Unlock The Secret: Can I Use Leftover Gravy For Turkey Pot Pie?

Thanksgiving has passed, leaving us with delectable leftovers, including the rich and flavorful gravy. But can we repurpose this culinary treasure in a new dish? The answer is a resounding yes! Leftover gravy can indeed be the perfect base for a comforting and satisfying turkey pot pie.

Benefits of Using Leftover Gravy

• Flavor Boost: Gravy is a concentrated source of turkey flavor, adding depth and richness to your pot pie.
• Time-Saver: Using leftover gravy eliminates the need to make a new batch, saving you time and effort.
• Reduced Waste: Repurposing gravy reduces food waste, promoting sustainability and minimizing your environmental impact.

How to Prepare Leftover Gravy for Pot Pie

1. Strain the Gravy: To remove any lumps or solids, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
2. Adjust the Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, thin it out with a small amount of milk or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it on low heat until it reduces and thickens.
3. Enhance the Flavor: To enhance the flavor of the gravy, add a touch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Turkey Pot Pie with Leftover Gravy

Ingredients:

• 1 batch of leftover turkey gravy
• 1 (9-inch) pie crust
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, celery)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine the gravy, turkey, vegetables, and onion. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk into the gravy mixture until thickened.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
5. Top with a second pie crust and crimp the edges.
6. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Variations and Additions

• Vegetable Pot Pie: Omit the turkey and add more vegetables to create a vegetarian pot pie.
• Creamy Pot Pie: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the gravy for a richer and creamier filling.
• Cheesy Pot Pie: Sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the filling before topping with the second pie crust.

Tips for the Best Pot Pie

• Use a good quality pie crust for a flaky and buttery texture.
• Don’t overfill the pie crust to prevent spillage during baking.
• If you don’t have a top crust, cover the filling with a layer of puff pastry or biscuit dough.
• Let the pot pie cool slightly before serving to prevent the filling from running out.

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie: A Versatile Dish

Leftover turkey pot pie is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served as a main course, a side dish, or a comforting snack. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a quick lunch at work, or a late-night treat.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I use any type of gravy for turkey pot pie?

Yes, you can use any type of gravy, including turkey gravy, chicken gravy, or beef gravy. However, turkey gravy will provide the most authentic flavor.

2. Can I freeze turkey pot pie?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked turkey pot pie. To freeze unbaked pot pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze baked pot pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

3. How do I reheat turkey pot pie?

To reheat unbaked pot pie, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake it according to the instructions. To reheat baked pot pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for several hours. Then, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.