The family members have finally headed back to their own homes, but you’ve got mountains of food leftover and you’re sick of Christmas dinner.
Nearly half of the UK admit to feeling fed up of festive leftovers – and we can’t blame them.
Turkey, sprouts and Christmas cake were the top culprits that Brits decided they just couldn’t stomach anymore of, according to a survey by Ocado.
Brits actually consume an average of four leftover Christmas sandwiches during the twixmas period, so it’s unsurprising that festive food fatigue kicks in before long.
In fact, 21% of us throw away our leftovers because we simply don’t know what to do with them anymore.
So how do you give your leftovers a new lease of life that doesn’t feel like a Christmas dinner on repeat?
We aren’t talking a Christmas dinner sarnie or a buffet. No, no, no. Say goodbye to the ho ho ho with these recipe recommendations from Ocado’s food expert, Laura Rowe.
Christmas Stuffing Cannelloni
We all have a soft spot for Boxing Day sandwiches, but when we’re tired of bread, it’s time to mix things up. From rice to pasta, polenta, to couscous, variety is key!
This Christmas Stuffing Cannelloni dish by Lisa Faulkner lets you revamp leftover stuffing into a moreish bake with a creamy bechamel, rich tomato sauce and cheesy topping.
Christmas Stuffing Cannelloni:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 400g tinned chopped tomatoes
- 75g butter
- 75g plain flour
- 1.2 L whole milk
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 340g pork, sage and onion stuffing, crumbled
- 100g leftover cooked leeks
- 50g ricotta
- 40g parmesan, finely grated
- 16 dried cannelloni tubes , (approx. 200g)
Method:
Leftover Christmas Veggies Chana Masala
With curry one of the top dishes we crave post-Christmas (27% of us were craving a curry more than any other meal!), the secret may be in the seasoning.
Swap the rosemary and thyme of your roast with the likes of cumin and coriander to really revive those taste buds.
Leftover veggies are one of the top foods we end up throwing away post-Christmas – often because we think they don’t reheat well.
For this Leftover Christmas Veggies Chana Masala, jazz up leftover sprouts, roast potatoes, parsnips (and more) for a flavour-filled vegan curry.
Leftover Chrismas Veggies Chana Masala:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp oil, (for frying)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 ginger, (about an inch, grated)
- 1 red chili, finely sliced (remove seeds if you don’t want it to be too spicy)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tin tomatoes,peeled
- 1 tin chickpeas
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 bunch coriander, (for the yoghurt)
- 1 bunch mint leaves, (for the yoghurt)
- 2 tbsp coconut yoghurt
- 1 lime, juice only (for the yoghurt)
Method:
Cheeseboard Toastie
We often end up with waste when we don’t have enough of one food to turn into a full meal.
Combat this by combining smaller quantities of leftovers you wouldn’t normally mix together, by creating The Cheeseboard Toastie.
The ultimate in quick and easy comfort food, this recipe by MOB Kitchen uses odds and ends from your cheeseboard as well as remaining cranberry sauce for a gooey and indulgent brunch dish.
Cheeseboard Toastie:
Ingredients:
- 350g leftover cheese from the cheeseboard, grated
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 6 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp butter
Method:
From savoury to sweet
Christmas cake, pudding and panettone don’t have to be a standalone snack – whip them into a delicious brunch, using them as fillings or toppings for drop scones, french toast and oat bowls.
Why not try Christmas Pudding Drop Scones. Perfect for children and adults alike, these little bites by Lisa Faulkner give all the delicious flavour of a Christmas pudding but in soft pancake-like form.
Quick to rustle up, they’re ideal served with ice cream – or leftover brandy butter for the adults!
Christmas Pudding Drop Scones:
Ingredients:
- 250g self-raising flour
- ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 60g caster sugar
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 220ml semi-skimmed milk
- 30g unsalted butter
- 100g leftover Christmas pudding (or fruit cake), crumbled
Method:
Festive freezing
Over half of the nation has never tried freezing Christmas leftovers, but if you really need a break from festive food, don’t bin it!
There are very few Christmas leftovers that can’t be frozen, so grab some freezer-proof containers and check out our five festive foods you might not know you could freeze below.
Five festive leftovers you didn’t know you could freeze:
So what are you waiting for, banish those festive leftovers for good today!
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