What to do with leftover stock

How to store leftover stock

• Avoid storing your stock in metallic containers, as it can easily take on a metallic taste that will taint your dishes. Instead, opt for glass or plastic to store the stock.
• If you don’t intend on using all your stock straightaway the best place to store it is in the freezer where it will keep for at least three months, and up to six if stored correctly.
• Freeze large quantities in 500ml measures in either stackable plastic containers or snap-lock bags. For small amounts, freeze stock in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the stock cubes out and store in a snap-lock bag until needed.

Make moussaka

Put your stock to good use by using it to create the aromatic mince used in this much-loved Greek dish. Made from layers of sliced eggplant, spiced meat sauce and cheese, the whole dish is topped with a decadent béchamel sauce and cooked until it’s piping hot and bubbling.

• Naughty moussaka
• Moussaka

Make a casserole

If you have over a cup of stock that needs using up, consider turning it into a casserole. Once your casserole is in the oven, it's important to give it enough time to simmer away and create its magic. If you find the meat is still tough and the sauce isn't thick, simple put it back in the oven for another 15 minutes or until it reaches the right consistency.

• Osso bucco
• Rustic chicken casserole
• Slow cooked lamb casserole

Make a pie

From a few tablespoons to a cup, stock is an essential part of creating an oozing pie filling. Here you can opt for a pastry enclosed pie, such as this deep-dish chicken favourite, or opt for one that simply adds a topping over the filling.

• Chicken, leek and corn pie
• Chicken shepherd’s pie
• Crunchy fish pie
• Deep dish chicken pie

Make soup

The classic solution to leftover stock, there are no end of soups that benefit from a cup or more of stock. Opt for a spicy Asian inspired soup, such as Vietnamese pho, or try a more hearty recipe such as some of the following.

• Potato and leek soup
• French onion soup
• Carrot and coriander soup

Make risotto

Turn leftover stock into a rich, decadent risotto by pairing hot stock with starchy rice. Once the stock’s absorbed and its been stirred enough, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that is hot, creamy and silky.

• Lamb and mint risotto
• Baked seafood risotto
• Basic vegetable risotto
• Mushroom risotto 

Make a chowder

Somewhere between a soup and a casserole, this thick dish is the perfect vehicle for seafood, chicken or leftover bacon. With a béchamel base made from hot stock and flour, it is a silky dish that is sure to fill you up in a jiffy.

• Potato, cauliflower, corn and bacon chowder
• Cauliflower and bacon chowder
• Seafood chowder 

Make paella

If you have more stock on your hands than you know what to do with, turn to Spanish paella to ensure it’s put to good use. Here, you can opt for chicken stock or enhance the seafood flavours by using fish stock. With around a litre needed, this is a great recipe to keep on hand for using up a lot of stock in a jiffy.

• Paella
• Fiesta paella
• Spicy meat paella

Find plenty more ideas in our Stock Recipes collection.