Let’s be real-after a big holiday feast, the fridge turns into a turkey graveyard. You’ve got cold meat, random sides and that one cousin who insists on taking all the gravy home. But Jamie Oliver? He flips the whole leftover game on its head.
His Leftover Turkey Curry (yep, that’s the one we’re talking about) is bold, warm and completely different from the traditional roast flavor bomb you had the day before. It’s not just reheating meat. It’s transforming it. Think rich spices, tender chunks of turkey, a creamy, fragrant sauce and that kind of "mmm" that makes you forget you’re eating leftovers at all.
It’s genius. Simple enough for a weekday meal, yet special enough to trick your taste buds into thinking you’ve cooked something brand new from scratch.
Jamie Oliver Leftover Turkey Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need. And don’t worry-it’s flexible. Swap what you have, just keep the core flavors.
For The Base
- 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- A thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- 1-2 fresh red chilies (optional but great for kick)
- Olive oil
Spices (don’t Skip This Part!)
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Stars
- About 500g of leftover cooked turkey (white and/or dark meat), shredded or chopped
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
- A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
Optional Goodies
- A handful of cooked veggies (peas, spinach or leftover roast carrots work brilliantly)
- A sprinkle of toasted almonds or shredded coconut for garnish
Equipment Needed
No need to dig out your fancy gadgets here. Jamie keeps it practical:
- A large saucepan or deep frying pan
- Chopping board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Grater for the ginger (or just finely mince it)
- Serving bowls, because presentation still matters. even for leftovers
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey
Okay, let’s get into the fun part-cooking!
Step 1: Build The Flavor Base
Heat a good glug of olive oil in your pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and let them soften for 10 minutes. Don’t rush this. You want them golden and sweet, not burnt.
Add in the garlic, ginger and chilies. Stir it all around until your kitchen smells amazing (this takes about 2-3 minutes).
Step 2: Spice It Up
Add the curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon and cumin. Stir it through so everything’s coated and the spices can wake up in the oil. This part is key. it’s what gives the curry that deep, warming flavor.
Step 3: Bring In The Turkey
Now, add your turkey pieces. Stir them through the spiced onion mix, letting them warm up and soak in the flavor. It’s already looking good, right?
Step 4: Make It Saucy
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and coconut milk. Give it a gentle stir. Turn the heat down and let the whole thing simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir now and then so nothing sticks.
Step 5: Taste And Finish
Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss in any leftover veggies you want to use up. Just before serving, sprinkle in chopped coriander.
What I Learnt
Honestly? I’ll never look at leftover turkey the same way again. A few big takeaways:
- Spices change everything. Even dry-ish turkey gets a second life when paired with bold flavors like cumin and cinnamon.
- Coconut milk is a game changer. It gives that silky texture and richness without feeling heavy.
- This recipe is forgiving. No coriander? Skip it. No fresh chili? Use a pinch of chili flakes. You make it work with what you’ve got.
- It actually feels like a different meal. This isn’t a reheat. It’s a full reset.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey
So, you’ve whipped up Jamie Oliver’s leftover turkey curry. or maybe his turkey and leek pie. Delicious, right? But maybe you want to shake it up a little. Great! Jamie’s recipes are a solid base but there’s a lot of room to play.
1. Spice it up (or down):
Jamie loves bold flavors but if the curry’s got a bit too much kick for Aunt June, tone it down. Swap out Madras paste for a milder korma or even a tikka masala base. Want more fire? Add chopped green chilies or a dash of hot paprika.
2. Swap your veg:
No leeks in the fridge? Use onions. Got leftover roasted root veg from your holiday spread? Toss them in. Carrots, parsnips, even a handful of Brussels sprouts can bring new layers of flavor. Don’t overthink it-leftovers are forgiving.
3. Make it creamy or tangy:
Jamie often goes for coconut milk in his curries. You can too. But you could also switch things up with Greek yogurt (for creaminess and tang) or crème fraîche. Stir it in at the end to keep it from splitting.
4. Change the carb game:
Forget rice if you’re bored. Serve your turkey creation over mashed potatoes, stuff it into a baked sweet potato or roll it into a flatbread for a makeshift wrap. Leftovers love carbs.
5. Add crunch or zing on top:
Texture matters. Throw on some toasted almonds or cashews. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds works wonders. Fresh coriander (cilantro) or mint, a squeeze of lime-game changers.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Leftover turkey has a short shelf life, so here’s how to make the most of it without risking a science experiment in the fridge.
1. Cool it fast:
After serving, don’t leave turkey sitting out for hours. Get it cooled and into the fridge within two hours max. Divide it into shallow containers so it cools quickly and evenly.
2. Use the 2-2-4 rule:
Two hours to cool and store. Eat within two days if it’s in the fridge. Freeze within four days if you’re not using it right away. It’s easy to remember and keeps you safe.
3. Wrap it right:
Air is the enemy. Wrap turkey tightly in foil or store in airtight containers. For freezing, double-wrap or use a vacuum sealer if you’re fancy.
4. Label your leftovers:
You will forget what’s in that mystery container next week. Label with the contents and date. Sharpies are your friend here.
5. Reheat with care:
Don’t just nuke it. Reheat until piping hot-steaming all the way through. If you’re tossing it into a curry or pie, let the sauce do the reheating work. No need to preheat the turkey first.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Turkey?
You’ve got that flavor-packed turkey dish-but what do you serve alongside to make it a full-on feast?
1. Fresh greens:
Balance the richness with something fresh. A cucumber and mint salad works beautifully with curry. A simple rocket (arugula) salad with lemon vinaigrette? Perfect with creamy turkey pie.
2. Carby sidekicks:
Rice is a classic, sure. But garlic naan or warm flatbreads are perfect for scooping curry. If you’ve made something like a turkey risotto or soup, crusty bread is all you need.
3. Pickles and chutneys:
This is the flavor elevator. Tangy mango chutney, spicy lime pickle, even just a spoonful of cranberry sauce leftover from Christmas adds contrast and pop.
4. Leftover mash or roasted veg:
Got a fridge full of random sides? Warm them up! Mashed potatoes or roasties are gold. Turn them into bubble and squeak or pan-fry for crispy edges.
5. Eggs and brunchy vibes:
Chop up the leftover turkey and chuck it into a hash with potatoes, onions and spices. Crack an egg on top. Suddenly, you’ve got a killer brunch.
FAQs
What Are Some Easy Ways To Use Leftover Turkey In Jamie Oliver’s Recipes?
Jamie Oliver suggests using leftover turkey in dishes like sandwiches, soups, or even a hearty curry. You can also try it in a turkey pie or stir-fry.
Can I Freeze Leftover Turkey For Later Use In Jamie Oliver’s Recipes?
Yes, leftover turkey can be frozen. Just make sure it’s properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, defrost it slowly in the fridge.
Does Jamie Oliver Have A Special Recipe For Turkey Leftovers After Thanksgiving?
Yes, Jamie has several creative ways to use Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, like his ’turkey and cranberry pie’ or ’turkey curry’ that really transform the flavors from your holiday meal.
