Turkey Curry - Easy recipe for your Christmas leftovers! (2024)

FAQs

Can I freeze leftover turkey curry? ›

If you want to freeze your turkey curry for another day, cool the sauce down before adding the turkey. Mix the cold leftover turkey with the cold sauce and freeze. Add the spinach on reheating. The curry will freeze for up to three months.

Cooking in advance

You can then take out what you need when you need it. Just remember that meat previously cooked and frozen should only be reheated once.

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

How long do the turkey and trimmings stay safe in the refrigerator or freezer? The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later.

The amount of curry powder you need to use will depend on how you're using it. If you're using it as a rub/seasoning, start with about 2 tsp. per pound of meat. If you're adding it to a yogurt marinade, we suggest adding about 2 Tbsp.

Instead we would suggest you freeze the curry without the cream or yogurt and stir them in after the curry has been reheated. Freeze the curries in appropriate portions in airtight boxes. It is a good idea to add a label to the box with contents and date and we would suggest not freezing for more than 3 months.

You can store any Turkey Curry leftovers in an air-tight container or resealable food bag in the fridge for up to 3 days (cook day + 2).

Frozen Turkey

Turkeys can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. However, cook turkeys within 1 year for the best quality.

If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Place the turkey on a parchment or foil-covered baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer to the freezer for one hour, until the turkey is quite chilled and firm. This will allow the slices or cubes to stay separate when you freeze them in a bag or container.

How to tell if cooked turkey is bad? ›

Like other leftovers, leftover cooked turkey can—and will—go bad. “The texture and smell of turkey will indicate when it has gone bad,” Edwards says. “Generally it will smell bad and get a slimy texture. It's best to throw it away after four days in the fridge or move it to the freezer at that point.”

Is Turkey Good for Dogs? Yes, when cooked and prepared properly—and given in very small portions—turkey can be a healthy, occasional treat for dogs. Make sure it is fully cooked; has no skin, bones, or fat; and is not cooked with any other ingredients or seasonings.

Use clean dishes and utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Leftovers stored in the fridge should be eaten within three days. When freezing Christmas meats or stuffing, wrap them in heavy freezer wrap and put them in a container suitable for your freezer.

What's In Curry Powder? Curry powders usually consist of turmeric, cumin, ginger, and black pepper. Some blends also incorporate garlic and cinnamon. What all curry powders share is a sweet warmth and pleasant pungency that adds a toasty depth to everything it touches.

Use recipes including liquids like coconut milk, yogurt, stock, or even water, measuring out the curry powder and sprinkling it into the liquid. This is great for marinades, soups, and sauces especially.

Curries also freeze beautifully. You can make them in a large batch, either in a saucepan on the stove or in a slow cooker. You can bulk them out with potatoes and other vegetables to make them more economical. Once cooked, you can freeze them in bulk or individual portions with rice.

Good news: turkey is definitely freeze-able. Just remove the meat from the bones first. Slicing the meat will also help it to defrost evenly. If you can, pour a bit of gravy over the meat before freezing; it'll add moisture.

How Long Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey? Leftover turkey freezes well for up to six months if properly handled, packed and frozen within three days of the original preparation. However, I like to try and use it within three months for best flavor and texture, and to avoid the possibility of freezer burn.

Eat within 3 months for the best flavour for meat curries or 2 months for vegetable curries. The vegetables can turn mushy if frozen for too long. For best results, defrost your curry in the fridge overnight although you can defrost more quickly at room temperature or use the microwave to speed things along.