Not Turkey Again?!

Turkey, turkey, and more turkey...will there ever be an end to the turkey? We look forward to the Thanksgiving meal. Yet sometimes we're not as enthusiastic about what's left. However, leftovers present a perfect opportunity to exercise frugality. They can be used in a variety of recipes. Many chicken recipes can be adapted with turkey, from salad to pot pie. This year why not beat the turkey humdrum by gobbling up these delicious recipes.

Turkey Salad
Instead of chicken salad, substitute turkey for the chicken in your favorite recipe. Here are two different recipes you can try.

Recipe #1:

This is my husband's favorite way to have chicken or turkey salad. It's great served up on some toasted bread!

• leftover turkey
• mayonnaise (just enough to make it creamy)
• 1/2 - 1 onion, diced finely
• 3-5 baby dill pickles, diced finely
• salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the above ingredients. This can be served immediately. However, I find that if you let it sit in the refrigerator for several hours before serving, it gives the ingredients time to blend together for enhanced flavor.

Recipe #2:

I love my mom's chicken salad. Combined with grapes and pecans, this salad is delicious served by itself, on a bed of salad greens, as a sandwich, or in a wrap. Here's my Mom's basic recipe using turkey instead of chicken.

• about 2-3 cups turkey leftovers
• 1/2 large onion
• about 1/2 cup grapes, each cut in half
• 1 stalk celery (chopped finely)
• the juice of about 1/2 of a lemon
• mayonnaise (enough to make it as creamy as you like it)
• salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the above ingredients together and enjoy!

Turkey-N-Noodles
Once again, you can substitute turkey for the chicken in your favorite chicken-n-noodles recipe or try this one.

• leftover turkey
• 1 package dry onion soup mix
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 large gloves garlic, minced or diced finely
• lg. box or can chicken broth
• 1 lg. can cream of chicken OR cream of celery soup
• 1 bag egg noodles

Fill a large pan about half full of water. Add turkey, onion soup mix, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil. Add chicken broth and cream soup and stir until mixed together. Let it come back to a boil. Turn the heat down and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Add in egg noodles and cook until the pasta is done. Salt and pepper to taste.

Turkey and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• about 2-3 cups leftover turkey
• 1 - 32 oz. carton chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3-4 large cloves fresh garlic, minced or diced finely
• about 1 cup diced fresh carrot
• about 1 cup diced fresh celery
• about 2 cups whole grain brown rice
• approximately 2 tsps. each of dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste

In a deep pot, combine all of the above ingredients except for the rice. Add approximately 6 cups water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about half hour to an hour. Add the rice and continue to let the soup simmer until the rice is tender. 

Turkey Stir-Fry
Another great way to use up the leftover turkey is to substitute it in your favorite stir-fry recipe. Stir-fry meals are simple yet delicious. For a quick and easy recipe, try the following:

Ingredients:

• 1 large bag frozen stir-fry vegetable blend of your choice
• 1 large onion, cut julienne style
• 1-2 large cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
• soy sauce
• brown rice OR whole grain pasta, cooked according to package directions

Put about 3-4 tablespoons oil in a skillet. Add the frozen vegetables, onion, and garlic. Saute until vegetables are tender-crisp. You can cook them until they are soft if that is how you prefer your veggies. Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, start adding soy sauce a little at a time. I'd say to only add a couple dashes. Stir it in and then taste it. Continue to add small amounts of the soy sauce until it has the taste you desire. Remember, soy sauce is salty. That's why it's best to add it in a little at a time. Serve over whole grain rice or pasta.

Other options: There are a variety of ready-made sauces available at the store. These are so easy as all you have to do is pour in the pan and cook with your vegetables. These make great optional choices if you want different flavors.

 For more ideas for using leftover turkey, check out these resources:

All Recipes.com - Type in "turkey leftovers" in the search box located at the top middle portion of the page.
Leftover Turkey Recipes - This site gives tips on freezing turkey leftovers in addition to lots of recipes.

Keep your family from moaning, "Not turkey, again!?" And as always, be sure to follow safe cooking guidelines. For safe handling and cooking information for leftover poultry, you can check out the USDA guidelines online.

Comments

[shona]

Karen, I love this post. I'm going to have to try some of those recipes.

[alisa]

I am super excited about this post!!! I never know what to do with leftovers, since my hubby is not much of a leftover kind of a guy. But, I can make brandnew meals with my turkey!

BTW - I'm making a turkey (already smoked) right now, and I forgot to pull out the bag holding the yucky insides. The turkey is still frozen inside, and I need it for my hometeam Thanksgiving dinner in about 2 hours!!!

I'm hoping that the bag didn't ruin it (I took it out) and that it will be done. We'll see!!!