The Big Turkey Curry
Last night was going to be a quiet night cooking for Beloved's Grandmother's party today. The doorbell rang once. The Aunt and English Uncle appeared, and stayed for a drink. The Sherpa appeared to help with the cooking. The Brunette arrived with The Eldest Daughter from Manhattan. The Guitarist and his daughter turned up. The Lovely Teenager decided to stay another night. Beloved's Brother suddenly appeared, looking shell-shocked by the number of people in the kitchen.
It was a perfect, Big Chill-ish type of night, with The English Uncle and The Guitarist strumming guitar, the rest of us drinking wine, and everyone staying for an impromptu dinner.
I will say that on the weekends I am always prepared for more people than we expect. We have the kind of house where people, quite literally, appear in the kitchen. Few bother to ring the doorbell, and it is not unusual for us to look up and see someone we love striding through the dining room. Which means, I always have enough food to feed the masses, just in case.
Last night I made a huge turkey curry with the leftovers, and there's still enough for a couple of turkey pot pies for tonight. The English Uncle described the dish as being 'a very gentle curry', which is a perfect description.
Turkey Curry
2 to 3 lbs Cooked, diced turkey
1 can coconut milk
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 small bunch cilantro (I buy it cubed and frozen, made by Sabra, and keep it in the freezer, turning out around 6 cubes)
2 crushed cloves garlic
lemon grass (not essential, but delicious if you have it, and useful to keep if ever you fancy Thai. Again, mine is in a tube, kept in the fridge)
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Seasoning.
I have used lots of guesswork with the quantities, and I would advise you to taste and change as you see fit. The good thing about these sorts of dishes is that you can be entirely flexible. You don't need the lemongrass, or cilantro, although they add a certain delicacy, and honestly, if you were in a hurry, the curry powder alone would be enough.
Gently sautee the onions and garlic until soft. Add mushrooms.
Add can of coconut milk, and all seasoning.
Add turkey, simmer on low for around half an hour to allow flavors to hold.
Serve with white basmati rice.
I've never tried making curry at home. Is there anything I can substitute cocnut milk with?
I've never tried making curry at home. Is there anything I can substitute cocnut milk with?
Jane,
Would you kindly let me know the name of the florist you got the gorgeous arrangement of parrot tulips from?? I am in search of one for our Christmas arrangements and I'm looking for something special like yours!!
Thanks.
Jane,
Would you kindly let me know the name of the florist you got the gorgeous arrangement of parrot tulips from?? I am in search of one for our Christmas arrangements and I'm looking for something special like yours!!
Thanks.
Diane, I do them myself. The flowers are from Compo Farms, then I arrange them at home. But, a florist who works in a similar style is Botanica in Westport... Good luck!
Ellina, I would try chicken stock, adding some cream or creme fraiche at the end.
JAne, your house sounds like my idea of Heaven! Our house in Canada was always the drop in centre for our family and friends and everyone was welcome and knew to help themselves to wahtever was going. I miss that here, hardly any friends, famiily have all spilt up and fone their own ways and no home that feels central and "home" enough for us all. Its sad really. I miss it. I'm gona drop into yours next year! xx
JAne, your house sounds like my idea of Heaven! Our house in Canada was always the drop in centre for our family and friends and everyone was welcome and knew to help themselves to wahtever was going. I miss that here, hardly any friends, famiily have all spilt up and fone their own ways and no home that feels central and "home" enough for us all. Its sad really. I miss it. I'm gona drop into yours next year! xx
Jane,
Thanks so much! I went to the website and it is EXACTLY what I'm looking for - that and being five minutes from the house makes it perfect!!
Jane,
Thanks so much! I went to the website and it is EXACTLY what I'm looking for - that and being five minutes from the house makes it perfect!!