If you’re craving a bowl of heartwarming comfort packed with wholesome flavors, look no further than this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe. This delightful soup blends tender turkey with nutty wild rice, fresh herbs, and a creamy broth that will warm you from the inside out. It is perfect for cozy evenings when you want something nourishing, satisfying, and a little bit special. Whether you have leftover turkey or are making it from scratch, this recipe is a winner every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet truly essential, each bringing its own magic to this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe. From earthy wild rice to fragrant thyme, they all come together to create a comforting texture and irresistible flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to tender perfection.
- Olive oil: Keeps the soup light while enhancing the sautéed veggies’ flavors.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the soup’s flavor profile.
- Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
- Celery (optional): Adds subtle crunch and an herbaceous note, balancing the sweetness.
- Dry wild rice or wild rice blend: The star grain—nutty, chewy, and hearty, making every spoonful satisfying.
- Baking soda: Helps soften the wild rice so it cooks thoroughly in the soup.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Infuse the soup with a fragrant, earthy hint that complements turkey perfectly.
- Dry white wine: Adds brightness and depth; go for a drinkable variety you enjoy.
- Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- Kosher salt: Seasons the soup just right without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and layers of complexity.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious texture and rounds out the taste brilliantly.
- Cooked turkey: Tender protein that makes this soup hearty and fulfilling, perfect for using up leftovers.
How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the unsalted butter together with the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Wild Rice
Rinse the wild rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch. Add the rice to the pot along with the baking soda and fresh thyme leaves. Stir everything together, allowing the rice to coat with the aromatic oils and veggies.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let it reduce slightly for about 2 minutes, then add 4 cups of low-sodium broth, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for 45 to 50 minutes until the wild rice is tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Turkey and Cream
Once the rice is tender, stir in the cooked turkey and pour in the heavy cream. Add extra broth as needed to reach your desired soup consistency. Warm everything through gently but avoid boiling after adding the cream so it stays silky and smooth.
Step 5: Final Taste and Adjust
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. The flavors should be balanced, with the creamy broth complementing the wild rice and turkey perfectly. Now your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brightens the rich soup beautifully. For a hint of texture, crispy fried shallots or a few toasted almond flakes add a luxurious crunch that contrasts the creamy broth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables rounds out the meal nicely, keeping things light to highlight the soups’ hearty goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out artisan bread bowls. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and garnish each with a swirl of cream and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy dinner party or comforting family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe freezes well. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months and is perfect to have on hand for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover turkey makes this recipe both economical and easy, while still providing rich flavor and hearty texture.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works fine—just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs tend to be more concentrated.
Can I substitute wild rice for another grain?
While wild rice is key for texture and flavor, you can try brown rice or a barley blend if needed. Keep in mind the cooking time and liquid amounts may vary.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative to keep the soup luscious without dairy.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup should be creamy yet pourable, with the wild rice giving it a nice chew. Adjust the broth quantity to get your favorite consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade bowl of Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe that brings warmth and comfort all at once. It’s versatile, hearty, and perfect for turning simple ingredients into a memorable meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy tradition on chilly days!
Print
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 hearty Turkey Wild Rice Soup combines tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth, creating a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days or post-holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 rib celery, diced (optional)
Grains and Rice
- 1 cup dry wild rice or a wild rice blend
Herbs and Spices
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Liquids
- ½ cup dry white wine (use a good, drinkable wine)
- 4–5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth, divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
Protein
- 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large soup pot, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, chopped carrots, and celery (if using). Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Wild Rice and Flavorings: Stir in the dry wild rice and baking soda, mixing thoroughly. Add the fresh thyme leaves and cook for an additional minute to release the aroma of the herbs.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Add 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or turkey broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and cooked through. If the soup becomes too thick, add the remaining 1 cup broth gradually during cooking until desired consistency is reached.
- Season Soup: Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Add Turkey and Cream: Stir in the chopped or shredded cooked turkey and heavy cream. Heat through for another 5-7 minutes, but do not let it boil to avoid curdling the cream.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Using cooked turkey is ideal for this recipe, making it a great way to use leftover turkey from a roast or holiday meal.
- If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but the texture will be less rich.
- Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice; soaking it for a few hours beforehand can help reduce cooking time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and use vegetable broth, though the flavor profile will differ significantly.
- Adjust the amount of broth according to your preferred soup thickness.
