Leftover Turkey Curry Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

With this easy-to-follow turkey curry recipe you can turn roast dinner leftovers into a comforting, flavorful curry in no time.

This is a fantastic leftover curry—use turkey or roast chicken and add any leftover vegetables or roast potatoes to bulk it out. It’s perfect for using up Christmas turkey or any roast dinner remains.

Serve the curry with boiled rice, naan, poppadoms and your favourite Indian condiments. If you have cranberry sauce from Christmas, try it alongside the curry and poppadoms for a surprisingly tasty combo.

No need for an overflowing spice cupboard—this recipe works well with a tube of curry paste for a quick, simple sauce.

Have lots of leftovers? Try our leftover turkey fried rice recipe for another great option.

Leftover Turkey Curry Recipe

Serves – 4

Prep Time – 10 minutes

Cook Time – approx 35 minutes

Total Time – 45 minutes

Equipment Needed To Make Leftover Turkey Curry

• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Tablespoon
• Large skillet or pan with lid
• Cooking spoon

You might also enjoy a leftover turkey biryani if you’re looking for another tasty option.

Leftover Turkey Curry Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients and you can swap vegetables depending on what you have to use up.

Cooks Note! When cooking with leftovers you don’t need to be exact—use what you have and bulk the dish with vegetables, pulses or extra sauce if needed.

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil – rapeseed oil or butter also work
• 1 onion – peeled and diced
• 1 clove garlic – grated or use jarred garlic
• Thumb-sized piece of ginger – peeled and grated or use jarred ginger
• 2 peppers – diced
• 2 tbsp curry paste – mild or spicy to taste
• 600g passata or canned chopped tomatoes
• 350g leftover cooked turkey – shredded; add canned chickpeas or lentils if you need more protein
• 4 handfuls leftover vegetables – sprouts, carrots, roast potatoes, peas, parsnips, swede or any mix you have
• Pinch salt and black pepper

For more seasonal recipes, check our Christmas recipe collection for inspiration.

How To Make Leftover Turkey Curry

This easy turkey curry comes together quickly and is perfect for using up leftovers.

Step One – Fry the onions and peppers

• Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the sunflower oil.
• Fry the diced onion and peppers for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened.

Step Two – Make the curry base sauce

• Add the curry paste, grated garlic and ginger. Fry for about a minute to release the flavours.
• Pour in the passata or chopped tomatoes, season with salt and pepper and bring to a gentle boil.

Step Three – Add the leftover turkey and vegetables

• Stir the shredded turkey and leftover vegetables into the sauce.
• Bring the curry back to the boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes until everything is thoroughly reheated and piping hot.

Step Four – Serve the Leftover Turkey Curry

• Serve with boiled rice, naan and poppadoms. Add mint yogurt, chutney or cranberry sauce alongside for extra flavour if you like.

Explore more Indian-inspired recipes for additional side ideas and variations.

Wondering What To Do With Leftover Turkey?

If you have leftover turkey or roast chicken, try one of several easy recipes to reduce waste and save money—sandwiches, fried rice, biryani, pies and more.

For safe reheating tips and guidance on storing leftovers, consult your local food safety authority’s advice.

Side Dishes That Go Great With A Curry

• Mint yogurt or raita
• Fresh salad with cucumber and tomato
• Spiced potatoes or roasted potatoes

You can also serve poppadoms, naan, rice, cauliflower rice or chips—choose whatever your family prefers.

Recipe Variations And Tips

Add more spices – if you have them, add garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander or cumin to boost the flavour. You can also use curry powder instead of paste.

Make it creamy – stir in coconut milk or cream for a richer curry.

Love Your Leftovers!

If you enjoy reinventing leftovers, try our recipes for leftover stew, pie fillings or sandwiches to create new meals from previous dinners.

Need Some Family Meal Ideas?

Explore meal planning ideas and easy family recipes to help with weekly menus and quick dinners that everyone will love.

More leftover turkey recipes and meal ideas are available in our recipe collection.

Leftover Turkey Curry

Yield:
Serves 4

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
35 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

A super easy leftover turkey curry recipe that works with leftover roast turkey or chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 onion – diced
• 1 clove garlic – finely grated
• Thumb sized piece of ginger – finely grated
• 2 peppers – diced
• 2 tbsp curry paste
• 600g passata
• 350g roast turkey shredded
• 400g cooked mixed vegetables
• Pinch salt
• Pinch black pepper

Instructions

1. Put the pan over a medium heat and add the sunflower oil.
2. Fry the onions and peppers for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add the curry paste, grated garlic and ginger and fry for around a minute.
4. Pour in the tomato passata, season with salt and black pepper and bring to the boil.
5. Stir in the shredded turkey and leftover vegetables.
6. Bring back to the boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes until piping hot.
7. Serve with boiled rice, naan breads and poppadoms and any sides you prefer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving (approx):
Calories: 271
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 333mg
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 28g

Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredients and portions.

Find more meal ideas and easy recipes in our food collection for family-friendly dinners.