Global Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Photo: John Autry

New Ways to Use Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving dinner is nearly as treasured for its leftovers as for the feast itself. In fact, wise cooks cook with the goal of having lots of leftovers left over. The first round of dishes are DIY treats that kids or visitors can fish out of the fridge themselves. But then the cook recovers her or his energy and, staring at a bowl of cold spuds, remembers a wonderful British pub dish called Cottage Pie, based on humble mash. Or recalls the shredded turkey in a spicy Mexican posole from a vacation long ago. Thanksgiving leftovers, being in the best way rather basic foods, lend themselves to internationally inspired twists. Here we dish up more than a half-dozen delicious, playful uses for those precious Turkey Day leftovers.

Photo: John Autry

Mexican: Stew from Leftover Roast Turkey

While usually an ingredient in moles, roasted pumpkinseed kernels add another layer of nutty flavor to this posole-style broth. Look for them in specialty markets and health-food stores. Substitute ancho chile powder if guajillo is unavailable.

View Recipe: Mexican Turkey Stew

Photo: John Autry

Colombian: Turkey Arepas from Leftover Turkey

Arepas are corn cakes popular in Latin American countries. Look for arepa flour in the international food section of large supermarkets or in an ethnic market. Don't substitute masa harina or cornmeal for the arepa flour, which is precooked. Store the flour in an airtight container in your freezer to extend its shelf life.

View Recipe: Turkey Arepas

Photo: John Autry

Spanish: Flan from Leftover Sweet Potato

This flan—Spanish baked custard—is best when made with leftover sweet potatoes that have been simply prepared and minimally seasoned. Use ground nutmeg in place of grated whole nutmeg, if you prefer.

View Recipe: Sweet Potato Buttered Rum Flan

Three More Ways to Use Grated Whole Nutmeg

1. Add a dash or two to sautéed spinach to build complex flavor.
2. Mix 1/4 teaspoon into spice rubs for meats.
3. Use it to top chai tea, cappuccinos, or eggnog.

Green Bean, Feta, and Black Olive Salad Recipes

Photo: John Autry

Greek: Salad from Leftover Green Beans

Serve this Mediterranean-flavored side dish with roasted, simply seasoned chicken, pork, beef, or fish.

View Recipe: Green Bean, Feta, and Black Olive Salad

Photo: John Autry

French: Kir Royale from Leftover Cranberry Sauce

Leftover cranberry sauce helps concoct a lightly sweet homemade cranberry liqueur in this twist on a classic French cocktail. Allow four days to steep the liqueur. Garnish with cranberries, if you like.

View Recipe: Cranberry Kir Royale

Photo: John Autry

English: Cottage Pie from Mashed Potatoes

Leftover mashed potatoes are mixed with white cheddar cheese to form the top crust for this British pub-food staple. Ground beef is traditionally used, but lean ground turkey will work, as well. Brown the crust under the broiler for a minute or two, if you like.

View Recipe: English Cottage Pie

Vegetable Samosas with Mint Chutney Recipes

Photo: John Autry

Indian: Samosas from Mashed Potatoes

This dish uses leftover mashed potatoes in a big batch of Indian-inspired snacks—great for parties.

View Recipe: Vegetable Samosas with Mint Chutney

Three More Ways to Use Garam Masala

1. Stir it into cooked lentils.
2. Add to curry dishes.
3. Sprinkle onto roasted or sautéed butternut squash for an exotic, fragrant flourish.