I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Curry. It was one of those days after a big holiday feast, when I opened the fridge and found that mountain of leftover turkey. Instead of reheating the same meal, I thought, "Why not try something a little different?" Enter Jamie’s recipe. The idea of turning those leftovers into something entirely new and exciting felt like a small victory against food waste. And honestly, it turned out better than I expected. The flavors melded together so perfectly, and the warmth of the spices made it feel like I was having a brand-new meal, even though I was using leftovers.
That moment marked the beginning of a tradition for me. Every time the holidays roll around, I look forward to making this curry. It’s a recipe that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you’re using turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish will make sure your leftovers shine.
Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Curry Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Curry is a wonderful blend of rich spices, tender turkey, and a creamy sauce. The beauty of this dish lies in how it transforms your turkey into something entirely new. I love that the recipe doesn’t require a lot of extra effort or fancy ingredients. It’s simple, but packed with flavors that just work together so well.
Here’s a quick summary of the recipe:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger – the base of the curry.
- Add curry powder, cinnamon, and other spices – creating that aromatic, warm, spiced flavor.
- Stir in leftover turkey – just to heat it through and absorb all the delicious spices.
- Add coconut milk – for richness and smoothness.
- Simmer – to let all the flavors come together.
That’s the gist of it. There’s a lot of flexibility to adjust seasonings based on what you like, which is what makes it such a versatile recipe.
Ingredients Needed
Jamie’s recipe calls for basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
- Leftover turkey – about 400g, shredded (perfect for using up those extra holiday pieces!)
- Olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 large onion – finely chopped
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger – 1-inch piece, peeled and grated
- Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
- Curry powder – 2 tbsp (a good quality one will really bring out the flavors)
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Canned coconut milk – 400ml (full-fat for a creamier texture)
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 can (400g)
- Chicken stock – 200ml
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) – for garnish
- Lemon – for a fresh squeeze of juice at the end
The coconut milk and stock combine to create that creamy sauce that wraps around the turkey. The spices (curry powder, cinnamon, cumin) deliver that warmth that turns leftovers into a curry masterpiece.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Curry
Making this dish is as easy as it is satisfying. Here’s how I do it:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Chop your onion and garlic. Grate the ginger. Have the turkey ready to go (shredded works best).
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your onions and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add the spices: Curry powder, cumin, and cinnamon. You want to really bloom those spices in the oil, so keep stirring for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and stir. This will deepen the flavor of your sauce and give it that lovely richness. Then, toss in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and coconut milk.
- Bring to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes to thicken. You want the sauce to reduce slightly, so it clings nicely to the turkey.
- Stir in the leftover turkey, making sure it’s fully coated with the sauce. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the turkey to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
- Finish: Season with salt and pepper, and squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top. Garnish with chopped coriander.
And voilà! You’ve got a creamy, flavorful curry that transforms leftover turkey into something special.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
What makes this curry so flavorful? Let’s break down a few of the key ingredients:
- Coconut Milk: It’s a classic base in curries because of its creamy texture. The fat content helps carry the spices, making the dish feel rich and satisfying. Coconut also adds a subtle sweetness, which balances out the savory turkey.
- Curry Powder: A blend of spices (usually turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek). It provides the iconic ’curry’ flavor, and it’s packed with antioxidants, especially from turmeric. The warm, earthy tones complement the richness of the turkey.
- Cinnamon: This spice isn’t just for desserts! It adds warmth and depth, creating a more complex flavor profile. In savory dishes, cinnamon provides a background sweetness that enhances the other spices without overpowering them.
- Leftover Turkey: Turkey is a lean protein, and when paired with the sauce, it takes on all the rich flavors of the curry. The fact that it’s leftover also means you’re reducing food waste, which makes the dish even better!
Expert Tips
- Spice Levels: If you like a bit of heat, add a chopped chili or two along with the onions. If you want it milder, use a gentle curry powder.
- Leftover Storage: This curry keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s actually one of those dishes that gets better as it sits, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
- Use Fresh Turkey: If you don’t have leftovers, fresh turkey works just as well. Just cook it until tender before shredding and adding to the curry.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it for a bit longer, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to help it along.
- Make It Vegan: Replace the turkey with chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based option. The coconut milk makes it just as creamy and satisfying.
Recipe Variations
- Veggie Lovers: Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to make the curry even heartier.
- Heat It Up: For more spice, try adding garam masala or some cayenne pepper. You can also throw in a few chopped fresh chilies during the cooking process.
- Nutty Twist: Toasted cashews or almonds can add a nice crunch to your curry. Stir them in right before serving for extra texture.
- Add Sweetness: A spoonful of honey or a handful of raisins can balance out the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Curry is an excellent way to turn those holiday scraps into something new. It’s a dish that brings comfort, spice, and a sense of satisfaction all in one bowl. The beauty of it lies in how easily it comes together without compromising on flavor. Whether you make it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, it never disappoints.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Curry?
Start by frying onions, garlic, and ginger in oil. Then add curry powder and spices. Toss in your leftover turkey and some canned tomatoes, simmer, and serve with rice or naan.
Can I Use Other Leftover Meats In Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Curry Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the turkey with chicken, lamb, or even beef. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat you use.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey Curry Last In The Fridge?
It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.