PURÉED CANNED MEAT SALADS

Introduction:

Welcome Caregivers. Canned meats to the rescue! Preparing meals with meat is a challenge when you are new to a purée diet. Classic recipes for tuna fish salad, ham salad and chicken salad are easily made by using canned meat. However, they are not only easy to purée and prepare, they are also delicious!

Canned meat is a staple in many households for good reason. They are many benefits to having them in your pantry. These meats are convenient, have a long shelf life and are versatile in recipes. They fit the bill where there is a need for quick and easy meal options.

Canned meats are continually improving for quality and the variety of products available making them more appealing to consumers. Let’s explore the benefits of this easy to consume food.

The Benefits of Canned Meat:

1. Convenience of Canned Meat: long shelf life, minimal preparation requirements, quick meals
2. Nutritonal Benefits: According to the NIH (National Institute of Health) National Library of Medicine article published in 2015, many canned foods provide nutrient-dense dietary options often at a lower price and with longer storage potential compared to fresh foods. “Fresh foods are not always available to all Americans due to seasonal, economic and geographic factors.
   • Canned meats are a good source of protein, iron and B Vitamins.
   • Some canned meats contain high amounts of sodium, fat and other chemicals. People with a sensitivity to salt and for those with high blood pressure these may be an issue for.
   • Read labels to search for the healthier options for your individual needs
3. Variety: Canned meat options are increasing. Most grocery stores carry meat options including chicken, turkey, beef, ham and fish.
4. Easy to Purée: With the use of a food processor, you can create a smooth and creamy texture that is easy to swallow.
5. Cost Effective: Often more affordable than fresh meat
6. Reduced Food Waste: A long shelf life reduces spoilage and food waste. Small container sizes when prepared allow for smaller portions most elderly people can consume in a couple of meals.
7. Emergency Preparedness: Stocking up on canned meats for the pantry can be useful in emergency situations, such as power outages
8. On The Go Food: Canned meat does not require refrigeration (before the can is opened) or cooking and is easy to transport.

3 Classic Meat Salads:

The following recipes are for tuna salad, ham salad and chicken salad. A small food processor was used to purée all the ingredients for these recipes. I puréed the canned meats separately from the other ingredients. Each ingredient was puréed individually and then added per preference to the puréed meat and stirred by hand.

Ahead of time, I puréed the add ins needed for these recipes including onions, celery, cucumber, and bread and butter stacker pickles with the skins removed prior to blending. Each of these ingredients were puréed individually and placed in a small strainer with cheese cloth so the liquid could be drained out and/or squeezed out as needed before adding to the meat.

WARNING: Be certain to inspect all puréed items to remove any chunks before adding to the meat. Store any leftover puréed ingredients in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator to use in other recipes.

1. Tuna Salad
   • Drain canned tuna, reserving the liquid. Using a small bowl food processor blend the tuna until a smooth and creamy consistency, adding liquid as needed. In a bowl, add puréed add ins per individual preference to the puréed tuna. Commonly added ingredients include celery, onion, relish. Add mayonnaise. Stir to mix all ingredients.
2. Chicken Salad
   • Drain canned chicken, reserving any liquid. Using a small bowl food processor blend the chicken until a smooth and creamy consistency, adding liquid as needed. May need more chicken broth if not enough liquid reserve in the can. In a bowl, add puréed add ins per individual preference to the puréed chicken. Commonly added ingredients include celery, onion, and dijon mustard. Add mayonnaise. Stir to mix all ingredients.
3. Ham Salad
   • Place ham salad in a small bowl food processor, add water in small amounts and blend the ham until a smooth and creamy consistency. In a bowl, add puréed add ins per individual preference to the puréed ham. Commonly added ingredients include celery, onion, cucumber, dry dill weed, and mustard. Add mayonnaise. Stir to mix all ingredients.

TIP: Explore other recipes to use puréed canned meats such as in soups, meat pies, or in a sauce.

CONCLUSION:

Hopefully, you have found easy-to-purée meat solutions for your loved one in this post. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced caregiver preparing purée meats I hope you add these simple and delicious recipes into your meal rotations. These classic salads are a familiar comfort food more many people and may these foods bring comfort to your loved one.

Have a Blessed Day, Jean

VIDEO: Watch a video on how I made these recipes on my YouTube channel THE PUR´EED KITCHEN here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcrpTuTgxnI