Jamie Oliver Recipes

Jamie Oliver Turkey And Ham Pie Recipe

6 min read

I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Turkey and Ham Pie. It was one of those rare moments when food becomes a memory. My friend had made it for a holiday gathering, and as soon as I dug in, I knew I’d be making it for years to come. The layers of savory turkey, rich ham, and buttery pastry combined so perfectly. It felt like comfort and elegance all in one bite. Over time, I tweaked the recipe to make it my own, but the base still comes from Jamie Oliver’s amazing creation. It’s perfect for holidays or any time you want something hearty and filling.

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey And Ham Pie Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey and Ham Pie is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s like a love letter to leftover turkey after the holidays, but it’s also a great excuse to roast a fresh turkey for this dish. The rich, creamy filling pairs wonderfully with the crisp, golden pastry. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, this recipe is as satisfying as it gets.

Ingredients Needed

You don’t need a ton of ingredients, but everything has to be fresh and high quality. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Pastry

    • Shortcrust pastry for the base and puff pastry for the lid

  • Turkey

    • Leftover turkey works best but fresh turkey breast or thighs can also be used

  • Ham

    • Any good-quality, cooked ham (try to get a flavorful cut)

  • Veggies

    • Carrots, celery, onions (these provide a solid base for the filling)

  • Cream & Stock

    • Double cream, chicken stock (for richness and depth)

  • Seasonings

    • Fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper

  • Egg Wash

    • To give the pie a golden, glossy finish

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey And Ham Pie

I’m not going to lie. The first time I made this pie, I was a little intimidated. But after diving in, it quickly became clear that it’s much easier than it looks. The beauty is in the layers and the simplicity. Here’s how to get it done:

  1. Prepare The Filling

    • Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of butter until they soften. The smell is incredible.
    • Add turkey and ham to the pan. Season generously with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the flavors meld together.
    • Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer to reduce slightly. Add the double cream to create a creamy sauce.

  2. Fill The Pie

    • Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line your pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges.
    • Pour the turkey and ham mixture into the pie dish, making sure it’s evenly spread.

  3. Top With Puff Pastry

    • Roll out the puff pastry to fit the pie. Place it over the filling and trim off any excess.
    • Brush with an egg wash to ensure it turns golden when baked.

  4. Bake

    • Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 40-45 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy. The aroma will drive you wild.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s talk about cream in this recipe. It’s not just for indulgence-it has some real science behind it. When you add cream to a sauce, you’re creating a smooth emulsion. The fats in the cream bind with the water molecules in the stock, which results in a rich, velvety texture. This is why the filling is so luxurious. The cream balances the savory turkey and ham, giving it a velvety mouthfeel that makes each bite melt in your mouth.

Then there’s pastry-both shortcrust and puff have their own tricks. Shortcrust is perfect for the base because it’s sturdy and won’t get soggy under the creamy filling. Puff pastry, on the other hand, puffs up beautifully when baked, forming layers that contrast the rich filling. The result? A pie with a satisfying crunch and a hearty interior.

Expert Tips

  • Don’t skip resting the pastry – Before rolling it out, give your pastry dough time to chill. This helps prevent it from shrinking in the oven.
  • For extra flavor, make your own stock – While store-bought stock works, homemade stock makes a huge difference in flavor. If you’ve got the time, simmer turkey bones and veggies for a few hours.
  • Season generously – The filling can handle a lot of seasoning, so don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and herbs. Taste as you go.
  • Use a hot oven – For that perfect golden pastry, make sure your oven is fully preheated. A hotter oven helps the puff pastry rise and crisp up faster.

Recipe Variations

One of the great things about this pie is how versatile it is. You can swap ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some variations:

  • Vegetarian Version – Skip the turkey and ham and load the pie with roasted veggies like mushrooms, squash, and sweet potatoes. You can add lentils or chickpeas for some protein.
  • Cheese Lover’s Pie – Add some grated cheddar or a creamy brie to the filling. It melts perfectly into the sauce.
  • Herb Twist – Experiment with different herbs like sage, parsley, or tarragon for a unique flavor profile.

Final Words

Making Jamie Oliver’s Turkey and Ham Pie is a culinary celebration. It’s comforting and a perfect way to turn leftovers into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy evening at home, this pie never fails to impress. The flavors, textures, and rich filling all come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Instead Of Turkey?

Yes, you can swap turkey for chicken. It will still work great with the other ingredients.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Puff Pastry?

You can try shortcrust pastry or even filo pastry for a lighter option.

How Long Will The Pie Keep In The Fridge?

The pie will keep for about 3 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

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