Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie is a comforting and resourceful dish, perfect for transforming your holiday leftovers into a new savory treat. This recipe brings together tender pieces of turkey and vegetables encased in a flaky, golden pastry, creating a heartwarming meal that’s both satisfying and economical. Seasoned with herbs and a creamy sauce, each slice is a testament to the flavors of a festive feast repurposed in the most delicious way.
Let me show you how to make it in this step-by-step guide.
What is Mary Berry’s Leftover Turkey Pie?
Mary Berry’s leftover turkey pie is a delicious and easy way to use up your leftover turkey and ham from your holiday feast. It is a savory pie with a creamy filling of turkey, ham, leeks, and mushrooms, and a crispy puff pastry crust. It is inspired by the famous British baker and cook, Mary Berry, who is known for her simple yet elegant dishes.
Typically serving 6-8 people, this pie is an excellent solution for post-holiday meals and can be prepared in a couple of hours.
Other Turkey Cooking Recipes
Why You Love this Recipe
Here’s why Mary Berry’s Leftover Turkey Pie is bound to become a post-holiday favorite in your home:
- Resourceful Use of Leftovers: This pie masterfully transforms your post-holiday turkey and ham into a brand-new, savory dish, helping minimize food waste.
- Simplicity in Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and clear steps, anyone can create this dish, making it a fuss-free solution for a wholesome meal.
- Hearty and Flavorful: Enjoy a rich, creamy filling enveloped in a crisp, golden pastry — every bite is packed with comforting flavors and varied textures.
- Ideal Winter Comfort Food: It’s the perfect warm, satisfying meal for chilly days, offering both comfort and taste in every slice.
- Customizable to Taste: Tailor the pie with your choice of vegetables, herbs, or spices, making it a versatile recipe that caters to different palates.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
To make this pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 400 g (14 oz) of cooked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can use any part of the turkey, such as the breast, thigh, or leg. If you don’t have enough turkey, you can also use some cooked chicken.
- 150 g (5 oz) of cooked ham, cut into small chunks. You can use any type of ham, such as smoked, cured, or honey-roasted. If you don’t have ham, you can also use some bacon or sausage.
- 25 g (2 tbsp) of butter
- 2 leeks, sliced thinly. You can also use some onion or spring onion instead.
- 250 g (9 oz) of chestnut mushrooms, sliced. You can also use any other type of mushroom, such as button, portobello, or shiitake.
- 40 g (1/3 cup) of plain flour
- 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) of chicken stock. You can use homemade or store-bought stock, or make your own with a stock cube and water.
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) of double cream. You can also use single cream, half and half, or milk instead.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg, optional
- 1 egg, beaten
- 375 g (13 oz) of ready-rolled puff pastry. You can also make your own pastry, or use shortcrust pastry instead.
Useful Equipment
To make this pie, you will need the following equipment:
- A large frying pan or skillet
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- A large pie dish or baking dish, about 23 cm (9 inches) in diameter and 5 cm (2 inches) deep. You can also use a rectangular or square dish, as long as it can hold the filling.
- A pastry brush
- A sharp knife
- A fork
- A rolling pin, optional
- A baking sheet, optional
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
To make this pie, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6, 400°F).
- If you are using a baking sheet, line it with some parchment paper or spray it with some cooking spray. This will prevent the pie from sticking to the sheet.
Step 2: Cook the leeks and mushrooms
- Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the leeks and mushrooms and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden.
- Season with some salt and pepper and a pinch of nutmeg, if using. This will enhance the flavor of the vegetables.
Step 3: Make the sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the leek and mushroom mixture and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is cooked and the mixture is thickened.
- Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. This will add some moisture and richness to the filling.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until it is slightly reduced and coats the back of a spoon. This will concentrate on the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- Stir in the cream and adjust the seasoning if needed. This will make the sauce even more creamy and delicious.
Step 4: Add the turkey and ham
- Add the turkey and ham to the sauce and stir well to combine. This will distribute the meat evenly throughout the filling.
- Transfer the filling to a large pie dish or baking dish and spread it evenly. Leave some space around the edges for the pastry to seal. This will ensure that the pie has a good crust-to-filling ratio.
Step 5: Cover the filling with pastry
- Unroll the puff pastry and place it over the filling, tucking the edges under and pressing them firmly to seal. This will create a nice and neat crust for the pie.
- Cut some slits on the top of the pastry to allow the steam to escape. This will prevent the pastry from getting soggy or bursting.
- Brush the pastry with some beaten egg to give it a golden and glossy finish. This will also help the pastry to rise and crisp up.
Step 6: Bake the pie
- Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the filling is bubbling. This will cook the pie and make it hot and delicious.
- If the pastry is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with some foil. This will prevent the pastry from burning or drying out.
Step 7: Rest and serve the pie
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the pie to set and cool slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Enjoy your leftover turkey pie with some green salad, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce. This will complement the pie and make a complete and balanced meal.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie?
Accompany Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie with sides that complement its rich flavor:
- Green Salad: Add a light, fresh touch with a green salad, offering a crisp contrast to the pie’s hearty nature.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside smooth, buttery mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting side.
- Cranberry Sauce: Introduce a sweet and tangy element with cranberry sauce, enhancing the festive flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a medley of roasted vegetables for added nutrition and a burst of color.
- Bread Rolls: Offer warm bread rolls as an extra treat to mop up the delicious, creamy sauce.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
To elevate your pie to a culinary masterpiece, consider these professional suggestions:
- Flavorful Filling: Enhance your filling with robust seasoning and herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley to bring out the rich flavors of the meat.
- Effortless Pastry: Opt for ready-rolled puff pastry for convenience without compromising taste, or choose shortcrust pastry for a different texture.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a lustrous golden finish and consider adding sesame or poppy seeds for a decorative, crunchy top.
- Ventilation Is Key: Slit the top of the pastry to let steam escape, ensuring a crisp crust instead of a soggy one.
- Protect the Edges: Guard the pastry edges with a pie crust shield or foil to prevent over-browning or burning.
Variations of Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie
Transform the classic turkey pie with these inventive twists:
- Chicken and Bacon Pie: Substitute turkey with cooked chicken and enrich it with bacon, offering a smoky, savory alternative.
- Vegetable and Cheese Pie: Swap meat for a medley of vegetables like carrots, peas, or broccoli, coupled with a mix of cheeses for a vegetarian delight.
- Shepherd’s Pie Influence: For a hearty twist, use minced lamb and gravy instead, topped with a creamy mashed potato crust.
- Individual Pot Pies: Create single servings by utilizing smaller dishes or ramekins, perfect for personal portions or a sophisticated presentation.
How do I store Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie Leftovers?
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerating: Cool the pie before refrigerating. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, or serve it cold as a delightful next-day meal.
- Freezing: Cool the pie fully before freezing. Wrap it securely and label it. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Leftover Turkey Pie Leftovers?
You can reheat the leftovers of this pie in the oven or the microwave. Here is how to do it:
- Oven Method: Warm the oven, cover the pie with foil to retain moisture, and reheat till it’s thoroughly warm. Uncover towards the end for a crispy top.
- Microwave Method: Divide the pie into portions for even reheating. Use a microwave-safe cover and heat until warm, ensuring the pastry doesn’t become tough.
Nutrition value per serving:
- Calories: 502 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 108 mg
- Sodium: 496 mg
- Potassium: 517 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 1260 IU
- Vitamin C: 14 mg
- Calcium: 69 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry’s Leftover Turkey Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie and keep it refrigerated for a day before baking. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it well, and when ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated throughout.
What type of pastry is best for the leftover turkey pie?
Mary Berry’s recipe typically uses puff pastry for its flaky, light texture. However, you can also use shortcrust pastry for a firmer, crumblier crust. Ready-rolled pastries are convenient and provide consistent results.
Can I add different vegetables to the pie filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite veggies or whatever you have on hand. Common additions include carrots, peas, and sweetcorn. Ensure they are cooked or at least par-boiled before adding them to the filling to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the turkey pie is done baking?
The pie is ready when the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the filling is hot and bubbling. An inserted knife or skewer should come out hot to the touch, indicating the filling has warmed through. Typically, this takes about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven, but always keep an eye on your pie as oven temperatures can vary.
How can I prevent the pastry from getting soggy or burnt?
You can prevent the pastry from getting soggy by cutting some slits on the top of the pastry to allow the steam to escape. You can also use a pie funnel, if you have one, to create a steam hole in the middle of the pie. You can prevent the pastry from getting burnt by covering it loosely with some foil if it is browning too quickly. You can also use a pie crust shield or some foil to protect the edges of the pastry.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Mary Berry leftover turkey pie. It’s a great way to use up your leftover turkey and ham and make a delicious and comforting meal for your family. It’s easy to make and full of flavor and texture. It’s also a versatile and customizable dish that you can adapt to your liking. Try it today and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!