It’s the day after… And the fridge is full of Christmas Dinner leftovers. What’s a totally exhausted, uninspired family cook to do? The answer is simpler than you think. I’ve got some great ideas to make that leftover Turkey and Stuffing disappear faster than you can say, “Oh, no! Not again!”…
Turkey Stir Fry: Just one of the many creative ways you can use up
leftover Turkey without getting groans from the gallery…
There’s nothing more daunting to a cook than a mountain of leftovers after a massive family feast. But I’ve discovered the secret to getting the family to clean them up without getting tired of them. The major dishes left over after the Main Event are the Turkey itself and the Stuffing. I’m going to concentrate on them in this post while demonstrating a technique that Chefs everywhere have employed for ages to make leftovers disappear while retaining the love and adoration of their customers…
The great thing about Turkey is, it’s flavour is compatible with almost any recipe you care to use it in. So, you can ‘hide’ Turkey in a plethora of familiar dishes that won’t remind your diners of the big feast. The only proviso is that the dishes require, or are at least compatible with pre-cooked poultry…
Go conventional…
Soup is a natural. Make it any way you like – Asian, Italian or just plain Stock, Veggies and Noodles. This is also a great way to get rid of leftover Root Veggies. And, since they’re already fully cooked, too, it’s a fast, easy preparation! Likewise, a Stew, a quick À La King or Supreme, or a Turkey Pot Pie. The latter three dishes can help use up some leftover Gravy, too.
If you opt for an easy way out and do Sandwiches, at least make them interesting. Whip up a bowl of Turkey Salad. Use some interesting Sourdough, Light Rye or other special Bread or Buns. Try Turkey Dinner Wraps, with Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberries and whatever other leftovers strike your fancy. Serve ’em hot out of the microwave or toaster oven.
Dining at friends’, I’ve had a Chrismas Dinner ‘Sandwich’ incorporating Turkey, Dressing and Cranberry Sauce. It’s great cold and even better heated up.
You can also present a Turkey Niçoise Platter for everyone to pick and choose, and build their own Salad plate.
There’s nothing better to accompany any fresh supper than re-heated Turkey Dressing, especially if its been prepared in a casserole and not in the Bird. Everyone gets a taste of that beloved crunchy topping!
Think outside the platter…
Do a Turkey Breakfast Bake using half Stale Bread and half Stuffing.
I always make Turkey Tacos or Burritos at least once over the Holidays.
You can also throw some Turkey into a quick Stir Fry. I’ve also done a Pad Thai.
Leftover Turkey is great in a number of Indian dishes. I often make Butter Chicken with Turkey instead, or a warm but not too hot Curry, and serve over Rice. Use your imagination!
You can whip up a Turkey Romanoff or Stroganoff in a jiff using pre-cooked Turkey. And don’t forget Hungarian Goulash subbing in Turkey in place of the Beef.
Try a quick Turkey Chili. Just throw everything in the pot, add a little extra moisture, and hit the ‘Chili’ button! Amazing…
Stuff some Sweet Peppers with Turkey and Stuffing and top with Cheese.
I also like to do a Turkey Tortilla Casserole at least once while the leftovers are around. It’s a great way to use up a lot of Turkey in one swoop, and it freezes beautifully.
Stuffing? I’ve yet to totally perfect my Stuffing Belgian Waffles. But I’m getting there. Place a 3 oz. / 85 g of cold, fairly dry stuffing on a hot Waffle iron and press down firmly. Cook until the steam ceases to rise. (This won’t take long.) Makes a great little novelty for any savoury plate!
Stuffing is also a great Side all by itself, replacing Potatoes, Pasta or any other Starch on the plate. It just begs for Gravy!
Another take…
Here’s a previous take on creative ways to use leftover Turkey. See? There’s no end to the great recipe ideas!
That’s just a sample…
…Of what you can do with leftover Turkey and stuffing if you put your mind to it.
~ Maggie J.