I remember the first time I tried making a turkey curry in a slow cooker. I had just finished a big family dinner and had a ton of leftover turkey. I was tired of the usual turkey sandwiches and wanted something a little more exciting. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Turkey Curry recipe. It felt like the perfect way to transform those leftovers into something comforting, flavorful, and full of personality. The beauty of slow cooking is that it’s so forgiving. You get a rich, flavorful dish without too much hands-on time.
I’ve made this dish multiple times since that day, and every time it’s a hit. It’s one of those recipes that brings people to the table, each bite richer and more complex than the last.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Turkey Curry Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Turkey Curry recipe is a flavorful mix of tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and a perfectly balanced curry sauce. What makes it so great is the ease with which you can put it together. The slow cooker takes care of most of the work, so you can go on with your day while the kitchen fills with that mouth-watering aroma.
- Total Time: 6 to 8 hours (depending on your slow cooker)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high
- Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients are simple but come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- Turkey (leftovers work great, but fresh works too)
- Coconut milk – this gives the curry a creamy base and subtle sweetness
- Canned tomatoes – adds a nice acidity to balance the richness
- Onion – for that savory base flavor
- Garlic – because what’s a curry without garlic?
- Ginger – adds a bit of a zing
- Curry powder – the essential spice blend that ties everything together
- Turmeric – a pop of color and extra depth of flavor
- Chili flakes (optional) – for a little kick
- Coriander stalks – adds brightness to the dish
- Carrots – they soften beautifully in the slow cooker and add a bit of sweetness
- Sweet potatoes – for a hearty, comforting touch
- Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish and a fresh flavor
- Rice – as a base, because curry without rice is like a beach without sand
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Turkey Curry
Here’s how I prepare the dish. The process is super straightforward:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Start by chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, and sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. I personally love leaving them a little chunkier for some texture.
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Layer In The Slow Cooker
- Throw everything into the slow cooker: the turkey (shredded if using leftovers), chopped veggies, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, chili flakes, and coriander stalks.
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Add Liquids
- Pour in the coconut milk and canned tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine. It should look colorful and inviting.
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Set It And Forget It
- Set your slow cooker to cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the vegetables are tender and the turkey has absorbed all the flavors.
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Serve
- Serve your curry over rice and sprinkle fresh coriander on top. The curry will be thick, creamy, and packed with flavor. The turkey becomes so tender, almost like it’s been marinated in all those spices for hours.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love diving a bit deeper into the science of cooking, especially when it comes to how ingredients work together. Here’s what makes this curry so special:
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Coconut Milk
- The high fat content helps create a smooth, velvety texture. It’s not just for flavor; the fat helps carry the spices and gives the curry a richness that makes it feel like a warm hug.
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Tomatoes
- The acidity of tomatoes balances the richness of the coconut milk, while their natural sugars help mellow out the heat from the curry spices. The slow cooking process deepens these flavors, making the curry taste even better as it simmers.
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Spices
- Turmeric not only adds that beautiful golden color but also contributes anti-inflammatory properties. Curry powder, a blend of several spices, helps layer different flavors, making each bite interesting.
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Sweet Potatoes & Carrots
- These vegetables are starchy and absorb all the flavors from the curry sauce. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes balances the heat and spices, adding a layer of comfort to every spoonful.
Expert Tips
After making this recipe several times, I’ve picked up a few tips that will take your curry to the next level:
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Use Leftover Turkey
- Not only does it save time, but the turkey also picks up more flavor from the curry the longer it simmers.
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Add Spices To Taste
- If you’re not into too much heat, dial back on the chili flakes. Conversely, if you want a spicy kick, add more!
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Cook The Curry Low And Slow
- The magic of a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together over time. Resist the urge to cook it quickly on high-low heat will create a much richer, more complex flavor.
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Garnish Generously
- Fresh coriander at the end adds a burst of freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the curry. If you like heat, a dash of chili oil or sliced fresh chilies on top can add another layer of flavor.
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Make It A One-pot Meal
- You can easily add more veggies or protein, like peas or even chickpeas, to bulk up the dish. I’ve tried adding spinach at the end, and it works wonderfully.
Recipe Variations
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Chicken Curry
- You can easily swap the turkey for chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs, in particular, will add more richness due to their higher fat content.
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Vegetarian Option
- Replace the turkey with chickpeas or lentils for a satisfying, plant-based curry. The slow cooker will work its magic, and the flavors will still be incredible.
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Spicy Version
- If you like things extra spicy, add fresh chopped chili or a teaspoon of chili paste to give the curry a nice kick.
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Different Veggies
- You can swap out sweet potatoes for regular potatoes or butternut squash. Just make sure to cut them into pieces that cook evenly.
Final Words
This recipe is all about comfort, simplicity, and flavor. I love how forgiving slow cooking is-you don’t have to be a seasoned chef to make a fantastic meal. Just toss everything in, let the slow cooker do its magic, and come home to a kitchen that smells like heaven.
It’s also one of those recipes that gets better with time, meaning the leftovers are almost always just as good, if not better, the next day.
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Instead Of Turkey In Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Turkey Curry?
Yes, you can swap turkey for chicken. It’ll still taste great!
How Long Should I Cook Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Turkey Curry?
It should cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooker Turkey Curry?
It goes really well with rice, naan bread, or even some steamed vegetables.