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
- 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.