The beet

Contributed by Tony DiStefano, Director of Culinary Innovation

Looking for delicious ways to reduce food waste and eat more sustainably? These three innovative recipes will help you transform often overlooked ingredients into mouthwatering dishes!

1. Pickle Brined Chicken Cutlet – Skip the waste and repurpose leftover pickle brine for a flavorful chicken cutlet. The tangy brine tenderizes the meat and adds a zesty twist, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
2. Banana Peel Bacon – Banana peels are the secret ingredient to creating a crispy, smoky, plant-based bacon alternative that’s perfect for vegan breakfasts or as a savory snack.
3. Carrot Greens Top Pesto – Don’t toss those carrot greens! Turn them into a vibrant, herbaceous pesto that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a sustainable twist on the classic basil pesto.

These recipes are not only tasty but also a step toward reducing food waste and embracing a more eco-conscious kitchen!

Recipe: Pickle Brined Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients

• 4 thin sliced chicken breast
• 1 cup pickle juice 
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup flour
• 1 egg 
• ½ tsp garlic powder 
• ½ tsp paprika 
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
•  2 tbsp veg oil 

Directions

1. Marinate chicken in pickle juice for at least 45 minutes but no more than 12 hours.  
2. For your breadcrumb mixture you will need three bowls. In the first bowl mix flour, salt and pepper, garlic, and paprika. In a second bowl beat 1-2 eggs, in the third bowl add breadcrumbs. 
3. Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, flipping half way through. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe: Banana Peel Bacon

Ingredients

• 4 banana peels
• 2 tsp soy sauce 
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil

Directions

1. Once peeled, scrape off inner white part of the banana peel with a knife and cut peels into bacon size strips.
2. In a bowl mix together soy sauce, maple syrup, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and olive oil. Add banana peels to the mixture and let marinate for 20 – 30 minutes.
3. In a frying, over medium heat, add oil to pan. Once hot, add peels and cook 3 – 4 minutes on each side until caramelized.
4. Let cool and enjoy!

Recipe: Carrot Greens Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 cups carrot greens stems removed 
• ½ cup pine nuts 
• ½ cup parmesan cheese 
• 2 garlic cloves 
• ½ cup oil 
• ½ cup lemon juice 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions

1. Add carrot greens stems, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, oil and lemon juice to a food processor or blender
2. Blend until smooth and serve as a sandwich spread, dip, or over pasta.

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