There is something incredibly comforting about a bowl of hearty soup, especially one that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe captures that feeling perfectly with its rich, creamy broth, tender turkey, and nutty wild rice that adds an irresistible texture. This soup is like a celebration of Thanksgiving leftovers done right, offering a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and comforting. Whether you’re in the middle of a chilly day or just craving a bowl of something soul-soothing, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, whole ingredients is what makes this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, enhancing the flavor, texture, or color. From the fragrant thyme to the creamy finishing touch of heavy cream, the balance here is just right and surprisingly easy to achieve.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, silky base for sautéing vegetables, bringing depth to the soup.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to gently cook the aromatics without burning, adding a fruity note.
- Yellow onion (½, diced): Delivers sweetness and a savory foundation for the broth.
- Carrots (3, peeled and chopped): Contribute a vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Celery (1 rib, diced, optional): Offers crunch and a subtle herbal earthiness that complements the thyme.
- Dry wild rice (1 cup): The star grain that gives this soup its distinctive chewy texture and lovely nutty flavor.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Helps soften the wild rice quicker while maintaining its bite.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Infuse the broth with a lovely, fragrant herbal note.
- Dry white wine (½ cup): Adds a nuanced acidity and brightness that elevates the overall flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (4-5 cups): Forms the hearty liquid base, keeping the soup balanced and flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
- Kosher salt (1½ teaspoons): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle touch of warmth and depth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the soup its creamy richness without heaviness.
- Cooked turkey (3 cups, chopped or shredded): Tender, savory protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter with olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the mixture is warm and fragrant, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery if using. Sauté these until they become tender and slightly caramelized, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the soup’s rich, homey flavor foundation.
Step 2: Toast the Wild Rice
Stir in the dry wild rice and baking soda, allowing them to toast lightly in the veggies and fat for a minute or two. Toasting the rice enhances its natural nuttiness and lays the groundwork for the chewy texture that’s so signature to this soup.
Step 3: Add Thyme and Wine
Sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves, then pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom to capture all those gorgeous flavors. Let the wine simmer for about 3 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the flavor concentrates.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in 4 cups of the chicken or turkey broth, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes or until the wild rice is tender but still slightly chewy. If the rice absorbs too much liquid, add more broth a little at a time.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Turkey
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the chopped or shredded turkey. Heat everything gently until warmed through, avoiding boiling to keep the cream from curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes this is when a little extra salt or pepper really pulls everything together.
How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley on top looks pretty and adds a fresh herbal pop. For a little extra richness, a few grates of sharp Parmesan cheese create a lovely salty contrast. A fresh crack of black pepper elevates the visuals and flavor with ease.
Side Dishes
Serve this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe alongside crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness and bring a bright, fresh balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. It makes each serving feel special and invites guests to dig in with delight. You can also offer toppings bar-style with extras like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making it an even better-tasting lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months and is perfect for busy days when you need a quick, comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the dairy from splitting.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of wild rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! While wild rice gives the soup a distinctive nutty taste and chewy texture, white rice is a great substitute if that’s what you have on hand. Just expect a softer texture and a slightly milder flavor.
Is it okay to use leftover turkey for this soup?
Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly. In fact, this soup is a fantastic way to reinvent those Thanksgiving or roasted turkey leftovers, transforming them into something fresh and comforting.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely. Simply swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a thick cashew cream. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor slightly but still result in a creamy, delicious soup.
How do I make the soup thicker?
If you’d like a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of it with an immersion blender and stir it back in, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I prepare this soup ahead and reheat it successfully?
Yes! This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, satisfying soup that feels like a special occasion wrapped in a cozy bowl, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and comes together with ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you’re cooking up a comforting family meal or using up turkey leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a heartfelt favorite you’ll revisit again and again.
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Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Turkey Wild Rice Soup combines tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a creamy, savory broth. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a cozy dinner, this recipe uses simple ingredients and slow simmering to develop deep flavors. The addition of white wine and fresh thyme adds a sophisticated touch, while the creamy finish makes it wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 rib celery, diced (optional)
- 1 cup dry wild rice or a wild rice blend
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ cup dry white wine (use a good, drinkable wine)
- 4–5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth, divided
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables and Rice: Melt the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery (if using). Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Wild Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the wild rice, baking soda, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the rice lightly and enhance its nutty flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 to 5 cups of low-sodium chicken or turkey broth. Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is tender, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Incorporate Turkey and Cream: Once the rice is cooked, add the chopped or shredded cooked turkey to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Using leftover roasted turkey or cooked turkey breasts works perfectly for this recipe.
- If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Wild rice can take longer to cook depending on the blend; check for tenderness during simmering and add more broth or water if needed.
- Celery is optional, but adds lovely aroma and flavor to the soup.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the broth and baking soda are gluten-free certified.
