Delia Smith’s Turkey Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish, perfect for giving your leftover turkey a delicious new twist. With a rich blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender turkey, this curry is comforting and easy to prepare. It’s an ideal recipe to enjoy with family after a festive feast or as a midweek meal.
What is Delia Smith Turkey Curry?
Delia Smith’s Turkey Curry is a simple and versatile curry dish made with leftover turkey, a blend of spices, onions, tomatoes, and coconut milk. It’s a quick and satisfying way to transform leftovers into a hearty and warming meal.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Leftovers: Ideal for using up-cooked turkey.
- Packed with Flavor: A delicious combination of spices and creamy sauce.
- Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: A mild curry that can be adjusted to suit all tastes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or tweak the spices for your preferred heat level.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Turkey Curry
For the Curry Base
- Cooked Turkey (400g, shredded): Use leftover roast turkey.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the aromatic flavors.
- Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Adds warmth and spice.
- Curry Powder (2 tbsp): For the primary curry flavor.
- Ground Turmeric (1 tsp): Adds color and depth.
- Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthy, nutty notes.
- Chili Powder (optional, 1/2 tsp): For extra heat.
- Canned Tomatoes (400g): This creates a rich and tangy base.
- Coconut Milk (300ml): Adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing.
Optional Additions
- Peas (100g): Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
- Fresh Coriander (for garnish): Brightens and freshens the dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Turkey Curry
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the spices
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors of the spices.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes
Pour in the canned tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the coconut milk
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the coconut milk. Simmer for 5 minutes to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Add the turkey
Gently fold in the shredded turkey and peas (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the peas are tender.
Step 6: Season and garnish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the turkey curry hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or chapati.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Turkey Curry
- Steamed Rice: The perfect base for soaking up the curry sauce.
- Naan Bread: Soft, pillowy bread ideal for dipping.
- Chapati: A light and easy alternative to naan.
- Cucumber Raita: Adds a cooling contrast to the spices.
- Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy accompaniment.
- Pickled Vegetables: For a sharp and crunchy side.
- Lentil Dal: Complements the curry with additional texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Turkey Curry
- Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Since the turkey is already cooked, simmer it gently to avoid drying it out.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less chili powder depending on your spice preference.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Blend the Sauce: For a smoother curry, blend the base sauce before adding the turkey.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or plant-based alternatives for added richness.
- Add Vegetables: Include carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Turkey Curry
- Add Chickpeas: Stir in cooked chickpeas for extra protein.
- Make It Vegetarian: Replace turkey with tofu, paneer, or extra vegetables.
- Use Cream Instead of Coconut Milk: For a richer, creamier curry.
- Include Fresh Tomatoes: Swap canned tomatoes for fresh ones for a lighter flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add fresh chilies or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Turkey Curry
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I make Delia Smith Turkey Curry with raw turkey?
Yes, you can use raw turkey instead of leftovers. Sear the turkey pieces in the pan before starting the curry, then remove them and continue with the recipe. Add the turkey back in during the simmering stage to cook through.
What can I use instead of coconut milk in turkey curry?
You can replace coconut milk with heavy cream, plain yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative like almond or cashew milk for a similar creamy texture.
How can I make Delia Smith Turkey Curry spicier?
To make the curry spicier, add fresh chopped chilies, extra chili powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat level to your taste.
Can I freeze leftover turkey curry?
Yes, turkey curry freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 2 months and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Turkey Curry is a delicious way to reinvent leftovers into a comforting and flavorful meal. Whether it’s for a quick dinner or a cozy lunch, this curry is guaranteed to impress.
Try it today and enjoy the wonderful balance of spices, creaminess, and tender turkey!
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- Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
- Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
- Hairy Bikers Turkey and Ham Pie
- Nigella Leftover Chicken Pie
Delia Smith Turkey Curry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Turkey Curry is a simple and versatile curry dish made with leftover turkey, a blend of spices, onions, tomatoes, and coconut milk. It’s a quick and satisfying way to transform leftovers into a hearty and warming meal.
Ingredients
For the Curry Base
- Cooked Turkey (400g, shredded): Use leftover roast turkey.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the aromatic flavors.
- Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Adds warmth and spice.
- Curry Powder (2 tbsp): For the primary curry flavor.
- Ground Turmeric (1 tsp): Adds color and depth.
- Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthy, nutty notes.
- Chili Powder (optional, 1/2 tsp): For extra heat.
- Canned Tomatoes (400g): This creates a rich and tangy base.
- Coconut Milk (300ml): Adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing.
Optional Additions
- Peas (100g): Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
- Fresh Coriander (for garnish): Brightens and freshens the dish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the spices
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors of the spices.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes
Pour in the canned tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the coconut milk
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the coconut milk. Simmer for 5 minutes to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Add the turkey
Gently fold in the shredded turkey and peas (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the peas are tender.
Step 6: Season and garnish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the turkey curry hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or chapati.
