Stock is a common ingredient for a variety of recipes. As a little goes a long way, you may often find that you have leftover stock. Although leftovers are often a good thing, it can be tricky to know what to do with them. So, what are three easy things you can do with leftover stock? Take a look below to find out.
Store it properly
First things first – you have to make sure you store your leftover stock properly so you can get the best-quality flavour out of it when you are ready to use it again. The best way to store stock is in a glass or plastic container in the fridge or freezer. By avoiding metal containers, you can be sure that your stock won’t come out with a metallic aftertaste which will impact your cooking. If you don’t plan on using the stock straight away, it’s safest to put it in the freezer where it will keep for at least three months if stored correctly. If you frequently use large quantities of stock, measure out batches of 500ml to avoid having to re-measure. If you normally use smaller quantities, you can also create stock ice cubes in an ice cube tray, so you can use as much or as little as you need.
Make soup
When you think of cooking with stock, your mind will often go straight to thinking of hearty, warming winter dishes. Soup is the ultimate winter staple because not only can you create a variety of flavours, it is also incredibly easy to incorporate stock! The list of soups that include stock in their recipe is endless and you can create a variety of different flavours by using beef, chicken or vegetable stock. Whether you prefer the taste of a hearty leek and potato soup or the flavour kick of a spicy Vietnamese pho, you can easily add a cup or two of stock to the pot to give it a bit of extra flavour. If you prefer sauces to hearty soups, you can also add stock to creamy pasta sauces to cut up the dairy and lighten the heavier flavours.
Make a casserole
Leftover stock is the perfect accompaniment to a casserole. Most casseroles only need a cup or two of stock to seriously enhance their flavour. As casseroles are left in the oven for quite a bit of time, it gives the stock plenty of time to simmer away and bring out the rest of the flavours. Make sure you check the consistency of the sauce and the tenderness of the meat before you dig in because these dishes can be left in the oven for a bit longer to reach the perfect consistency. If you have leftover casserole, you can even add some stock to your meal before you heat it up in the microwave! Simply pour a teaspoon or two over your food and you’re bound to have a succulent, rich casserole the next day.
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