Mary Berry’s Leftover Turkey recipe is a wonderful way to transform festive leftovers into a delicious, comforting dish. This recipe turns cooked turkey into a creamy, flavorful meal with the addition of vegetables, herbs, and a rich sauce. Perfect for post-holiday dinners, it’s a quick and satisfying solution to avoid food waste while creating something special.
What is Mary Berry Leftover Turkey?
This dish combines shredded leftover turkey with a creamy white sauce, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It can be served on its own, over rice, with mashed potatoes, or as a filling for pies or casseroles. Mary Berry’s recipe is simple yet versatile, making it an ideal choice for repurposing holiday leftovers.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Great for Leftovers: Perfect for using up turkey from Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- Comfort Food: Creamy, rich, and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Versatile: This can be customized with your favorite vegetables or served in various ways.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Leftover Turkey
For the Dish
- Cooked Turkey (400g, shredded): Use leftover roast turkey.
- Butter (50g): For making the sauce.
- Flour (50g): Thickens the sauce.
- Chicken or Turkey Stock (300ml): Adds depth to the sauce.
- Milk (200ml): Makes the sauce creamy.
- Leek (1, finely sliced): Adds a mild onion flavor.
- Mushrooms (150g, sliced): Optional, for extra texture.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp): Adds aromatic notes.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Optional Additions
- Peas or Carrots (100g): Add sweetness and color.
- Grated Cheese (optional, 50g): For extra richness.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Serving dish
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Leftover Turkey
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Finely slice the leek and mushrooms (if using).
Step 2: Make the sauce
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the stock and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
Add the leeks and mushrooms to the sauce and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add the turkey
Stir in the shredded turkey and thyme. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the turkey is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the leftover turkey dish warm over rice, with mashed potatoes, or as a filling for a pie or casserole.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Leftover Turkey
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mash is a classic pairing for this dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or broccoli balance the richness.
- Rice or Pasta: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cranberry Sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Great for mopping up every bit of the sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad provides a light and crisp accompaniment.
- Cheese Topping: Grate cheese over the top and bake for a golden finish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Leftover Turkey
- Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Since the turkey is already cooked, gently reheat it to avoid dryness.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Thyme, parsley, or sage add fresh and vibrant flavors.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the dish in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken.
- Customize the Vegetables: Add your favorite cooked vegetables for variety.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Leftover Turkey
- Add Bacon: Stir in cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace turkey with mushrooms, tofu, or lentils.
- Include Cranberries: Stir in dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Top with Pastry: Turn it into a pot pie with a puff pastry lid.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Leftover Turkey
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I freeze Mary Berry’s Leftover Turkey dish?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I thicken the sauce for the leftover turkey dish?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reduces. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while cooking.
What vegetables can I add to Mary Berry’s Leftover Turkey?
You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, spinach, or green beans. Pre-cooked or frozen vegetables work well to save time and add color and texture.
Can I use cream instead of milk in the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute milk with cream for a richer and more indulgent sauce. Adjust the quantity to your desired creaminess.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Leftover Turkey recipe is a comforting and versatile way to reinvent holiday leftovers into a delicious meal. Whether served over rice, with mashed potatoes, or baked into a pie, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Try it today and give your turkey leftovers a tasty new life!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
- Mary Berry Turkey and Ham Pie
- Hairy Bikers Turkey and Ham Pie
- Nigella Leftover Chicken Pie
Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
This dish combines shredded leftover turkey with a creamy white sauce, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It can be served on its own, over rice, with mashed potatoes, or as a filling for pies or casseroles. Mary Berry’s recipe is simple yet versatile, making it an ideal choice for repurposing holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
For the Dish
- Cooked Turkey (400g, shredded): Use leftover roast turkey.
- Butter (50g): For making the sauce.
- Flour (50g): Thickens the sauce.
- Chicken or Turkey Stock (300ml): Adds depth to the sauce.
- Milk (200ml): Makes the sauce creamy.
- Leek (1, finely sliced): Adds a mild onion flavor.
- Mushrooms (150g, sliced): Optional, for extra texture.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp): Adds aromatic notes.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Optional Additions
- Peas or Carrots (100g): Add sweetness and color.
- Grated Cheese (optional, 50g): For extra richness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Finely slice the leek and mushrooms (if using).
Step 2: Make the sauce
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the stock and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables
Add the leeks and mushrooms to the sauce and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add the turkey
Stir in the shredded turkey and thyme. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the turkey is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the leftover turkey dish warm over rice, with mashed potatoes, or as a filling for a pie or casserole.
