Unlock The Secret Of Leftover Turkey: How To Create A Heavenly Pot Pie With Your Gravy

Tis the season of bountiful feasts and delectable leftovers, and what better way to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving than by transforming your leftover turkey and gravy into a comforting and hearty turkey pot pie? This culinary masterpiece combines the succulent flavors of turkey, the velvety richness of gravy, and the flaky goodness of a homemade pie crust. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create a savory pot pie that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup leftover turkey gravy
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Making the Pie Crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, while mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the carrots and celery and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until tender.
4. Stir in the turkey, peas, parsley, and white wine (if using).
5. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
6. Add the gravy and stir to combine.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Assembling the Pot Pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the pie dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate and trim the edges.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
5. Roll out the remaining pie dough into a 10-inch (25 cm) circle.
6. Place the top crust over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
7. Brush the crust with milk and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

Baking:

1. Bake the pot pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Let the pot pie cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• For a richer flavor, use homemade turkey gravy.
• If you don’t have leftover gravy, you can make a quick gravy using turkey broth, flour, and butter.
• If you don’t have frozen peas, you can use fresh or canned peas instead.
• You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
• For a vegetarian pot pie, omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of turkey gravy.

Variations:

• Top the pot pie with a layer of mashed potatoes before baking.
• Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese to the filling before baking.
• Serve the pot pie with a dollop of cranberry sauce or gravy.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover:

This turkey pot pie is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey and gravy from Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to make and loved by people of all ages. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure that will turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delectable masterpiece.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. However, a homemade pie crust will give your pot pie a more authentic and flavorful taste.

Q: How can I make my pot pie crust extra flaky?
A: To make your pot pie crust extra flaky, use cold butter and ice water when making the dough. Also, be sure to not overmix the dough.

Q: How can I make my pot pie filling more flavorful?
A: To make your pot pie filling more flavorful, use a combination of fresh and frozen vegetables. You can also add herbs and spices to your filling, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.