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Leftover Turkey Curry Recipe

4.8 from 105 reviews

A delicious and comforting leftover turkey curry combining tender cooked turkey with a rich coconut milk and spinach sauce, infused with a fragrant blend of spices. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for transforming leftovers into a flavorful meal served with rice and naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 500 g cooked turkey, or chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large white onion, finely sliced
  • 2 tsp frozen chopped garlic
  • 2 tsp frozen chopped ginger
  • 2 tsp frozen chopped chilli
  • 165 g frozen spinach

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Other

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 1 x 400ml tin of full fat coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp mango chutney (optional)
  • 34 tbsp natural yoghurt, or dairy free alternative

Instructions

  1. Prepare Turkey: Roughly chop the cooked turkey or chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside for later use.
  2. Cook Onions: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable or coconut oil in a large lidded non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and fry for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn golden and translucent.
  3. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in 2 tsp each of frozen chopped garlic, ginger, and chilli, frying for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently. Then add 2 tbsp tomato puree and the prepared spice mix (1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala, and 1/2 tsp sea salt). Cook for another minute to form a thick, fragrant paste.
  4. Add Coconut Milk and Simmer: Pour in the 400ml tin of full-fat coconut milk and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
  5. Add Spinach and Chutney: Stir in 165 g frozen spinach and simmer for 5-10 minutes until completely defrosted and well integrated into the sauce. If you like, add 1 tbsp mango chutney for a hint of sweetness and stir to combine.
  6. Combine Turkey and Yoghurt: Add the chopped turkey to the sauce, stirring well to coat the meat. Then mix in 3-4 tbsp natural yoghurt or a dairy-free alternative and continue to heat for another 4-5 minutes until the turkey is heated through.
  7. Serve: Serve the curry hot with steamed rice, extra yoghurt on the side, freshly chopped coriander, and gluten-free naan breads for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute turkey with leftover cooked chicken if preferred.
  • Adjust the amount of chilli to suit your heat preference.
  • The mango chutney is optional but adds a nice sweet contrast to the spices.
  • Use dairy-free yoghurt to make this recipe suitable for lactose intolerance or vegan adaptations if using plant-based meat.
  • Serve with gluten-free naan or rice for a gluten-free meal.

Keywords: leftover turkey curry, turkey curry recipe, coconut milk curry, spinach curry, easy stovetop curry, Indian curry recipe, gluten free curry, leftover chicken recipe