The holidays allows consumers time to spend with family and friends. Cooks may be overwhelmed with the best types of food dishes to prepare. The best types of food choices should include lean cuts of poultry.
Lean cuts of poultry can provide a good source of nutrition during the holidays. Turkey is a common source of protein with a low amount of fat.
A 3 1/2 ounce of turkey breast with skin contains approximately 194 calories with 29 grams of protein and 8 grams of total fat.
Some consumers prepare additional turkey for the unexpected guests and end up with leftovers. Some ideas for leftover turkey include turkey salads, sandwiches, soups, stew, pizza and stir fry.
Turkey Salads and Sandwiches
A salad can be eaten at any time of the day. Cooks can use a medium-sized bowl and add shredded turkey slices with grapes, cucumbers and tomatoes. Another salad choice involves adding chopped cashews, cucumbers and romaine lettuce leaves.
A sandwich idea is shredded turkey slices on bread ,including whole-wheat bread slices or hot dinner rolls. Add 1 teaspoon of cranberry sauce with Romaine lettuce leaves and sliced tomatoes.
Turkey Soups and Stews
Soups and stews can be taken to work or eaten as a late-night snack. A turkey soup idea is using a medium-sized pan and preparing a can of soup. Pour out the high-sodium broth and add shredded turkey with vegetables. Stir and serve immediately.
A turkey stew idea is mixing a can of turkey broth with celery, onions and diced potatoes. Add pre-cooked turkey bits and continue to boil ,until the vegetables and cut potatoes are soft.
Turkey Pizza
Pizza may not appear as a healthy food choice ,yet it can make a tasty meal for both children and adults. Order a plain pizza and top it with pre-cooked shredded turkey. For added vitamins and minerals, add cherry tomatoes and parsley.
Turkey Stir Fry
A simple leftover turkey idea is stir fry. In a wok or medium-sized pan, place a variety of vegetables in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and use medium heat. While heating, add rice with desired vegetables such as sliced carrots and red peppers. Wait to add the pre-cooked turkey strips towards the end to reduce dry turkey.
Consumers may refrigerate leftover turkey for approximately 3 to 4 days to maintain its freshness and keep the turkey safe. During this time frame, consumers can use leftover turkey for various recipes ,including turkey soups, pizza and stir fry.
Sources:
University of Illinois Extension Turkey for the Holidays
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