Petit Salé, the traditional dish from France’s Auvergne region, is already a hearty and satisfying meal (You can find the original recipe on Umami here). But what if you have leftovers? Sure, you could simply reheat it the next day, when the flavors are even more intense, but why not take it up a notch? With just a bit of creativity, you can transform your leftover Petit Salé into entirely new dishes that bring variety and excitement to your table.
Today, I’m sharing a few of our family’s favorite ways to repurpose Petit Salé leftovers—each one easy, delicious, and sure to impress
⭐️ Family Favorite: Petit Salé Gratin
The runaway favorite in our household is a Hachis Parmentier-inspired gratin. By swapping out the ground meat for Petit Salé, you get a luxurious, savory twist on a classic French dish. Lentils and mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven😍, and this recipe has become a family staple❤️.
Here’s how to make it:
1/ Prepare mashed potatoes (refer to my Mashed potato recipe for details)
2/ Finely chop the leftover Petit Salé meat and heat olive oil in a pan. Lightly sauté the meat with the lentils.
3/ Add consomme soup (made by dissolving 1 teaspoon of consomme in 100–150 ml of boiling water) and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Add chopped parsley if you have it.
4/ Spread the sautéed meat and lentils evenly in a heatproof dish, then top with mashed potatoes and shredded cheese (and breadcrumbs, if you like).
5/ Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, and enjoy a rich, comforting meal!
For more details, check out my full Hachis Parmentier recipe on Umami!
⭐️ Omelette: A Quick and Savory Fix
Got eggs? Turn your leftovers into a flavorful omelette! Chop up the Petit Salé and lentils and use them as a filling. This is a quick, satisfying option for lunchboxes or a lazy weekend brunch.
⭐️ Tomato Pasta: Comfort in a Bowl
Why not turn your leftovers into a vibrant tomato pasta dish? Add the meat and lentils to a simple tomato sauce made with canned tomatoes or purée, then toss with your favorite pasta. It’s quick, hearty, and an easy way to enjoy a taste of France with an Italian twist.
⭐️ Lentil Soup: A Classic with a Twist
Lentil soup is a beloved comfort food in Germany, and it’s incredibly easy to adapt using leftover Petit Salé. Simply add the leftover meat and lentils to a pot of soup along with fresh vegetables, and let it all simmer. The result? A hearty, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for any day.
Looking for a starting point? Check out my Lentil Soup recipe on Umami for inspiration and adapt it to include your Petit Salé leftovers!
No More Wasted Petit Salé
With these creative ideas, your Petit Salé leftovers won’t just sit in the fridge—they’ll be transformed into exciting new dishes for you and your family to enjoy. So don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun in the kitchen, and make every meal a little more special! 😊