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Embark on a culinary adventure with our left over turkey and ham pot pie, a delectable dish that transforms leftovers into a heartwarming masterpiece. Join us as we unveil the secrets to creating a flavorful and satisfying pot pie, exploring various cooking methods, crust options, and flavor enhancements.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to elevate your pot pie game. Let’s dive into the world of culinary delights!
Ingredients and Cooking Methods
To create a delectable leftover turkey and ham pot pie, gather the following ingredients:
- Leftover cooked turkey, shredded
- Leftover cooked ham, diced
- Frozen or fresh vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- Cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Flour
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Depending on your preference and available equipment, you can prepare the pot pie using various cooking methods:
Oven-Baked Pot Pie
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine the turkey, ham, vegetables, soup, milk, flour, butter, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
- Roll out the pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Stovetop Pot Pie
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Add the turkey, ham, vegetables, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish and top with the pie crust. Crimp the edges.
- Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Slow Cooker Pot Pie
- In a large slow cooker, combine the turkey, ham, vegetables, soup, milk, flour, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the filling is thickened and bubbly.
- Roll out the pie crust and cut into desired shapes (e.g., strips, circles).
- Place the pie crust pieces over the filling and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Crust Options
The crust of your pot pie is an important part of the dish, as it provides both flavor and texture. There are many different types of crusts that you can use, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
One of the most popular types of crusts for pot pie is a traditional pastry dough. This type of crust is made from flour, butter, and water, and it is rolled out and placed over the filling before baking. Pastry dough can be made at home or purchased pre-made from the store.
Making Pastry Dough from Scratch
If you are making pastry dough from scratch, it is important to use cold ingredients and to work the dough as little as possible. This will help to prevent the gluten from developing, which will make the crust tough.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
- Use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the water 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is a light and flaky pastry that is made from layers of dough and butter. Puff pastry can be purchased pre-made from the store, or you can make it yourself at home. However, making puff pastry at home is a time-consuming process, so it is not for the faint of heart.
Biscuit Topping
A biscuit topping is a quick and easy way to make a pot pie crust. Simply make a batch of biscuits and drop them on top of the filling before baking. Biscuit toppings are not as flaky as pastry dough or puff pastry, but they are still a delicious and satisfying option.
If you have leftover turkey and ham, you can make a delicious pot pie. To make it even more flavorful, add a spicy salsa. You can find a great recipe for spicy salsa here . Once you’ve made the salsa, add it to the pot pie filling.
The combination of the savory turkey and ham with the spicy salsa will create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Vegetable and Flavor Additions
Enhancing the flavors of turkey and ham in your pot pie is easily achieved by incorporating a variety of vegetables and seasonings.
Begin by preparing the vegetables. Dice carrots and celery into small pieces, and slice mushrooms. For peas, use either fresh or frozen peas.
Vegetables, Left over turkey and ham pot pie
- Carrots: Add sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
- Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and herbaceous flavor.
- Peas: Offer a pop of green color and a slightly sweet taste.
- Mushrooms: Enhance the umami flavor of the pot pie.
Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings
- Thyme: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Rosemary: Provides a robust, aromatic touch.
- Black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of spiciness.
- Salt: Adjust to taste to balance the flavors.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Showcase your pot pie’s golden-brown crust and savory filling with an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and arrange the pie in a shallow dish for a classic appeal. Serve on a wooden board or a decorative plate to enhance its rustic charm.
Accompanying Sides
- Complement the richness of the pot pie with a crisp side salad tossed with your favorite dressing.
- Offer a warm and crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Serve a side of creamy mashed potatoes to provide a comforting balance to the savory filling.
Freezing and Reheating
Preserve leftovers by freezing the pot pie in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Closing Notes: Left Over Turkey And Ham Pot Pie
As you savor the last bite of your left over turkey and ham pot pie, take pride in your culinary creation. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a testament to your culinary skills and a celebration of the joy of cooking.
Embrace the art of transforming leftovers into extraordinary dishes, and continue to explore the endless possibilities that the kitchen holds.
