What Do Chefs Cook On Boxing Day?

There are usually loads of leftovers knocking about on Boxing Day, but how can we whip them up into something exciting to enjoy while catching up on all the Christmas TV? Here a handful of chefs share their signature recipes for 26 December, from sprout kimchi to a stuffing fried egg sandwich.

Boxing Day Recipe Ideas

Rishi Anand, Dishoom: Turkey Paratha

Got guests on Boxing Day? Rishi Anand, Head of R&D at Dishoom, suggests making a stuffed leftover turkey paratha with leftovers. Firstly, chop your turkey. Next, mix any leftover vegetables with some spices (he recommends red chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric, and cumin powder), plus a little green chilli for heat, and coriander for freshness. If you love cheese, add cheese. Combine everything, and stuff it into a wholewheat dough (made with wholewheat flour, salt, and water). Roll the dough out and cook both sides on a griddle. Spread some butter. When it’s lovely and crispy and golden, you’re ready to eat. You could also use the same mix to stuff into naan bread, or to make a deliciously Christmassy toastie.

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Chris Shaw, Toklas: Stuffing Fried Egg Sandwich 

‘My go-to Boxing Day breakfast is a fried egg sandwich with a bit of stuffing fried off in a pan or crisped up in the oven, on top of the egg with some HP sauce,’ says Chris. ‘I can’t remember where I first saw the idea, but I think it’s an upgrade on your classic Christmas turkey sandwich.’

Sam White, 45 Jermyn St: Christmas Pudding Ice Cream 

‘Not everyone in my family likes Christmas pudding, so sometimes we’ve still got a mound to make our way through after Christmas Day,’ says Sam. ‘I like to make a quick and easy ice cream to use up whatever’s leftover, and use a classic ice cream base (with eggs) before tipping in chunks of the christmas pudding just before it’s finished churning right at the end, to keep some of the texture. You get all the warm spices from the pudding, and any residual brandy from the flambé stops it from churning too hard and makes it a nice easy one to scoop out.’

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Douglas McMaster, Silo: Brussel Sprout Kimchi

Silo founder Douglas McMaster is all about creative ways to use up leftovers. His Christmas staple? Making kimchi from Brussel sprouts – including the shredded bits you don’t use, and the outer layers of the sprouts.

Chuck George, Chuck’s: Festive Stack 

Chuck is known for blending American classics with Asian flair. His Boxing Day recipe suggestion involves stacking leftover turkey, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes with iceberg lettuce, then adding a swipe of Duke’s Mayo on top.