I keep a container or two in the freezer for leftover veggies. Even a spoonful left over goes into the container. Things like English peas, corn, green beans, hominy, lima beans, pinto beans, stewed tomatoes, and blackeyed peas. I've even added rice and macaroni. I just keep adding until the container is full. Then, when I make soup or stew, in addition to meat, potatoes, carrots and onions, I add in my container of all the different vegetables. My husband doesn't like a "thin" soup......he wants soup he can chew. Adding all those vegetables and things gives the soup more substance, variety, and added nutrition. Plus, I didn't waste anything by throwing those leftovers away.