Because even after Undas, Mommy still finds a way to turn leftovers into love.
The days after All Saints’ Day always feel a little slower. The candles have melted down, stories from the cemetery visit replay in our heads, and the fridge… well, it’s full. 😂
From grilled pork to rice, menudo, or lechon — there’s always a little bit of everything left. And if you’re a mom like me, you just can’t throw good food away. Kaya eto, sharing with you some of my favorite leftover recipe ideas that give your post-Undas food a fresh, comforting twist.
1. Lechon Fried Rice with Garlic Bits
Chop up leftover lechon or roasted pork belly into small cubes. Toss it with cold rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and lots of toasted garlic. The crunchy bits of lechon skin make this dish heavenly — best with a side of atchara.
2. Pancit Sandwich (a.k.a. Pancitwich!)
Got leftover pancit bihon or canton? Toast a few slices of pandesal or burger buns, add pancit inside, and drizzle with calamansi. It’s a quirky, filling merienda that kids surprisingly love — and yes, it works!
3. Menudo Quesadillas
Got leftover menudo or afritada? Spoon it between two tortillas, sprinkle cheese, and toast on a pan until crispy. It’s a fun way to reuse ulam while sneaking in veggies for the kids.
4. Adobo Lumpia Rolls
Flake leftover adobo meat, mix with diced onions and carrots, and roll into lumpia wrappers. Fry until golden and crunchy. Perfect as baon or afternoon merienda with spicy vinegar!
5. Barbecue Fried Rice Cups
Combine leftover barbecue with rice, diced bell peppers, and scrambled eggs. Serve in small bowls or cups topped with green onions. It’s an instant “new meal” that looks cute and tastes great.
6. Tinola Rice Porridge
Got leftover tinola? Separate the soup and meat. Shred the chicken, then cook your rice in the broth until thick and soupy — hello, instant arroz caldo! Add a drizzle of calamansi for freshness.
7. Leftover Bread Pudding with Coffee Sauce
Even bread leftovers can shine! Mix torn bread pieces with milk, eggs, sugar, and a bit of leftover coffee or chocolate drink. Bake until golden. It’s a sweet way to end your post-holiday meals.
Food is memory — and what better way to honor family and togetherness than to give new life to what’s left behind? These leftover recipe ideas remind us that love in the kitchen doesn’t stop when the holidays end… it just gets more creative.
