Kate's Global Kitchen: Exotic Encores with Luscious Thanksgiving Leftovers

Thanksgiving Weekend

Exotic Encores with Luscious Leftovers

Hopefully you bought a big enough Thanksgiving bird to have plenty of turkey for leftovers. I adore mixing roast turkey with global flavors—the meat has enough individuality to stand up to exotic seasonings but isn't as loud as beef or lamb.

Typical quick-to-fix options for leftover turkey include salads, soups, pastas, casseroles, sandwiches and anything involving tortillas. But what seasonings can you use to jazz up these dishes? Try a pinch of these flavorings for a refreshing break from the old stand-by's. Look for these products in the supermarket's specialty food aisle or in ethnic markets.

Spices

Chinese 5-Spice: This powdery blend of cloves, cinnamon, and the licorice-like tastes of fennel seed and star anise—with a boost from fragrant Szechwan peppercorn—actually plays up similar sweet spices so often found on the Thanksgiving table. A little of the seasoning goes a long way, so add just a dash to start. Make fried rice with leftover turkey and vegetables and a pinch of Chinese 5-Spice, or make a turkey-vegetable stir fry flavored with Chinese 5-Spice.

Pomegranate Molasses: Found in Middle East markets, this syrupy reduction of pomegranate juice echoes the same type of tartness as cranberries. For a sweet-sour effect, stir 1 tablespoon each pomegranate molasses and honey together. Drizzle over warmed turkey, or add a small amount to a vinaigrette for a perky salad dressing.

Garam Masala: Indian kitchens make all sorts of spice blends, known as masalas, which they grind fresh from toasted, whole spices. Garam masala is one variety of spice blend commonly used in Northern India. You can make my version of garam masala from scratch, or for convenience, buy pre-mixed garam masala found in the Middle Eastern spice section. Garam masala contains warming spices like cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, cloves and black pepper—perfect for a curry-like turkey stew on noodles or rice. Or, sauté 1/2 teaspoon garam masala in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and fry up an exotic hash of turkey, onions and potatoes.

For more ideas on turning plain leftovers into exotic encore meals, check out Rick Rodger's recipes for Turkey Tetrazzini Gratin and Mongolian Stir-Fry in Thanksgiving 101

Gobble gobble!

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