Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry Recipe

Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry is a comforting, flavour-packed dish designed to turn leftover or fresh turkey into something warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Built around gentle spices, tomatoes, and a rich sauce, this curry feels hearty without being heavy. It’s ideal for midweek dinners, post-roast leftovers, or anytime you want a simple curry that still delivers depth and balance.
This Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry serves 4 people and comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a practical yet flavourful meal for everyday cooking.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry Worth Making

• Perfect for leftover turkey, reducing waste while creating a fresh meal
• Balanced spice profile that’s warming but not overpowering
• Quick stovetop cooking, no long simmer required
• Flexible recipe that works with vegetables, coconut milk, or yoghurt
• Family-friendly, easy to adjust heat levels

What Is Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry?

Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry is a mild-to-medium spiced curry made by simmering cooked or raw turkey pieces in a fragrant sauce of onions, garlic, ginger, spices, tomatoes, and stock. The result is a comforting curry that pairs well with rice, naan, or flatbreads.

Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry Ingredients List

• 500g cooked turkey, shredded or chopped (or raw turkey breast, diced)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp chilli powder (optional)
• 1 × 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 200ml chicken or turkey stock
• 100ml coconut milk or natural yoghurt (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh coriander, to serve

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry – Simple Steps

Step 1: Build the Flavour Base

Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and lightly golden. This slow cooking creates sweetness and depth in the curry.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Spices

Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli if using. Toast the spices briefly to release their aroma.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Stock

Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stock. Stir well, scraping the base of the pan. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the spices to mellow.

Step 4: Add the Turkey

Add the turkey to the sauce and stir gently to coat. If using cooked turkey, simmer for 8–10 minutes until heated through. If using raw turkey, cook for 12–15 minutes until tender and fully cooked.

Step 5: Finish the Curry

Stir in coconut milk or yoghurt if using, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a final 5 minutes until the sauce is rich and cohesive.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh coriander over the curry and serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or flatbreads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Curry

• Adding cooked turkey too early can dry it out
• Cooking spices on very high heat causes bitterness
• Using too much liquid results in a thin sauce
• Skipping the onion-cooking step, which reduces depth
• Overcooking yoghurt, causing it to split

Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Curry

• Steamed basmati rice – light and aromatic
• Warm naan or chapati – perfect for scooping sauce
• Cucumber raita – cools and balances spice
• Simple lentil dal – adds protein and texture
• Mango chutney – a touch of sweetness

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Swede and Parsnip Mash
• Jamie Oliver Easy Chocolate Cake

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Turkey Curry Just Right

• Use thigh meat if cooking raw for extra juiciness
• Add yoghurt to the heat to prevent curdling
• Simmer gently, never boil aggressively
• Taste and adjust spices near the end
• Finish with lemon juice for brightness

How to Add More Flavour to Turkey Curry

• Add garam masala at the end for aroma
• Stir in tomato purée for richness
• Use coconut milk for a creamier texture
• Add spinach or peas for colour and nutrition
• Include toasted whole spices like cumin seeds

How to Adjust Turkey Curry for Kids

Reduce chilli and use coconut milk instead of yoghurt. Serve with extra rice to soften the spice and texture.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Curry Gluten-Free?

Yes, as long as your curry powder and stock are certified gluten-free. The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Best Way to Store Turkey Curry Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavour improves after resting overnight.

Best Ways to Reheat Turkey Curry

• Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of water or stock
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between
• From frozen: Defrost overnight, then reheat slowly

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 18g
• Fibre: 4g

Best Turkey Cut for Turkey Curry

Cooked roast turkey or raw turkey thigh works best. Both stay tender and absorb flavour well during simmering.

Can I Make Turkey Curry Ahead of Time?

Yes. Turkey curry is ideal for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the spices develop.

FAQs

Can you use leftover roast turkey for turkey curry?

Yes, leftover roast turkey works very well. Add it toward the end of cooking so it heats through gently without drying out. This keeps the meat tender while allowing it to absorb the curry flavours.

How do you stop turkey from becoming dry in curry?

Avoid overcooking and use moderate heat. Adding turkey after the sauce has developed and finishing with coconut milk or yoghurt helps keep the meat moist and tender.

What spices are best for Jamie Oliver turkey curry?

Curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a touch of garam masala give the curry warmth and balance. These spices complement turkey without overpowering its mild flavour.

Can turkey curry be frozen?

Yes, turkey curry freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey Curry is a practical, flavour-rich recipe that turns simple turkey into a comforting meal. Easy to cook, easy to adapt, and deeply satisfying, it’s a curry you’ll return to whenever you need something warm and reliable.

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