Christmas Leftovers into Turkey Curry
A delicious way to reduce waste and maximise flavour.
As the Christmas festivities draw to a close, most of us find ourselves with a fridge packed with leftovers. Among them, the beautifully roasted turkey often takes centre stage. While turkey sandwiches and cold picky bits are classic post-Christmas options, there’s something wonderfully comforting and satisfying about transforming these leftovers into a hearty, aromatic turkey curry. It’s a dish that brings warmth to cold winter evenings and is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your post Christmas feasts.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a flavourful turkey curry using ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Why Make a Turkey Curry?
Turkey curry isn’t just about using up leftovers—it’s about creating a dish that feels fresh and exciting as we trek through winter. The combination of warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender turkey pieces makes for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, this recipe is flexible. Whether you love a fiery kick or prefer milder flavours, you can adapt the spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe serves 4 and is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Here’s what you’ll need:
Leftover cooked turkey, shredded
2 carrots, sliced
2 parsnips, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of ground ginger
2 teaspoons of ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tin of coconut milk
400ml turkey stock (homemade from turkey bones)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Naan bread or basmati rice, for serving
Cornflour (to thicken)
How to Make Turkey Curry
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Dice the turkey into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
Step 2: Throw into the slow cooker
Put the coconut milk and turkey stock into the slow cooker and mix together, then add in the shredded turkey. Next add the carrots and parsnips.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir the spices into the mixture/ This step enhances the flavour and creates a beautifully aromatic base for your curry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your turkey curry with warm naan bread for scooping or over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber and yogurt salad to balance the rich flavours of the curry.
Tips and Variations
Customise the Spice Level: If you enjoy a spicier curry, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or fresh chilli to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the spices slightly or skip the cayenne altogether.
Vegetarian Option: If you have leftover roasted vegetables from Christmas, you can substitute them for the turkey to make a vegetarian curry. You can even throw in your leftover roast potatoes too.
Make It Creamier: Stir in a dollop of Greek yoghurt or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for an extra creamy texture.
Why This Recipe Works
This turkey curry is a wonderful example of how leftovers can be transformed into something new and exciting. It’s quick to make, versatile, and packed with flavour. The warm spices and creamy coconut milk create a dish that feels like a special treat, yet it’s incredibly simple to prepare.
Final Thoughts
Turning your Christmas leftovers into turkey curry is a perfect way to reduce food waste while delighting your taste buds. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, extending the festive cheer into the days that follow. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking for a way to repurpose your turkey, this recipe is sure to become a post-Christmas favourite.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your favourite cooking spoon, and let the magic of Christmas leftovers transform into a bowl of irresistible turkey curry. Enjoy!