Jamie Oliver Turkey And Ham Pie Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

A few years ago, I had one of those cozy winter evenings where I was craving something hearty but comforting. It was one of those cold, dark days that made you want to curl up and eat something that would warm both your body and soul. I found myself thinking about one dish in particular: Jamie Oliver’s Turkey and Ham Pie.

There’s something magical about a homemade pie. Maybe it’s the buttery crust that melts in your mouth, or the filling that’s perfectly balanced with savory, creamy goodness. I had leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, and the idea of mixing that with ham and creating a rich, savory pie felt perfect. The kitchen quickly filled with the wonderful aroma of roasting turkey and herbs, and I knew I had to share this with you.

Jamie Oliver’s Turkey And Ham Pie Recipe: A Cozy Classic

Jamie Oliver is a genius when it comes to taking simple ingredients and making them feel special. His Turkey and Ham Pie recipe is no exception. It’s an easy way to turn leftover turkey and ham into something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy filling combined with a perfectly flaky pastry is a winning combination every time.

I first tried making this pie when I had a fridge full of leftovers after a big holiday meal. It felt like the perfect way to repurpose those ingredients without them feeling like “leftovers”. The result? A comforting, rich, and satisfying pie that my family devoured in minutes.

Ingredients Needed: Simple But Flavorful

The beauty of this pie lies in how simple it is. Here’s everything you’ll need to create it:

• Leftover turkey: Any cooked turkey works-white and dark meat both shine here.
• Leftover ham: The ham adds a salty, savory depth to balance out the turkey.
• Puff pastry: You can go for store-bought to save time or make your own. Either way, it should be buttery and flaky.
• Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
• Chicken stock: Homemade or store-bought, it’ll be the base of your sauce.
• Onions and garlic: These provide the aromatic foundation for the filling.
• Carrots: Chopped into small pieces for sweetness and texture.
• Peas: Frozen peas work just fine, adding color and freshness to the pie.
• Thyme and bay leaves: These herbs add earthy, herby notes to the filling.
• Flour: For thickening the sauce.
• Egg: To brush the pastry for that golden, crispy top.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey And Ham Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

I was a bit intimidated at first, thinking the pie would be difficult to make. But it turned out to be straightforward and fun. Here’s the process:

1. Prep The Filling

   • Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan until softened.
   • Add in the carrots and cook for a few more minutes.
   • Stir in the flour to make a roux (this will help thicken the filling).
   • Gradually pour in the chicken stock and cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

2. Add The Turkey, Ham, And Peas

   • Once the sauce has thickened, add the chopped turkey and ham.
   • Stir in the peas and thyme, and let everything cook together for a few minutes.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare The Pie

   • Preheat your oven and roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface.
   • Spoon the turkey and ham filling into a pie dish.
   • Cover the dish with the pastry, trimming off any excess and pressing down the edges.
   • Brush the top with an egg wash to get that golden crust.

4. Bake

   • Bake in the oven until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the filling is bubbling. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

The result? A pie so delicious it’ll be hard to save any for leftovers (though if you do, it gets even better the next day).

Ingredient Science Spotlight: Why These Ingredients Work Together

What’s fascinating about cooking is understanding how ingredients interact. Here’s the science behind some of the key components in Jamie’s pie:

• Turkey and Ham: Both meats have different textures and flavors-turkey is lean and mild, while ham is rich and salty. Together, they balance each other out and create a filling that’s hearty but not too heavy.
• Flour and Cream: The flour is used to thicken the sauce and create a creamy base. When combined with the cream, the result is a luscious, velvety texture.
• Puff Pastry: The puff pastry works its magic because it’s made from layers of butter and dough. When baked, the steam from the butter causes the pastry to puff up and become wonderfully flaky.

Expert Tips: How To Perfect Your Pie

As I made this pie, I learned a few tricks that can take it to the next level. Here are my expert tips:

• Don’t overwork the pastry: When you’re handling the puff pastry, try not to over-handle it. The more you work with it, the less flaky it’ll be. Keep it chilled and handle it gently.
• Season well: The turkey and ham may be salty on their own, but don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a touch of mustard can elevate the flavors.
• Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh thyme, parsley, and even a bay leaf or two bring more flavor and brightness to the filling.
• Rest the pie: After you take the pie out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets the filling settle, and it’ll be easier to slice.

Recipe Variations: Play Around With Flavors

One of the best things about a pie like this is how flexible it is. Here are some variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the turkey and ham for mushrooms and leeks. The earthy mushrooms and sweet leeks create a great umami flavor, and you can still enjoy the creamy filling and flaky crust.
• Add Cheese: Grated cheddar or parmesan can be mixed into the filling for a cheesy twist. The sharpness of the cheese will cut through the richness of the cream.
• Herbed Crust: Instead of plain puff pastry, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.
• Add a Splash of White Wine: For a bit of depth, add a splash of dry white wine to the filling while it simmers.

Final Words: Savor The Simplicity

This pie is one of those recipes that feels like home. It’s simple yet comforting, with flavors that blend together perfectly. Whether you’re using leftover turkey from a holiday meal or just making it as a special dinner, it’s a dish that brings people together.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Turkey And Ham Pie?

You’ll need turkey, ham, puff pastry, leeks, carrots, butter, flour, milk, and seasoning.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey And Ham Pie?

It usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep and baking time.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Turkey And Ham Pie Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving.

What Type Of Pastry Should I Use For The Pie?

Jamie uses puff pastry for a light, crispy crust. It’s best for this recipe.

Can I Use Leftover Turkey In This Recipe?

Definitely! Leftover turkey works perfectly for this pie.

How Do I Make The Filling Creamy?

You’ll need to make a white sauce with butter, flour, and milk to create that creamy texture.

What Can I Use Instead Of Leeks In The Pie?

If you don’t have leeks, you can use onions or shallots as an alternative.

Can I Freeze This Turkey And Ham Pie?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing.

How Do I Know When The Pie Is Done?

The pie should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbling. This usually takes around 25-30 minutes in the oven.

What Sides Go Well With Turkey And Ham Pie?

A simple green salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables pair nicely with the pie.