sobras

Sobras is a plural noun used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe the portions of food that remain after a meal, as well as remnants or surplus in other contexts. In everyday usage, sobras de comida refers to leftovers, while sobras can also denote a surplus of materials, money, or supplies that remains after a required portion has been allocated.

The term originates from the verb sobrar, meaning to remain or to be in excess, and its meaning varies slightly by country and context. In many households, sobras are valued as a resource to be reused rather than discarded.

In culinary practice, sobras are often stored for later consumption or repurposed into new dishes, such as soups, stews, or fried rice. Practices to minimize waste include cooling cooked foods quickly, storing in airtight containers, labeling with dates, and reheating to safe temperatures.

Beyond cooking, the concept of sobras relates to waste reduction and sustainable consumption, encouraging planning and mindful use of ingredients to minimize leftovers.