Festive Flavours: The Ultimate Christmas Turkey Curry
- Steve Holloway
- Nov 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 27
Introduction
Christmas dinner is a highlight of the festive season, but what to do with all that leftover turkey once the big day is over? Transform your leftovers into something spectacular with this Christmas Turkey Curry! Brimming with rich colours and bold spices, this curry is the perfect way to add some warmth and excitement to your post-Christmas meals. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also brings a delightful twist of flavour to your table, ensuring that the holiday magic lingers just a little longer. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a comforting dish to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a new festive favourite.
Cuisine -Indian - Main Course- Serves 2
Cooking times,
Here are the prep and cooking times for this Christmas Turkey Curry recipe:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
This allows ample time to chop your ingredients, sauté the aromatics, simmer the curry, and let all those delicious flavours come together, leaving you with a festive meal in under an hour!
Recipe Difficulty Level: Beginner-Friendly
Special Equipment: None
Heat Level: Mild - Medium
Nutritional values
Hey, it’s Christmas—let’s not worry about that, but if you really insist!
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings) for your Christmas Turkey Curry:
Calories: 410 kcal
Protein: 32g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 7g
Fibre: 5g
Salt: 1.2g
Remember, the most important ingredient this time of year is festive cheer!
Please note these values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and quantities used. For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat coconut milk and less oil.
A little History
Turkey curry has become something of a British Christmas tradition, especially as a creative and flavourful way to use up leftover roast turkey from the big day. The dish reflects the UK’s long-standing love affair with curry, which dates back to the 18th century when spices and recipes from the Indian subcontinent began to appear in British kitchens. Over time, curry became a staple in many households, evolving with local ingredients and festive twists. The idea of turning Christmas leftovers into a warming curry is a relatively modern invention, but it perfectly embodies the British spirit of making the most of what you have, bringing together comforting flavours and a touch of exotic spice to brighten up the days after Christmas.
Easy Recipe for Christmas Turkey Curry
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 400ml tin coconut milk
- 400g leftover cooked turkey,
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 100g frozen peas
- Small bunch fresh coriander, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make Christmas Turkey Curry
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Essential prep for this wonderful turkey curry: Firstly, pour yourself your favourite tipple—it is Christmas after all! Once you’re suitably festive, take a moment to prep all your ingredients by chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, chilli, and red pepper, shredding your leftover turkey, measuring out your spices, and having your tins of tomatoes and coconut milk to hand. With everything ready to go, you’ll find the cooking process relaxed and enjoyable, letting you focus on the wonderful aromas and flavours as they come together.
1. Sauté the Onions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Build the Flavour Base:
Stir in the crushed garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chilli (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the aromas to develop.
3. Toast the Spices:
Sprinkle in the curry powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and slightly darkened.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer:
Pour in the chopped tomatoes and coconut milk. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Hey you could even add a 100ml of white wine for a little extra festive cheer.
5. Add Vegetables:
Stir in the sliced red pepper. Let the curry simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the peppers to soften.
6. Incorporate the Turkey and Peas:
Add the leftover turkey and frozen peas to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 10 minutes, so the turkey warms through and the flavours meld beautifully.
7. Season and Finish:
Taste and season with salt, pepper, and the juice of half a lemon. Stir in most of the chopped coriander, reserving a little for garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle your festive curry into bowls, sprinkle with the remaining coriander, and serve hot with fluffy rice or naan bread. Don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of wine to toast to a delicious Boxing Day meal!
This easy, colourful curry is sure to bring new life to your Christmas leftovers and delight your guests with its festive flavours!
Cooks tips
1. If your turkey is a little dry, add a splash of extra coconut milk or chicken stock to keep the curry moist and flavourful.
2. Toast your spices briefly in the pan for a deeper, richer flavour—just be careful not to burn them!
3. Add any leftover cooked vegetables from your Christmas dinner (like roast potatoes, carrots, or parsnips) for extra texture and to reduce waste.
4. Adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less chilli, or even a pinch of chilli flakes.
5. Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking to make the process quick and stress-free—especially helpful after a busy Christmas!
6. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh coriander at the end to brighten the flavours.
7. Serve with warm naan or fluffy rice, and enjoy with your favourite festive tipple for the full experience!
Goes well with:
Frequently asked questions for Christmas Turkey Curry
Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Absolutely! Turkey curry tastes even better the next day as the flavours develop. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze turkey curry?
Yes, this curry freezes well. Cool it completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use single cream, Greek yoghurt (add at the end to avoid splitting), or even extra chopped tomatoes for a lighter version.
Can I use other leftover meats?
Definitely! This curry works beautifully with leftover chicken, lamb, or even roasted vegetables if you want a vegetarian option.
How do I make the curry spicier or milder?
Adjust the amount of chilli or curry powder to suit your taste. For a milder curry, use less chilli and opt for a mild curry powder. For more heat, add extra fresh chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into your festive leftovers or simply craving a comforting, flavour-packed meal, this Christmas Turkey Curry is sure to become a household favourite. It’s a wonderful way to make the most of the holiday season, bringing together vibrant spices, hearty ingredients, and a touch of festive cheer. So gather your loved ones, pour a celebratory tipple, and enjoy this magical curry together—because great food and good company are truly what make Christmas special.
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Cheers Steve.
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