Ah, the Holiday Season! A time of conviviality and celebration, where the turkey proudly graces our tables. This majestic bird, a symbol of Christmas celebrations, is also known for its imposing size. After the feast, one question invariably returns: what to do with all these turkey leftovers? Rather than limiting ourselves to traditional sandwiches or perpetual pies, why not dive into more original and equally delicious creations? In this article, I share with you my favourite recipes to reinvent turkey leftovers in an original and tasty way.
Butter ‘’turkey’’
Turkey in butter sauce. Why not swap your favourite butter chicken recipe for turkey? Served with aromatic basmati rice, creamy yogourt, fresh coriander, and grilled naan bread, this version takes us far from traditional holiday fare. This innovative twist on turkey leftovers offers a rich and flavorful dish that will surprise your guests. Serve it with fragrant basmati rice, adding lightness and authenticity. Accompany it with smooth yogourt to balance the spicy flavours, and sprinkle with fresh coriander for a refreshing herbal note. To complete the meal, add grilled naan bread, perfect for soaking up the rich butter sauce. This recipe transforms a holiday classic into a culinary journey far from the usual seasonal dishes.
Thanksgiving leftover sandwich
I saw this viral recipe so often on TikTok during the American Thanksgiving that I promised myself I would try it out for the holiday season. The idea is simple yet ingenious: make a sandwich with all the leftovers from the festive table, including the turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and even the gravy. The aim is to encapsulate the essence of the holiday season in a single sandwich. Imagine a bite where the soft textures of mashed potatoes and stuffing meet the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, all enriched by the deep, satisfying flavour of the turkey, topped with that creamy sauce that ties all these elements together. This sandwich is not just an assembly of leftovers; it’s a celebration of holiday flavours, a way to prolong the magic of these convivial and gourmet moments while reinventing how we enjoy these traditional dishes.
Turkey Stir Fry
Transform your leftover turkey and vegetables into a delicious stir fry, perfect for a quick and tasty post-holiday meal. The key is the sauce: a sublime blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and maple syrup, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Start by stir-frying the diced turkey, then add your favourite vegetables. Once everything is well cooked, stir in the sauce for a rich and complex flavour. For the perfect finishing touch, serve over jasmine rice, topped with green onions and sesame seeds. This quick stir fry turns leftover turkey into a comforting and flavorful meal, ideal for a relaxed evening after the festivities.
In summary, transforming leftover turkey shouldn’t be seen as a chore but as an opportunity to express your culinary creativity and rekindle the joys of the festive season. Whether with a bold “Butter Turkey,” a scrumptious “Thanksgiving Leftovers” sandwich, or a flavorful and exotic Stir Fry, each recipe allows you to rediscover turkey in a new light. These original and appetizing ideas prove that turkey leftovers are not just an end but the beginning of new gastronomic adventures. We hope these ideas will inspire you and bring a touch of novelty to your post-holiday meals. So, don’t hesitate to experiment, mix flavours, and reinvent your turkey leftovers to extend the magic of the holidays onto your plate. Happy tasting and joyful culinary experiences with Cook it!
Constance Tassé-Gagnon
Deputy Director of Product and Partnerships
Constance, a true culinary globetrotter, always on the lookout for the latest gastronomic trends. With 15 years of experience as a cook and pastry chef in Montreal’s gourmet restaurants, she excels in the art of dining and is always ready to host a memorable gathering. Her heart belongs to traditional Quebec cuisine, but her soul tirelessly explores flavors from around the world. Follow her for invaluable culinary tips and extraordinary taste discoveries that will make your next event an absolute success!
