Have you ever wondered what to do with all that leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? Look no further!
This Leftover Turkey Curry is not only a tasty change from the usual turkey sandwiches, but it’s also an easy weeknight dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.
With Thanksgiving dinner, we often end up with plenty of leftover turkey.
From delicious appetizers to mouth-watering side dishes, and even festive cocktails, there’s so much to enjoy.
This one pot meal is the perfect solution to repurpose those Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting, 30-minute meal that everyone will love.
Leftover Turkey Curry Ingredients
To create this delicious and comforting meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Oil: Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger, it helps to bring out their flavors and create a rich base for the curry.
- Onions: Provides a sweet and savory foundation that adds depth to the curry’s flavor.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty flavor that complements the spices and balances the richness of the turkey.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent and aromatic qualities.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness, helping to create a balanced and flavorful sauce.
- Cooked turkey: The star of the dish, it absorbs the flavors of the curry while providing a hearty protein source.
- Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the spices and making the curry smooth.
- Almond butter: Contributes a nutty flavor and creamy texture, adding richness to the sauce.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the spices and acidity from the tomatoes.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish, making each ingredient shine.
The Spices
- Garam masala: A blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity to the curry.
- Turmeric: Gives the curry its vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor.
- Coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor that is essential in curry dishes.
- Chili powder: Adds heat and a slight smokiness, balancing the other spices.
- Cardamom pods: Provide a sweet and floral note that elevates the curry’s flavor profile.
Tips and Notes
Make Ahead and How To
This Leftover Turkey Curry is ideal for quick prep. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just add the leftover turkey and heat through. It’s perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights!
To Use Leftover Gravy
If you have leftover gravy from your Thanksgiving dinner, feel free to add it to the curry for an extra depth of flavor. Simply mix it in with the diced tomatoes and spices.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Curry
- Prepare the Base: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, and cardamom pods. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a thick sauce.
- Incorporate the Turkey: Add the cooked turkey pieces, stirring well to coat them in the sauce.
- Finish with Yogurt and Almond Butter: Stir in the yogurt and almond butter, cooking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add sugar and sea salt to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage and Leftovers
Meal Prep Tips
This curry stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Refrigeration: Store the curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat the curry on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a quick and delicious meal anytime!
Perfect Side Dishes for Leftover Turkey Curry
Here are some excellent side dish options to complement your Leftover Turkey Curry.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This bright and zesty rice is easy to make and brings a fresh flavor that pairs well with the rich curry sauce. It’s perfect for a quick 30-minute meal.
- Oven Roasted Root Vegetables: A colorful and healthy side dish, perfect for balancing the rich flavors of the curry
- Garlic Butter Scalloped Sweet Potatoes: Luxurious and creamy, these sweet potatoes with Parmesan cheese and garlic will add an indulgent touch to your meal.
- Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries: Combining the sweetness of honey with the tartness of cranberries, this side dish offers a sweet and savory mix that pairs well with the curry.
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and smooth side that perfectly complements the rich and flavorful curry sauce
These side dishes not only enhance the flavors of your Leftover Turkey Curry but also add variety and balance to your Thanksgiving leftovers, turning them into a memorable feast.
With this Leftover Turkey Curry, you have a tasty way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers.
It’s an easy, flavorful dish that brings new life to your holiday meal.
Perfect for a family dinner, potluck recipe, or even a comforting meal on a chilly night, this turkey leftover recipe is sure to be a hit.
Leftover Turkey Curry Recipe
This Leftover Turkey Curry is a flavorful dish that uses tender turkey pieces in a creamy, spiced sauce. This one pot meal is a flavorful dish that uses tender turkey pieces in a creamy, spiced sauce, perfect for a 30-minute meal.
Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this dish transforms turkey into a delicious curry that the whole family will love making it a perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 yellow onions (roughly chopped)
- 3 tablespoons chopped ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 28 ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 lb cooked turkey (shredded)
- ¼ cup cream, yogurt, or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2-4 tablespoons coconut sugar
- Sea salt (to taste)
THE SPICES
- tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ to 1 teaspoon chili powder (depending on how spicy you like your curry)
- seeds from 4 cardamom pods
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chili powder, and cardamom pods. Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they break down and form a thick sauce.
- Incorporate the Turkey: Add the cooked turkey pieces, stirring well to coat them in the sauce.
- Finish with Yogurt and Almond Butter: Stir in the yogurt and almond butter, cooking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add sugar and sea salt to taste. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
This curry stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Refrigeration: Store the curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the curry for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat the curry on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 637Total Fat 39gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 143mgSodium 557mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 7gSugar 23gProtein 41g