Leftover Turkey Pot Pie is a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers into a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish combines tender pieces of turkey with a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy and topped with a golden, flaky puff pastry crust. It’s a perfect solution for repurposing leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any festive gathering. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also offers a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup brown mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the carrots, celery, peas, potatoes, and mushrooms, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Season with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Make the Gravy: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine: Add the cooked turkey to the vegetable mixture, then pour the gravy over the top, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble the Pot Pie: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into a baking dish. Roll out the puff pastry to fit the top of the dish, placing it over the filling. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal.
Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the top of the puff pastry to achieve a golden finish.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the assembled pot pie in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve: Allow the pot pie to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade leftover turkey pot pie!

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1/8 of the pot pie):

Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sodium: 800 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 5 g

The History and Tradition of Pot Pie

The origins of pot pie date back to ancient cultures, where similar dishes were made by encasing meat and vegetables in a pastry shell to preserve and cook them together. The French, for example, are credited with developing the modern concept of a pie crust encasing a savory filling. Pot pies became particularly popular in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom, where savory pies like shepherd’s pie and steak and kidney pie have long been traditional dishes.

In the United States, pot pie became a beloved comfort food in the 19th and 20th centuries. While pot pies originally featured beef, chicken, or lamb, the versatility of the dish led to many variations using a variety of meats, including turkey. Turkey pot pie, in particular, gained popularity as a way to use up leftover turkey after big holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving, when families often have more turkey than they can eat. This dish quickly became a staple in many households during the days following the holiday feast.

Why Turkey Pot Pie is Perfect for Leftovers

The beauty of turkey pot pie is that it’s an ideal recipe for utilizing leftover turkey. Whether you’ve had a large Thanksgiving dinner or another holiday meal, it’s easy to end up with an excess of turkey meat that can go to waste if not properly stored or repurposed. Turkey pot pie allows you to turn these leftovers into a brand-new meal with minimal effort.

After cooking and roasting a turkey, the meat can often be tough and dry. However, when combined with the savory vegetables and creamy gravy inside a pot pie, the turkey becomes tender and flavorful. Additionally, turkey pot pie makes use of any leftover vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes, as well as leftover gravy. This makes it an excellent choice for reducing food waste and creating something delicious from what might otherwise be discarded.

The Ingredients That Make Turkey Pot Pie Special

Turkey pot pie is composed of several key ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The base of the filling is typically a mixture of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and potatoes, that are sautéed in butter or olive oil. Adding onions and garlic helps to develop the savory flavors that form the foundation of the dish. The vegetables are then combined with the turkey, which provides protein and substance to the dish.

The creamy filling of the turkey pot pie is made by thickening a mixture of butter, flour, chicken or turkey stock, and milk. This combination creates a smooth, rich gravy that coats the vegetables and turkey, binding everything together. To enhance the flavor, herbs such as thyme and rosemary are often added, along with salt and pepper to taste. The herbs infuse the filling with a warm, earthy aroma that complements the turkey.

The crust is another important element in creating a satisfying turkey pot pie. While some recipes use a traditional pie crust, many opt for puff pastry, which offers a light, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Puff pastry is also quicker and easier to work with than a homemade pie crust, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.

Making Turkey Pot Pie Your Own

One of the best aspects of turkey pot pie is its versatility. You can customize it based on the ingredients you have on hand or to suit your personal tastes. For example, if you have other leftover vegetables, such as green beans, corn, or mushrooms, you can easily add them to the filling. Similarly, if you prefer a different type of protein, you can substitute the turkey with chicken or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

Additionally, you can adjust the seasoning to match your flavor preferences. While thyme and rosemary are commonly used, you can also experiment with other herbs like sage, oregano, or parsley. Adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika can introduce a bit of heat, while grated Parmesan cheese can add a savory, nutty richness to the filling.

For a more decadent dish, you can swap out the puff pastry for a homemade pie crust, or even top the pie with a combination of mashed potatoes and cheese for a twist on the classic pot pie. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, you can use reduced-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, and opt for a lighter puff pastry or a phyllo dough crust.

Health Benefits of Turkey Pot Pie

Although turkey pot pie is traditionally a rich and hearty comfort food, there are ways to make it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. One of the biggest advantages of turkey pot pie is the use of turkey as a lean protein source. Turkey is lower in fat compared to other meats like beef and pork, making it a healthier choice for the filling. Additionally, the vegetables in the pot pie—such as carrots, peas, and potatoes—add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to the nutritional value of the dish.

To make turkey pot pie healthier, you can opt for a whole-wheat or gluten-free crust, which provides more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white flour pastry. You can also reduce the amount of butter and cream in the filling and instead use lower-fat options like chicken broth and milk, or even substitute the cream with Greek yogurt for added protein. If you want to increase the vegetable content, you can add extra servings of vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, zucchini, or broccoli.

How to Serve Turkey Pot Pie

Turkey pot pie can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. For a simple family meal, serve the pot pie with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy filling. If you’re hosting a holiday meal, turkey pot pie can be served as a main dish alongside other festive dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Conclusion

Turkey pot pie is a wonderful and practical way to repurpose leftover turkey into a comforting and delicious meal. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste, create a family-friendly dinner, or simply enjoy a classic dish with a twist, turkey pot pie fits the bill. With its creamy filling, tender vegetables, and golden, flaky crust, it offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that will have your family coming back for more.

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