Thanksgiving Leftover Wontons with Cranberry Salsa
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. But what do you do with all those leftovers once the feast is over? Instead of reheating the same meal for days on end, why not get creative and transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into something new and exciting? In this article, weโll show you how to make mouthwatering Thanksgiving leftover wontons with a tangy cranberry salsa.
Why Wontons?
Wontons are versatile little pockets of goodness that can be filled with just about anything. They are like tiny presents waiting to be unwrapped, revealing a delightful surprise inside. By using your Thanksgiving leftovers as the filling, you can give new life to those dishes that youโve already enjoyed once.
Transforming Leftovers
Leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and even cranberry sauce can all be repurposed as the filling for your wontons. Mix them together, add some herbs and spices for extra flavor, and youโve got a delicious mixture that will make your taste buds dance.
The Art of Folding
Folding wontons is like creating a beautiful origami masterpiece. It may take a bit of practice to get the technique just right, but once youโve mastered it, youโll be able to create perfectly formed wontons every time. Donโt be discouraged if your first few attempts are a bit wonky โ itโs all part of the learning process!
Cranberry Salsa: The Perfect Accompaniment
No wonton is complete without a dipping sauce, and what better way to complement the flavors of your Thanksgiving leftovers than with a tangy cranberry salsa? The sweet and tart flavors of the cranberries will add a refreshing twist to your wontons, making them even more irresistible.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use any type of leftover for the wonton filling?
A: Absolutely! Wontons are incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different fillings. Just make sure that the flavors complement each other well.
Q: Do I need any special equipment to make wontons?
A: No, you donโt. All you need is a clean workspace, some wonton wrappers, and your leftover filling. Itโs a simple and fun process that can be done with just your hands.
Q: Can I freeze the wontons for later?
A: Yes, you can. Once youโve folded your wontons, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for easy storage. When youโre ready to enjoy them, simply fry or steam them as usual.
Q: How long will the cranberry salsa last?
A: The cranberry salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Itโs the perfect accompaniment for not only your wontons but also other dishes like roasted meats or even as a spread on sandwiches.
Q: Can I make the wontons ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the wontons ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking. This makes them a great option for parties or gatherings where you want to spend less time in the kitchen.
Q: Can I bake the wontons instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can. If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the wontons in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Q: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
A: Absolutely! While homemade cranberry sauce is delicious, store-bought cranberry sauce works just as well. Just make sure to choose a sauce that has a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
Q: Can I serve the wontons as a main dish?
A: Yes, you can. While wontons are often served as appetizers or snacks, you can definitely enjoy a larger portion as a main dish. Serve them with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
In Conclusion
Thanksgiving leftovers donโt have to be boring. With a little creativity and some wonton wrappers, you can transform your leftovers into a whole new culinary experience. Whether youโre hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers, these wontons with cranberry salsa are sure to impress. So, donโt let those leftovers go to waste โ give them a new lease on life and enjoy a tasty and unique treat!
Thanksgiving Leftover Wontons with Cranberry Salsa
Ingredientsย ย
- ยพ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
- 1 ยฝ cups of shredded cooked turkey
- 1 cup of prepared stuffing
- 4 ounces of softened cream cheese
- ยผ cup of thick turkey gravy
- 1 package (14 ounces) of wonton wrappers
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups of canola oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons of minced onion
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of minced jalapeno pepper (seeds removed) , or adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of water
Instructionsย
- - In a bowl, pour lemon juice over dried cranberries and set aside.
- - In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine turkey, stuffing, cream cheese, and turkey gravy.
- - Take a wonton wrapper and place it on a work surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- - Moisten two opposite edges of the wrapper with water using your finger. Fold the wrapper in half lengthwise and press the edges together with a fork. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers.
- - Heat canola oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the filled wontons in batches until crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
- - Drain the fried wontons on paper towels and allow to cool for about 5 minutes to set the filling.
- - Drain the lemon juice from the dried cranberries. Place cranberries in a food processor and pulse several times until finely chopped.
- - Transfer the chopped cranberries to a bowl and mix in onion, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, garlic, and water.
- - Serve the cranberry mixture with the hot fried wontons.
- - Please note that the nutritional value of oil for frying may vary based on factors such as cooking time, temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.