I’ve been making pot pie for years, but this kosher version with turkey has become my family’s absolute favorite. It started when I had leftover turkey from Shabbat dinner and couldn’t bear the thought of another turkey sandwich. The meat was already perfectly seasoned, and I had vegetables sitting in my refrigerator begging to be used.
Pot pie has this amazing ability to turn leftover turkey into something that feels completely new. The key is building layers of flavor in your filling. I start by sautéing onions and celery until they’re soft and fragrant, then add carrots that still have a bit of bite to them. The turkey gets mixed in with herbs like thyme and sage that complement the bird beautifully. For the sauce, I use a simple roux with chicken stock, which keeps everything kosher while giving you that rich, creamy texture you want.
Building the Perfect Turkey Pot Pie Filling
The pastry is where things get interesting. Many traditional pot pie recipes call for butter in the crust, but I use margarine or vegetable shortening to keep it pareve with the meat. You’d never know the difference. The bottom crust gets pre-baked just slightly to prevent sogginess, and the top crust develops this gorgeous golden color that makes everyone at the table smile.
Mastering Kosher Pastry Techniques
This dish works beautifully for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I often make extra filling and freeze it in portions. Then I can have fresh pot pie ready in about 45 minutes just by rolling out pastry and assembling everything. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add cold shortening or margarine and use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until dough just comes together. You may not need all the water.
- Divide dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery, cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add carrots and garlic, cook for another 3-4 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in turkey, peas, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and parsley. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Place in pan and trim edges, leaving 1-inch overhang.
- Pour the turkey filling into the pastry-lined pan.
- Roll out the second disk of dough for the top crust. Place over filling and trim edges.
- Fold the top crust edge under the bottom crust edge and crimp with a fork or your fingers to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust for steam vents.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
