Happy Day 5 of Zero Waste Week!

Food waste is a growing problem in the UK, with millions of tonnes of perfectly good food thrown away every year.

Finding creative ways to reuse leftovers is an easy step we can all take to cut waste and save money.

Trivia Time

In the UK, households throw away around 150,000 tonnes of cooked rice every year, most of which could have been eaten.

Turning leftover rice into new meals not only saves money but also helps reduce avoidable food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Leftover Rice & Veggie Patties

Don’t throw away that leftover rice sitting in the fridge! Combine it with veggies, herbs, and a few pantry staples to create crispy, flavourful patties. Perfect as a snack, lunchbox filler, or even as a burger alternative.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked leftover rice
1 cup finely chopped or grated vegetables (carrot, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, peas – whatever you have)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
½ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers/oats for zero waste option)
1–2 tablespoons flour (to bind)
1 egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for shallow frying

Optional spices: cumin, paprika, chilli flakes, curry powder, or herbs like coriander/parsley

Instructions

Prep the mix: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chopped vegetables, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, flour, egg, and seasonings. Mix until it comes together. If it feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash of water.
Shape patties: Take a handful of mixture and shape into small round patties.
Cook: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Enjoy hot with chutney, ketchup, or yogurt dip. They also make a great veggie burger filling.

Conclusion

Leftover rice and veggie patties are a smart way to turn kitchen scraps into something exciting and delicious. By rescuing rice and vegetables that might otherwise go to waste, you’re saving money, reducing waste, and enjoying a dish that’s hearty, versatile, and easy to make. A simple patty proves that zero waste can also mean zero compromise on taste.