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Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 87 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.