Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that makes the most of your holiday leftovers, Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry is the dish to make. It’s rich and creamy with a gentle kick of heat, and the combination of garam masala and coconut milk makes it irresistible. I whipped this up after Christmas with some leftover turkey and was genuinely surprised at how comforting and vibrant it turned out. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed or grated
• 3 cm fresh ginger, grated
• 3 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons turmeric (optional)
• 500 g leftover cooked turkey, shredded or cubed
• 350 ml passata (or chopped tinned tomatoes)
• 200 ml coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry

Prep the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a wide, deep pan over low heat. Toss in the sliced onions and peppers, then cover and cook gently for about five minutes. The goal is to soften them without browning—just enough to bring out their natural sweetness.

Add the Aromatics:
Once the veg is tender, stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric, chilli flakes, and garam masala. Let everything sizzle gently for a couple of minutes. If it looks a bit dry, splash in some hot water from the kettle to keep it moving.

Simmer the Curry:
Now it’s time to add the star of the show—your leftover turkey. Pour in the passata and coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and bring it all to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken, and the turkey will soak up all those beautiful flavors.

Serve It Up:
Serve hot with fluffy rice, warm naan, or your favorite sides. I like to top it off with a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bit of zing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this on a chilly winter night with leftover roast turkey, and it honestly felt like a brand-new dish. My family couldn’t believe it was made from leftovers! It’s a clever way to reduce food waste while keeping dinner exciting. The warm spices and creamy texture make it one of those recipes you’ll crave again and again.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust Spices: Prefer it milder? Cut the chilli flakes in half. Love heat? Add a chopped fresh chili.
• Fresh is Best: Fresh garlic and ginger really elevate the flavors—totally worth the extra effort.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, frozen peas, or pre-cooked potatoes to stretch the curry and boost the nutrition.
• Garnish Smart: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a dash of lime juice adds color and freshness.
• Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it up naturally.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry

At Room Temperature

Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours. After serving, transfer any leftovers to the fridge.

In the Fridge

Keep in an airtight container and eat within 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day!

In the Freezer

Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until piping hot.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 560
• Carbs: 93g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 16g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fibre: 7g
• Sodium: 680mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

How can I thicken turkey curry?
Totally! Simmer it a bit longer or stir in a spoonful of coconut cream or yogurt for richness.

What if the curry is too spicy?
No problem—add some coconut milk, yogurt, or even a diced potato to mellow the heat.

Can I make this without turmeric?
Yes, it’ll still taste great. Try a pinch of curry powder or a little paprika as an alternative.

My curry tastes sour—what can I do?
Great question. Just stir in a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes.

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with cooked chicken too.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Sweet Potato And Chickpea Curry
• Jamie Oliver Chip Shop Curry Sauce Recipe
• Jamie Oliver Leftover Pork Curry