Hairy Bikers’ Turkey Curry is a comforting and flavorful dish that makes great use of leftover turkey, particularly around the festive season. This curry is a delightful mix of fragrant spices, tender turkey, and a rich, creamy sauce, offering a warm and satisfying meal for any night of the week. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a burst of flavors that will turn your leftovers into something truly special. Serve it with rice, naan, or even as a wrap filling for a quick and tasty meal.
What is Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry?
Hairy Bikers’ Turkey Curry is a simple, homemade curry that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious meal. Using a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, this dish is packed with flavor. The rich sauce is made using tomatoes, garlic, and ginger, creating a balance of spices and creaminess. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize the spice level to your preference and use up any vegetables you have on hand.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fish Curry
- Jamie Oliver Carrot and Courgette Soup
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Great use of leftovers: Perfect for using up leftover turkey after holiday meals.
- Easy to make: Comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
- Full of flavor: The blend of spices provides a rich and aromatic taste.
- Versatile: You can adjust the spice level and add vegetables of your choice.
- Budget-friendly: It uses simple ingredients and stretches leftover turkey into a whole new meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry
- Cooked turkey (500g / 1 lb): Shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced for aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated, bringing warmth and zest.
- Cumin seeds (1 tsp): Adds earthy, nutty flavor.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Balances the heat with a bright, citrusy note.
- Ground turmeric (½ tsp): Provides color and subtle bitterness.
- Garam masala (1 tsp): A blend of warming spices that deepens the flavor.
- Tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): Forms the tangy base of the curry sauce.
- Coconut milk (200ml / ¾ cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the onion and spices.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped, for garnishing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry
- Prepare the base: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and golden.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast the spices: Add the cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the flavors of the spices.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the turkey: Add the shredded turkey to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let the turkey heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Add coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the curry to a simmer. Cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season and garnish: Taste the curry and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry
- Steamed basmati rice: The perfect accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Naan bread: Soft, warm naan is ideal for scooping up the curry.
- Cucumber raita: A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and mint balances the spice.
- Pickled vegetables: Add a tangy crunch to contrast the rich sauce.
- Poppadoms: Light and crispy, perfect as a side or snack before the meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices make a big difference in the flavor of the curry.
- Don’t overcook the turkey: Since the turkey is already cooked, just heat it through to avoid drying it out.
- Customize the heat: Adjust the amount of chili or garam masala to suit your spice tolerance.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allow the curry to simmer gently to develop a deeper flavor.
- Add vegetables: For extra texture and nutrition, toss in chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry
- Vegan version: Substitute the turkey with tofu, chickpeas, or mixed vegetables for a plant-based version.
- Spicier version: Add chopped fresh chilies or extra chili powder to increase the heat.
- Creamier option: Stir in a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Add potatoes: Chunks of cooked potatoes can bulk up the curry and add extra flavor.
- Use different meat: You can swap turkey for leftover chicken or even lamb.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers, Turkey Curry
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Turkey curry freezes well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label your containers before freezing to keep track of freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the curry on medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully warmed through.
- Microwave method: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Add liquid if needed: If the sauce thickens after storing, add a splash of water or coconut milk while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry Healthier?
- Use light coconut milk: Replace full-fat coconut milk with a lighter version to reduce calories.
- Reduce oil: Use less vegetable oil to cut down on fat.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the vegetable content by adding spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Skip the cream: If adding yogurt or cream, use low-fat versions to keep the dish lighter.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey in turkey curry?
Yes, leftover chicken works just as well in this recipe. Simply substitute the cooked turkey with shredded or diced cooked chicken and follow the same instructions. The flavors remain just as delicious with either meat.
How can I make turkey curry spicier?
To make turkey curry spicier, add more chili powder, fresh chilies, or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also increase the amount of garam masala or use hot curry powder to boost the heat.
Can I freeze Hairy Bikers turkey curry?
Yes, turkey curry freezes well. Let the curry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What vegetables can I add to turkey curry?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, peas, or carrots to turkey curry. Simply toss them into the curry during the simmering stage, ensuring they cook until tender but not overdone.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers’ Turkey Curry is a simple yet flavorful way to transform leftover turkey into a warming, aromatic meal. With a rich blend of spices and the creaminess of coconut milk, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of heat and flavor.
Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe that brings a delightful twist to your leftovers!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Delia Smith Carrot and Coriander Soup
- Jamie Oliver Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Jamie Oliver Broccoli And Stilton Soup
Hairy Bikers Turkey Curry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Turkey Curry is a simple, homemade curry that transforms leftover turkey into a delicious meal. Using a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, this dish is packed with flavor. The rich sauce is made using tomatoes, garlic, and ginger, creating a balance of spices and creaminess. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize the spice level to your preference and use up any vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients
- Cooked turkey (500g / 1 lb): Shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Onion (1 large): Finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves (3): Minced for aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Grated, bringing warmth and zest.
- Cumin seeds (1 tsp): Adds earthy, nutty flavor.
- Ground coriander (1 tsp): Balances the heat with a bright, citrusy note.
- Ground turmeric (½ tsp): Provides color and subtle bitterness.
- Garam masala (1 tsp): A blend of warming spices that deepens the flavor.
- Tomatoes (400g / 14 oz can): Forms the tangy base of the curry sauce.
- Coconut milk (200ml / ¾ cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the onion and spices.
- Fresh coriander (a handful): Chopped, for garnishing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and golden.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast the spices: Add the cumin seeds, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the flavors of the spices.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the turkey: Add the shredded turkey to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let the turkey heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Add coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring the curry to a simmer. Cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season and garnish: Taste the curry and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
