Omnivorously speaking, your standard post-Thanksgiving sandwich is just about perfect: lean turkey, moist and herby stuffing, tart-sweet cranberry sauce. But your appetite for that flavor combo might just tail off before your leftovers are depleted.

Hence, the Turlafel: those components plus the zing of Indian spices, ginger, garlic and fresh herbs, formed into falafel-type patties that are pan-fried to exterior crispness. They can go on, or be rolled into, flatbread along with quick condiments and leftover vegetables. It’s the creation of chef Alex McCoy, of  “Food Network Star Season 11” fame and the upcoming Southeast-Asian-inspired Alfie’s in Washington.

The Turlafel’s got global moxie, a bit like the 32-year-old chef himself. The ingredient mixture needs a 30-minute chill, then it’s ready to use a number of ways. Technically, it doesn’t even have to be cooked (unless you’ve included beaten egg as an optional binder) and could be used as a sandwich spread. But we’re in for the full McCoy approach.

The Turlafel

3 servings

If your stuffing is moist, the beaten egg can be omitted.

Pureed ginger and garlic are available in the international aisle of large grocery stores and in Indian markets.

Advertisement

MAKE AHEAD: The patty mixture needs to be refrigerated for 30 minutes and up to 1 day in advance. The cranberry harissa can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. The cucumber- yogurt dressing can be refrigerated for up to several hours in advance.

For the patties

1 packed cup cooked boneless, skinless turkey

1 packed cup leftover stuffing

2 tablespoons pureed ginger (see headnote)

2 tablespoons pureed garlic (paste; see headnote)

Advertisement

1 teaspoon seeded, finely minced jalapeño pepper

3/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as a combination of mint, parsley and cilantro

1 tablespoon garam masala

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Advertisement

1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional; see headnote)

5 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

For assembly

1/4 cup harissa (Mediterranean pepper paste)

2 tablespoons jellied cranberry sauce

1/2 seedless (English) cucumber, cut lengthwise in half

Advertisement

1/2 cup regular or low-fat Greek-style yogurt

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 lavash, naan or flatbread

1 cup thinly sliced grilled or griddled red onion (may substitute raw red onion)

Advertisement

1 cup leftover cooked vegetables, such as green beans, cauliflower, red peppers or mushrooms

3 handfuls fresh greens/herbs, such as a combination of cilantro, mint and scallions

For the patties: Combine the turkey, stuffing, ginger, garlic, jalapeño pepper, herbs, garam masala and ground coriander in a mixing bowl; use your clean hands to knead the mixture together to form a homogenous mass. Taste, and season as needed with salt and pepper. (If it doesn’t quite hold together, stir in the egg.) Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (to firm up) and up to 1 day.

For assembly: Stir together the harissa and cranberry sauce in a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Scrape out the center of the cucumber, then cut the cucumber into 1/4-inch pieces, placing them in a medium bowl as you work. Add the yogurt and lemon juice, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

When you’re ready to build the sandwiches, heat the oil in a large skillet, preferably nonstick or cast-iron, over medium-high heat. Line a large plate with paper towels. Uncover the chilled mixture and form 9 balls of equal size, then flatten them slightly with your hands.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, lay out the lavash, naan or flatbreads on a clean work surface. Spread a generous amount of the cranberry harissa sauce down the center of each.

Once the oil shimmers, add all the patties; cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or just long enough to create a crisped crust on each side. Transfer them to the paper-towel-lined plate to briefly drain, then place 3 patties, overlapping them slightly, on each swath of sauce.

Next, layer slices of the red onion over each portion, then some of the cooked leftover vegetables. Top with a generous dollop or two of the yogurt-cucumber sauce, then a handful of the fresh greens/herbs. Serve it open-face, or carefully roll or wrap up the filling in the bread to create a fairly tightly structured wrap sandwich. Cut the wrap in half for easier eating.

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.