Making the most of your barbecue leftovers

With summer in full swing, it’s little surprise that many of us are firing up the barbie and enjoying a burger or two.

It’s the perfect opportunity to get friends and family together and make the most of the sunshine.

But once your barbecue is over, you’re more than likely to end up with a fridge full of leftovers that need using up – and given the UK’s problem with food waste, it isn’t something any of us should stomach.

In the UK alone, it’s estimated that we throw away around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste per year.

Concerning isn’t it? But thankfully, chef, sustainability advocate and 44 Foods partner James Strawbridge has you covered with some delicious ideas to help you get the most out of everything from leftover burgers to unused bangers.

n Use your leftover corn on the cob to make a delicious relish: If you have any leftover grilled corn on the cob it can be turned into a sweetcorn, red onion and pepper relish. All you need to do is strip the charred kernels off the cob and cook on a low heat with diced red onion and peppers, sugar and cider vinegar until thick and sticky. Add a little red chilli for a sweet and spicy relish perfect for the next time you fire up the grill.

n Be the envy of the office with this leftover lunchtime favourite: Rather than just eating leftover sausages from a big BBQ in a sandwich, try chopping them into coins and reheating the next day in a wholesome stew with butter beans, chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika and fresh herbs for a rustic lunchtime meal that’s delicious with a chunk of bread.

n A flatbread with a difference: A super way to enjoy leftover burgers is to crumble them up and mix in a bowl with cumin seeds, chilli flakes and lots of finely chopped garlic. Fry off in plenty of oil and use to top a grilled flatbread. Serve with thinly sliced spring onions, pickled pink onions and a dollop of labneh or minted yogurt.

n A barbecue brunch: Never leave a leftover burger roll to go stale – instead try making a banjo for a brunch treat the next day. A banjo is simply the ultimate combo of bacon and a fried egg in a bap – so named because the runny egg makes you move your hand whilst you eat it like you are finger-picking a banjo.

Finally, avoid food waste by stocking your larder with delicious sauces that jazz up meals and give them a vibrant twist of flavour.

Try Fat Man’s Chilli Hot Lemon Sauce or some chutney from 44 Foods for next level, next day flavour.