Creative Recipes Using Leftover Opened Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a versatile ingredient that can add richness and creaminess to a wide variety of dishes. If you have an opened can of evaporated milk sitting in your fridge, don't let it go to waste! There are plenty of creative and delicious recipes you can make using leftover evaporated milk. In this blog post, we will explore some tasty and easy-to-make dishes that will help you put that leftover evaporated milk to good use.

Why Use Evaporated Milk in Recipes?

Before we dive into the recipes, let's briefly discuss why evaporated milk is a great ingredient to have on hand in your kitchen:

• Richness: Evaporated milk has a creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a great substitute for regular milk or cream in recipes.
• Extended Shelf Life: Unlike fresh milk, evaporated milk has a longer shelf life, making it a convenient ingredient to keep in your pantry.
• Versatility: Evaporated milk can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, adding a unique depth of flavor to your recipes.

Now that we've covered the benefits of using evaporated milk, let's explore some creative recipes you can make with your leftover opened can.

1. Creamy Pasta Sauce

Evaporated milk can be used to create a creamy and indulgent pasta sauce that is perfect for coating your favorite noodles. Here's how you can make a simple and delicious creamy pasta sauce using evaporated milk:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the evaporated milk over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and simmer for a few minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and enjoy!

2. Creamy Potato Soup

Evaporated milk adds a velvety texture and creamy consistency to soups, making it a perfect addition to a comforting bowl of potato soup. Here's a simple recipe for creamy potato soup using leftover evaporated milk:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups diced potatoes
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion until translucent.
2. Add the diced potatoes and broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the evaporated milk and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped chives before serving.

3. Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a popular dessert that uses evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream to create a moist and decadent cake. Here's how you can make a delicious Tres Leches Cake using leftover evaporated milk:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh berries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and gradually fold in the flour mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream.
7. Once the cake is baked, poke holes in it with a fork and pour the milk mixture over the top.
8. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Serve the Tres Leches Cake with fresh berries on top.

4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Evaporated milk can take your mashed potatoes to the next level by adding a creamy texture and rich flavor. Here's a simple recipe for creamy mashed potatoes using leftover evaporated milk:

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the evaporated milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
4. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Conclusion

Leftover evaporated milk can be transformed into a wide range of delicious dishes, from creamy pasta sauces to indulgent desserts. By incorporating evaporated milk into your recipes, you can elevate the flavor and texture of your dishes while reducing food waste. Next time you find yourself with an opened can of evaporated milk, give one of these creative recipes a try and enjoy the rich and creamy results!