There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe, especially when you want to make the most of leftover turkey or simply crave a hearty, creamy soup that warms you from the inside out. This dish brilliantly combines tender chunks of turkey with nutty wild rice, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a touch of aromatic herbs to create a soulful meal you’ll want to savor again and again. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner idea or a way to turn Thanksgiving leftovers into something spectacular, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often make the most memorable dishes, and this soup is no exception. Each item adds a unique layer of flavor, texture, or richness, turning everyday pantry staples into a soul-soothing masterpiece.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps soften the vegetables perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Boosts flavor and aids in sautéing without overpowering the dish.
- Onion, chopped (1 small): Provides a sweet and savory base that flavors every spoonful.
- Carrots, sliced (2): Contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- Celery stalks, sliced (2): Add a subtle crunch and earthy freshness.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuse the broth with a fragrant punch that ties all the flavors together.
- Uncooked wild rice blend (1 cup): Gives that nutty, chewy texture that makes this soup stand out.
- Chicken or turkey broth (6 cups): Forms the hearty liquid base that pulls the soup together.
- Cooked turkey, shredded or chopped (2 cups): The star protein that makes this soup a wonderful way to enjoy leftover turkey.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, earthy herbal note.
- Dried rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle piney aroma to deepen the soup’s flavor.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides gentle heat and balance.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup): Creates a creamy texture that’s irresistibly smooth.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, optional): Perfect for thickening if you love a richer, heartier soup.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor just before serving.
How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and hot, toss in your chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and fragrant—this usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes. Adding garlic at this stage and cooking for just one more minute is key to releasing its aromatic goodness without any bitterness.
Step 2: Add Rice and Broth
Next, stir in the wild rice blend along with the broth, dried thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and allow the rice to cook until tender, which generally takes 45 to 50 minutes. This slow simmer gives the flavors a chance to mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Incorporate the Turkey
Once the rice is tender, add your cooked turkey pieces to the pot and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. This step warms the turkey through and lets its flavor meld with the rich broth to make every bite comforting and satisfying.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Finish
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until completely smooth. Slowly pour this creamy mixture into your soup while stirring gently. Simmer the soup uncovered for 5 to 10 more minutes, watching it thicken slightly to a luscious consistency that will coat your spoon perfectly.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a colorful, herbaceous touch that brightens every spoonful.
How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley or a few cracked black pepper twists right before serving can make your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe look and taste even more inviting. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread invites a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy texture. A light green salad with tangy vinaigrette also brightens the meal and balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with cinnamon sticks on the side or ladle it into hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a festive autumn twist. You can also offer toppings like toasted pecans or crispy bacon bits separately, allowing guests to customize their bowls for added texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the rice from absorbing too much liquid, which can sometimes make it mushy.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture and flavors.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can alter the texture of the rice and cream.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this soup?
Absolutely! Chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and creates a similarly comforting and flavorful soup if turkey is not available.
Is it necessary to use wild rice, or can I substitute another type?
Wild rice is preferred for its unique texture and nutty flavor, but you can use brown rice or a rice blend if wild rice is hard to find. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Simply skip the heavy cream or replace it with coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative, which will keep the soup creamy without dairy.
Does the soup thicken as it sits?
Yes, the soup will naturally thicken over time, especially because of the rice and cream. You can add extra broth or water when reheating to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a crowd?
Definitely! This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Just reheat gently and serve with your favorite garnishes.
Final Thoughts
Making this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug from the inside out. It’s humble yet hearty, creamy but light, and bursting with layers of flavor that remind you why homemade soup is such a soul-satisfying classic. Whether you’re hoping to transform leftover turkey or just want a new weeknight favorite, this soup is an absolute winner you will return to time and again. So grab your ingredients, cozy up in the kitchen, and dive into a bowlful of comfort!
Print
Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free Option
Description
This comforting Turkey Wild Rice Soup combines tender leftover turkey, hearty wild rice, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, finished with a creamy touch. Perfect for using up turkey leftovers or enjoying a warm, wholesome meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Creamy Soup (Optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked wild rice blend, then pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Turkey: Stir in the cooked turkey pieces and continue simmering the soup uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to heat the turkey through.
- Thicken Soup (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream together with the all-purpose flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step is optional but adds a creamy consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- You can use leftover roast turkey or substitute cooked chicken for this soup.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream or substitute with coconut milk.
- The soup will thicken as it sits; add extra broth when reheating if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
