Christmas is coming. Retailers and restaurants have been preparing for months, but most of us start getting ready around now.
Decorations are being dusted off, shopping lists compiled, menus planned, presents bought and budgets squeezed. However, the intensity of planning and anticipation ahead of the big day often means that we neglect to prepare for the downtime that comes after. So, alongside our ‘Countdown to Christmas’ feature to help you get organised in time, we’ll be providing some tips on what to do with all those leftovers; meat, fish, cheese and even booze! Some of these also make excellent hangover cures because they are hearty, comforting and many of the elements are already prepared.
According to a survey we conducted earlier in the year, nearly 50% of our festive leftovers are likely to end up in the bin. That’s a real shame, and we’re keen to offer ideas and tricks to help you use up all that lovely food without having to spend half your holiday in the kitchen. We have taken inspiration from around the world to come up with recipes which are tasty, different and easy-to-follow.
These first three all involve turkey.
Spicy turkey samosas
You will need
Christmas day leftovers: we’re using – roasties, sprouts, carrots, mashed together
Turkey meat, fresh herbs, 1 teaspoon harissa spice mix, 1 tablespoon of raisins, 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce and salt to taste
Simply combine the above and wrap in filo pastry, into individual parcels, samosas
Brush with beaten egg and bake on 200C for 15 minutes until golden
Enjoy with natural yoghurt mixed with lime zest
Miso and turkey broth
You will need:
Miso soup
2-3 tablespoon (or to taste) of creamed coconut or coconut milk
Cooked soba noodles
For the topping: Christmas leftovers (we had: carrots, fennel leaves, sprouts, beetroot and turkey), coriander, spring onion and sesame seeds
Optional: Toasted sesame oil
Heat the miso soup with the coconut
Add the noodles to a bowl/bowls with a little of the sesame oil if using
Add the toppings and pour over the hot broth
BBQ pulled turkey buns
You will need:
Brioche style burger buns
BBQ Sauce
Leftover turkey
Simply warm the turkey through in the sauce and add to the buns
Enjoy with chips or salad
If you fancy making your own buns, miso soup and BBQ sauce, subscribe today.
An incredibly simple, yet effective snack after an evening of celebrations or a long night of recipe testing, is a taco shell stuffed with cold turkey meat doused in mango chutney and hoisin sauce!
For more tips, check out these recipes taking inspiration from around the world.
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