Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Check out this easy recipe for a very flavorful and filling turkey curry, flavored with curry powder, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon.

It's one of my favorite ways to use up leftover turkey after the Thanksgiving holiday!

Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

I adore curries. The bold flavor, thick texture, and interesting combination of meat (if included) and veggies. It's comfort food at its best.

I really enjoy recipes such as Thai chicken curry, shrimp curry, and pumpkin curry soup.

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftover turkey. It actually used to stress me out - how do I use up all that meat!

But over the years, I've developed a great collection of leftover turkey recipes, including turkey chili, turkey stir-fry, turkey patties, and this turkey curry, which is so good. My family loves it!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Turkey Curry Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • Related Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

Here's an overview of the ingredients you'll need to make this tasty curry. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below.

  • Oil: I use avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. Ghee is another tasty option.
  • Veggies: I use chopped onions and sliced bell peppers.
  • Aromatics: Garlic and ginger add great flavor to this tasty curry.
  • Spices: I make a spice mix with salt, pepper, curry powder, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
  • Cooked turkey meat: Make sure to remove the skin (its texture won't work in a curry), then cut the meat into chunks. I usually use white meat, but you can use dark meat or a mix of both.
  • Chicken broth: I use the Pacific Natural brand. When I happen to have homemade chicken broth, I use that.
  • Cornstarch: It helps thicken the curry.

Variations

  • You can use ghee instead of avocado oil.
  • This recipe works beautifully with leftover chicken!
  • Add more spices, such as paprika or (my personal favorite) smoked paprika. Dried thyme is also good in this recipe.
  • For an especially creamy curry, mix in ¼ cup of room-temperature heavy cream at the very end, after adding the cornstarch.

Turkey Curry Instructions

The detailed instructions for making this recipe are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of the steps:

  • Your first step is to mix the spices.
  • Now, saute the veggies in some oil. (Photo 1).
  • Add the garlic, ginger, and spices. (Photo 2).
  • Add the turkey. Stir to make sure everything is well-coated. (Photos 3-4).
  • Add the broth and simmer for a short while to allow the flavors to meld. (Photo 5).
  • The last step is to thicken the curry with cornstarch. Remember to mix it first with a bit of cold water.
Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Expert Tip

The challenge when making this recipe is that we're using cooked meat and then cooking it some more. This could potentially result in the turkey meat drying out.

However, as you've probably noticed, we're cooking it minimally - basically just reheating it. Having said that, the juicier the meat you start off with, the better the end result will be.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables in a turkey curry?

Yes, I often do. It's easy to use a frozen mix of sliced peppers, and you can cook them from frozen. You can also use frozen chopped onions.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can. But in my opinion, chicken broth is more flavorful and will give you superior results.

Can I omit the cornstarch?

I don't recommend that. Without it, you'll basically have soup - admittedly tasty soup, but soup nonetheless, while we're aiming for a thick curry.

If you'd rather avoid cornstarch, I believe there are alternatives such as konjac flour. If opting for that, follow the package directions. You'll only need a little.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this saucy curry in bowls with a spoon, over cauliflower rice, shirataki noodles, or hearts of palm pasta.

It's also good on top of sauteed spinach, steamed spinach, or simply on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. The hot curry wilts the spinach just enough to gently cook it. It's really good!

Storing Leftovers

Cooked leftovers generally keep in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.

But since we're using cooked turkey in this recipe, you should start counting those four days from the day you originally cooked the turkey.

Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)
  • Thai Chicken Curry
  • Pumpkin Curry Soup
  • Shrimp Curry
  • Turkey Chili

Recipe Card

Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)

4.97 from 148 votes

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Flavorful Turkey Curry

Check out this easy recipe for a very flavorful and filling turkey curry. It’s one of my favorite ways to use up leftover turkey after Thanksgiving!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 251kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

Spice mix:

  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Curry:

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped (6 oz)
  • 14 oz frozen bell pepper slices (or three large bell peppers, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root minced
  • 3 cups cooked turkey breast skinless, cut into chunks (16 oz)
  • 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Mix the spices in a small bowl. Set aside.

  • Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, for about 2 minutes. Add the onions and the frozen bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers have defrosted and the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. If using fresh peppers, add a splash of water if the pan gets too dry.

  • Stir in the garlic, the ginger, and the spices, then add the turkey and stir to coat.

  • Add the broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer the curry, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

  • Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the curry. Keep stirring until the curry thickens, about 1 more minute. Serve immediately, over rice or cauliflower rice.

Video

Notes

The challenge when making this recipe is that we're using cooked meat and then cooking it some more. This could potentially result in the turkey meat drying out.

However, as you've probably noticed, we're cooking it minimally - basically just reheating it. Having said that, the juicier the meat you start off with, the better the end result will be.

Cooked leftovers generally keep in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. But since we're using cooked turkey in this recipe, you should start counting those four days from the day you originally cooked the turkey.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 0.25recipe | Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 378mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g

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Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (19) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Kathy Doolittle

    Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (20)
    We really enjoyed this recipe. The only modification I made was to the cayenne, as I did not quite add the entire 1/4 teaspoon. Will definitely make again, maybe adding in some peas for extra veggies.

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Kathy! Thank you for leaving a comment.

      Reply

Flavorful Turkey Curry - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

How do I make my curry more flavorful? ›

The easiest way to fix a bland and tasteless curry is by adding spices like red chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, curry leaves and turmeric. Just make a quick tempering and pour over the curry to give it a nice punch of spices and herbs.

What can you add to curry that is bland? ›

There are so many things you can do to improve this; in no particular order:
  1. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavour. ...
  2. Use ghee or butter to make the dish fuller in flavour.
  3. Use yogurt instead of heavy cream. ...
  4. Use lemon or lime juice. ...
  5. Add sugar. ...
  6. Add whole peppercorns while cooking. ...
  7. Garam masala.
Feb 6, 2018

What makes curry taste good? ›

Aromatics - onions, scallions, garlic, and ginger create a flavor base that is super savory and comforting. Ingredients - fresh ingredients like chicken, fish, meat, and vegetables create a well-rounded and complete meal. The choice of protein and vegetables also dictates the choice of spices and eventual taste.

What's missing from my curry? ›

Curries can be bland if you haven't used enough of the base aromatics of garlic, ginger, and onion. The onion should be caramelized in oil until well browned and flavorful. Spices should not be old enough to lose potency and preferably should be toasted and ground yourself.

What is the secret to a good curry? ›

Tips for the Perfect Curry
  • Use fresh spices. For the best results, always try to use fresh spices. ...
  • Give the spices a toast. ...
  • Wrap up your whole spices. ...
  • Blitz your tomatoes. ...
  • Onions are the key. ...
  • Don't overcook your chicken. ...
  • Keep your garlic and ginger fresh. ...
  • Add exciting toppings.

What ingredient gives curry its flavor? ›

A curry mix has a warm, robust spicy taste as a result of combining roasted and grounded coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin and chili peppers. Other spices commonly found within the blend are fenugreek, clove, mustard, black pepper, nutmeg or ginger.

What is the secret ingredient in curry? ›

Whether you may be familiar with the differences between curries from various countries, such as Indian versus Japanese curry, and perhaps even know how to make them at home, there's a special flavor enhancer that you may not have thought to add: honey.

How to sweeten curry without sugar? ›

Jaggery is the best option to sweeten curry instead of sugar. You could also use honey, agave or maple syrup. Adding lime juice can to your dish can balance out the sweetness. In case, you don't want too much of tanginess in the dish you can also add vinegar white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar.

How do you add depth of flavour to curry? ›

Toasted sesame seeds, desiccated coconut or a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate adds another layer of depth to your creation. Leftovers: Make curries go further by adding pulses like chickpeas and yellow split peas.

What is the most important spice in curry? ›

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

How to make curry more flavorful? ›

Aromatics: Start with a flavorful base of aromatics such as onions, garlic, and ginger. Sautéing these ingredients well can add depth to the overall flavor of your curry. Spices: The right combination of spices is crucial for a delicious curry.

How do you doctor up curry? ›

Here are a few suggestions: Add more spices: Store-bought curry sauces often lack the depth of flavour that homemade sauces have. To remedy this, you can add more spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add a lot of flavour to curries.

Why does curry make me feel sick? ›

Some people may also be allergic or intolerant to specific spices in the curry, commonly cumin, or perhaps the chilli. If it's a creamy curry it might be the lactose that give you diarrhoea, if they are lactose intolerant. Curry usually doesn't by itself.

How to increase spices in curry after cooking? ›

If you want to bring a bit of heat to the curry, try adding some chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you want to add a bit of smokiness, try adding some smoked paprika or cumin. You can also add fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint to bring freshness and flavor.

How do you get the strong taste out of curry? ›

Adding citrus or vinegar provides a tangy flavor that balances the heat. Yogurt or sour cream can cool down the curry. Adding a pinch of sugar or ketchup can counteract the spiciness. Starchy foods like potatoes or rice can absorb heat.

What can I add to curry sauce to make it better? ›

Just before serving stir in 1-3 teaspoons (or more, especially if frozen) of chopped coriander leaf and stir for a minute more. You will find that you have greatly improved the curry and given it a more fresher, authentic taste compared to the 'jarred' taste you would have got.

How to make curry taste like restaurant? ›

Simple suggestions for restaurant good quality curries:
  1. Fry your onions till they are golden brown.
  2. Fry your spices but don't burn them. ...
  3. Use good quality spices. ...
  4. Seasoning. ...
  5. Use fatty yoghurt (greek style works) in curries to make them richer. ...
  6. Patience. ...
  7. Use a neutral vegetable oil. ...
  8. Experiment.
Jun 24, 2018

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