Mary Berry Turkey Curry Recipe

Last updated on December 26, 2023

Mary Berry Turkey Curry
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 10 Mins Cook Time: 30 Mins Total Time: 40 Mins

Mary Berry Turkey Curry is a delightful twist on the traditional curry, offering a comforting and aromatic dish that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey. Known for her practical yet delicious approach, Mary Berry infuses this curry with a blend of warm spices, tender turkey, and a touch of sweetness, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

In this article, I’ll guide you through Mary Berry’s Turkey Curry, offering detailed instructions to ensure you can master this warming and delicious dish.

Let’s get started!

What is Mary Berry Turkey Curry?

Mary Berry turkey curry is a simple and satisfying dish that uses leftover turkey and a creamy and mild curry sauce. It’s a recipe by Mary Berry, a famous British cook, author, and TV personality. She is known for her classic and elegant recipes that are both tasty and foolproof. This turkey curry recipe is one of her favorites and it’s perfect for a cold winter day.

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Why You Love this Recipe

  • Resourceful Use of Leftovers: This recipe offers an excellent solution for leftover turkey, transforming it into a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor: Enjoy a mild and creamy curry that suits all palates, including children, ensuring a family-friendly meal.
  • Simple Ingredients: Utilize common pantry items like onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, tomato paste, chicken stock, and yogurt, making this a convenient cooking option.
  • Delightful Additions: Raisins and almonds add a unique sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall taste and experience.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Perfectly complements rice, naan bread, or chapatis, allowing for various serving preferences.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a fast and satisfying meal.
  • Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for any cook.
  • Prep-Ahead Friendly: Make this curry in advance and enjoy the ease of reheating it, saving time and effort on busy days.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Turkey Curry

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 tablespoons of curry powder (adjust to your taste)
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2 cups of chicken stock
  • 3 cups of cooked turkey, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup of raisins
  • 1/4 cup of slivered almonds
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Turkey Curry

Here are the steps to make Mary berry’s turkey curry recipe:

Step 1: Cook the onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
  • Add the garlic, ginger, and curry powder and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the tomato paste and chicken stock and simmer

  • Stir in the tomato paste and chicken stock and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add the turkey, raisins, and almonds and season

  • Add the turkey, raisins, and almonds, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer for another 10 minutes, until the turkey is heated through and the sauce is rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Stir in the yogurt and garnish

  • Stir in the yogurt and heat gently, but do not boil.
  • Sprinkle with cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or chapatis.
Mary Berry Turkey Curry
Mary Berry Turkey Curry

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Turkey Curry?

You can serve this turkey curry with any of the following accompaniments:

  1. Rice Varieties: Pair with white, brown, or aromatic basmati rice. Enhance the rice with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or cloves for a fragrant touch.
  2. Naan Bread: Opt for soft and warm naan bread, either store-bought or homemade. Brush with butter or ghee and sprinkle garlic, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added flavor.
  3. Chapatis: Serve with chapatis, a type of flatbread, either purchased or freshly made. Lightly brush with oil or ghee for a richer taste.
  4. Fresh Salad: Accompany with a simple green salad consisting of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to complement the curry’s flavors.
  5. Chutney Selection: Offer a variety of chutneys like mango, pineapple, or mint for a sweet and tangy contrast. Choose between homemade or quality store-bought options.

Turkey Curry Recipe Mary Berry

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Turkey Curry

To elevate your curry to a Mary Berry standard, consider these refined techniques:

  1. Sauté Onions to Perfection: Cook onions until they are soft and golden. This caramelization is key to unlocking sweetness and depth in your curry.
  2. Freshness Counts: Opt for fresh ginger and garlic to infuse your dish with a vibrant aroma and robust flavor.
  3. Tailor the Spice: Adjust curry powder or paste to suit your palate. Experiment with additional spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala to add layers of complexity.
  4. Smooth Finish with Yogurt: Stir in yogurt at the final stage and warm it gently to avoid curdling. This adds a creamy texture without overpowering the curry.
  5. Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of cilantro before serving adds a burst of freshness and color to your dish.

Variations of Mary Berry Turkey Curry

Explore these creative alternatives to adapt the turkey curry to your personal taste or what’s available in your pantry:

  • Meat Varieties: Feel free to substitute turkey with chicken, beef, or lamb. If using raw meat, brown it first for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Enhance the curry with vegetables like peas, carrots, cauliflower, or potatoes. Both fresh and pre-cooked or canned varieties work well, ensuring they’re well-drained.
  • Fruit Infusions: For a sweet twist, consider adding dried apricots, cranberries, or fresh fruits like apples or pears. Omit if you prefer a savory profile.
  • Nutty Crunch: Include nuts like cashews, pistachios, or coconut flakes for texture. Omit for nut allergies or preferences.
  • Creaminess Your Way: Choose from a variety of yogurts, or opt for sour cream, cream, or coconut milk to achieve your desired creaminess. Omit or use dairy-free alternatives for specific dietary needs.
  • Herbal Highlights: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil, or sprinkle dried herbs like oregano or thyme for added aroma.

How do I store Mary Berry Turkey Curry Leftovers?

Here are some effective ways to keep your curry fresh for future enjoyment:

  1. Refrigeration: After the curry has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled curry into a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag. It’s good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. Preventing Separation: Before storing, give the curry a good stir. This helps maintain the sauce’s consistency and prevents separation.

How do I reheat Mary Berry Turkey Curry Leftovers?

When you’re ready to revisit your delicious curry, follow these steps for the best results:

  1. Microwave: Place the curry in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s thoroughly hot and bubbly.
  2. Stove: Pour the curry into a saucepan and warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle boil and is evenly heated.
  3. Oven: Transfer the curry to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 15 minutes or until hot throughout.

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FAQs

Can I use coconut milk instead of yogurt for this recipe?

Yes, you can use coconut milk instead of yogurt for this recipe, if you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option. Coconut milk will also add a rich and creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor to the curry. You can use the same amount of coconut milk as yogurt, or adjust to your taste.

How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

You can make this recipe spicier or milder by adjusting the amount and type of curry powder you use. You can also add some fresh or dried chili peppers, such as green chilies, red chilies, or cayenne pepper, to the sauce for more heat. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of curry powder or use a milder variety, such as korma or madras, for a less spicy curry.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin or too thick?

If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for longer, uncovered, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add some cornstarch or flour mixed with water to the sauce and stir well to thicken it. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some more chicken stock, water, or coconut milk to the sauce and stir well to thin it.

Conclusion

This Mary Berry turkey curry recipe is a perfect way to use up your leftover turkey and enjoy a delicious and easy meal. It’s a mild and creamy curry that is suitable for everyone, even kids. It uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, such as onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, tomato paste, chicken stock, and yogurt. It also has some raisins and almonds for a touch of sweetness and crunch. You can serve it with rice, naan bread, or chapatis.

I hope you enjoyed this Mary Berry turkey curry recipe and found this step-by-step guide helpful. If you did, please share it with your friends and family and leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you and know what you think of this recipe. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

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