. One common casualty of reheating dishes is fresh herbs, like parsley. When you add fresh parsley to a dish and then reheat it, the parsley can turn sad and soggy, losing its vibrant color and flavor. To avoid this unfortunate outcome, a simple solution is to stir the fresh parsley into individual bowls instead of the whole pot.
By stirring the fresh parsley into individual bowls before serving, you can ensure that each portion receives a bright burst of flavor and color. This method allows the parsley to maintain its freshness and texture, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of the dish.
For example, when making a hearty shepherd’s pie, such as a zippy version with Worcestershire sauce, curry powder, and ketchup, adding fresh parsley to each serving just before enjoying it will elevate the dish to a whole new level. The same goes for stuffed Mexican peppers filled with ground beef, rice, and spicy tomato sauce. By sprinkling fresh parsley on top of each serving, you can add a touch of freshness that will make the dish even more enjoyable.
Even in complex dishes like New Orleans Creole gumbo, where the flavors develop over time and the leftovers are plentiful, adding fresh parsley to individual portions can make a significant difference. The same goes for a quick and easy meal like sloppy joe baked potatoes, where a sprinkle of fresh parsley can take the dish to the next level.
So, the next time you reheat a dish that includes fresh parsley, remember to stir it into individual bowls to preserve its freshness and avoid sad and soggy parsley. Your taste buds will thank you for the extra effort in maintaining the integrity of this flavorful herb.
