From turkey burritos to Brussels sprout slaw, chefs share their tips for making the most of festive leftovers.
London’s top chefs are getting inventive with their Christmas leftovers, offering clever ideas to avoid waste and keep the festive spirit alive. Here’s how they transform those post-Christmas ingredients into delicious meals, as shared by Ben McCormack.
Ben McCormack (Plates London):
For a hearty northern-style sandwich, I fry up onions and sage, then add a mix of leftover vegetables. The crispy, fried sandwich is made even better with a drizzle of cranberry or apple sauce and a splash of gravy. It’s a comforting, no-waste meal that brings all the flavours together.
Rishi Anand (Dishoom):
Turn leftover turkey into a paratha by mixing chopped turkey with vegetables, spices like red chilli powder, garam masala, and cumin, along with fresh coriander and green chillies. Stuff the mixture into a dough made of wholewheat flour, salt, and water. Cook it on a griddle with butter for a crispy, golden finish. This mix can also be used for a Christmas toastie or a naan bread stuffing.
Richard Corrigan (Bentley’s):
Excess bread sauce can be transformed into a savoury bread pudding. Combine bread sauce with eggs and bake it in the oven. Chill and slice to serve with turkey or cold ham. For something sweet, make pancakes with leftover Christmas pudding, served with brandy cream or ice cream. If you’re after something light, shred Brussels sprouts into a slaw with cold meat, roast potatoes, and a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing.
Elliott Grover (45 Park Lane):
For a fun twist on leftovers, mix them together with a bit of Worcestershire sauce and wholegrain mustard. Roll the mixture into small balls, breadcrumb them, and fry until golden brown. Serve with cranberry sauce and a creamed horseradish dip for extra flavour.
Sally Abé (The Pem):
Make the most of the turkey carcass by boiling it to create a rich stock for a Boxing Day turkey and leftovers soup. If you’ve got cauliflower cheese leftover, stir it in for a creamy texture. For something indulgent, ham and cheese toasties using sourdough bread, turkey, or gammon and Brie are a festive treat.
Alex Dilling (Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal):
Create a Christmas burrito by stuffing large flour tortillas with leftovers, adding cheese and a touch of Cholula hot sauce. Wrap the burrito in foil and toast it in a dry pan for 12 minutes. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy after a busy Christmas Day.
