Description
Leftover Turkey Tikka Masala transforms holiday turkey into a rich, creamy, and boldly spiced curry dish. With warm Indian spices, tender meat, and a velvety sauce, it’s the perfect cozy meal after a festive feast.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 cups leftover turkey pieces
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fenugreek leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 onions, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste (for gravy)
- 3 tomatoes, puréed or 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
- 2-3 cloves
- 3 green cardamom pods
- 1-2 small cinnamon sticks
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder (for gravy)
- 2 teaspoons coriander powder (for gravy)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder (for gravy)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder (for gravy)
- 1 tablespoon fenugreek leaves (optional, for gravy)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 6 tablespoons oil, divided
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix leftover turkey with yogurt, 1½ tbsp ginger garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala, black pepper, fenugreek, salt, and 2 tbsp oil. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet. Add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Stir in 1½ tbsp ginger garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomato purée or sauce. Cook until thickened and oil separates.
- Mix in chili powder, coriander, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and fenugreek. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add marinated turkey. Stir and cook until heated through.
- Pour in heavy cream and honey. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Adjust salt.
- Serve hot with rice or naan. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a swirl of cream if desired.
Notes
- Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Let onions brown deeply for richer flavor.
- Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg