8 tasty ways to use up your Christmas leftovers

The turkey is cold, you’ve munched your way through a field’s worth of potatoes and an enormous number of pigs-in-blankets. You’ve also got lots of time for long rides on more-or-less empty roads, and a tonne of leftovers.

So why waste time and energy food shopping? Turn your abandoned sprouts into something tasty instead.

We’ve partnered with Olive Magazine (also published by Immediate Media) to bring you the very best recipes for cyclists. All the recipes are easy to follow and include everything from homemade nutrition products to tasty and hearty post-ride meals.

Oh, and if you’re looking for something to read while you’re sitting down to enjoy one of these delicious recipes, why not check out BikeRadar’s Gear of the Year for 2021.

1. Bacon, Brussels and chilli broth

Sometimes, after days and days of chutney, cheese and mincemeat, you just want a bright, spicy flavour to cut through it all.

Stand aside turkey curry, here comes the bacon and Brussels sprout broth!

Yes, you heard correctly. Turn the inevitable pile of uneaten sprouts into something divine. You can whip it up in 30 minutes, and it’s perfect for dishing out after a chilly winter ride.

2. Parsnip and potato rosti

Lots of leftover spuds and parsnips? Try out this parsnip and potato rosti recipe.

This variation on the traditional crispy rosti has a natural sweetness due to the parsnips and is pleasingly simple to make.

3. Chicken and shredded sprouts pie with butter bean mash

This chicken and shredded sprouts pie with butter bean mash is hearty, satisfying and pleasingly creamy.

It relies on lighter semi-skimmed milk and crème fraîche, rather than more calorific cream and butter options. It’s also a simple way to use up more of those sprouts.

4. Asian hot and sour turkey soup

Got more leftover turkey than you know what to do with? Whip up this simple Asian hot and sour turkey soup with spicy chilli and sour vinegar, and you’ll get through it in no time.

Rice noodles added to the clear soy-spiced soup base bring the carbohydrates, making this another excellent choice for refuelling.

5. Shredded turkey quesadillas

Still not got through the turkey? Okay, how about these filling shredded turkey quesadillas?

You can put them together quickly, so they’re ideal for anyone who needs something tasty but doesn’t have much time.

They work equally well for hungry kids and cyclists alike, though you might want to drop the chilli content for the little ones.

6. Spiced shepherd’s pie with parsnip mash

Few things are as comforting as a rich, meaty shepherd’s pie. This spiced shepherd’s pie with parsnip mash adds chilli, cinnamon and cumin to the mix. It will also help you get through those leftover parsnips.

You can make it a little lighter by substituting cream and butter for skimmed milk and crème fraîche.

7. Turkey chilli bean stew

If you’ve got a lot of leftovers and a lot of mouths to feed, then this one-pot turkey chilli bean stew will save time, money, energy and effort.

There’s plenty of protein from the turkey, beans and pulses, while the chipotle paste and smoked paprika make this warming, rich and tasty.

Serve by the steaming bowlful with a sprinkling of coriander and a hunk of fresh bread.

8. Brussels bubble and squeak with poached egg

This Brussels bubble and squeak with poached egg recipe manages to be comforting, economical, protein-rich and tasty all in one go. And it’s yet another tasty way to get rid of your leftover sprouts!

Mixed with potato, they can be transformed into a delicious bubble and squeak, which tastes downright delicious with a poached egg on top.

We reckon this would make an ideal New Year’s Day post-ride brunch.