Many of us will have plenty of turkey left over from Thanksgiving, and we will be wondering how to use the leftovers. Fortunately, turkey is very versatile, and can be used in many different main dishes. All of these dishes use cooked turkey.
1) Turkey Soup
In a large stock pot, use equal parts water and low-sodium canned chicken broth or leftover turkey broth, and bring mixture to a boil. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions, and cook until vegetables are tender, adding more water or broth as necessary to maintain adequate liquid for soup (Using carrots and celery in the soup is a good way to use any leftovers from a relish tray). Season with poultry seasoning (look for a mixture that does not contain salt, if you are watching your sodium intake). In a separate pan, cook pasta or rice until tender. Ditalini pasta works well, but you can also use macaroni. Add cooked pasta or rice to soup, and serve. If desired, omit the cooked pasta or rice, and, instead, add small cubes of leftover stuffing.
2) Turkey and Gravy Three Ways
These hints work if you have both leftover turkey and leftover gravy.
Reheat turkey and gravy and spoon mixture over biscuits, cooked rice, or cooked egg noodles.
For color and variety, dice and saute green peppers and onions, and add to the cooked rice or egg noodles.
3) Turkey Sandwiches
–Make a hot, open-faced turkey sandwich by reheating leftover turkey and gravy, and spooning the mixture over a slice of Texas toast. Serve with leftover mashed potatoes.
–Make a cold sandwich by using turkey, leaf or Romaine lettuce, and cheese (try provolone or Swiss) on rye bread.
4) Turkey Salad
This is similar to chicken salad. Finely chop leftover turkey (you may use a food processor to do the chopping, but make sure that the turkey is still slightly chunky). To the turkey, add finely chopped onions and celery, pickle relish, and mayonnaise, or a mayonnaise-type salad dressing. If you want to cut back on fat, use reduced-calorie or “light” mayonnaise, or try substituting plain yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Serve in a sandwich or on a lettuce leaf.
These ideas should be helpful in adding interest to leftovers, and saving money.