CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center Newsroom

Leftover Turkey Curry

Written by Community Nutrition | November 04, 2025

Serves: 4

This leftover turkey curry is a hearty, nourishing dish that transforms yesterday’s turkey into a warming, spiced meal. Infused with fragrant spices, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, it’s rich in protein, vitamins, and fiber. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that feels both comforting and wholesome.

Take a Guess!

Which traditional Thanksgiving dish was not present at the first Thanksgiving in 1621?

A) Turkey
B) Cranberry sauce
C) Corn
D) Venison

Answer: B) Cranberry Sauce

While cranberries may have been available, sugar was scarce, so sweet cranberry sauce as we know it today wasn't on the table!

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 Tbsp. ginger, chopped
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 tsp. garam masala
½ tsp. ground coriander
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock, low sodium
¼ cup lite coconut milk, or more to taste
½ lb. turkey leftovers, shredded
1 cup frozen or leftover green beans, 1” pieces
4 oz. baby spinach (about 4 cups)
2 cups cooked brown rice
4 Naan flatbread, optional

Method of Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan.
2. Add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ginger, curry powder, garam masala, coriander, and cinnamon and stir to combine.
4. Add the tomato paste, stock, and coconut milk. Stir to combine, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the curry thickens.
5. Add the turkey and green beans, lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens further and greens beans are heated through.
6. Add the baby spinach to the pan, cover with a lid and simmer for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
7. Divide rice among 4 bowls and serve curry over rice or with naan bread if desired. For food safety purposes, enjoy within 2 hours of preparation.

Adapted from: https://skinnyspatula.com/leftover-turkey-curry/