If you’re craving a comforting, hearty bowl that brings warmth with every spoonful, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful blend of tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and fragrant herbs simmered in a luscious broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re using leftover turkey or fresh meat, this soup fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or anytime you want to cozy up with something delicious. Trust me, once you try this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe, it’ll quickly become a cherished family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for an unforgettable soup. Each one plays its role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, or brightening up the color to make your bowl truly delightful.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a rich base to sauté vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings a savory, aromatic depth that forms the flavor foundation.
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced: Provide subtle sweetness and vibrant color for a visually appealing dish.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Add a refreshing crunch and balance to the sweetness of carrots and onion.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Impart bold, fragrant notes that lift the entire soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy, herbal undertones that complement the turkey beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Gives a piney, aromatic touch perfect for warming dishes.
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice: Delivers a chewy texture and nutty flavor distinctive to this soup.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth: Forms the savory, comforting liquid that binds everything together.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced: The star ingredient that makes this soup hearty and protein-packed.
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half: Creates a luscious creaminess, softening and enriching the broth.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional): Helps thicken the soup for those who like it a little more substantial.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight and balance flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a bright, fresh finish as a garnish.
How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and sauté them for about 5 to 6 minutes. You’re aiming for softened, slightly caramelized veggies that bring sweetness and depth to your soup’s base.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary, letting them cook for just one more minute. This step allows the herbs and garlic to release their fragrant oils, infusing the dish with an irresistible aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Cook the Wild Rice
Next, add the uncooked wild rice to the pot along with the broth. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender but still pleasantly chewy—this adds wonderful texture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Turkey
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded or diced cooked turkey. This step brings heartiness to the soup, making every spoonful nourishing and comforting, especially when using leftover turkey to reduce waste.
Step 5: Make it Creamy (Optional)
If you prefer a creamy soup, whisk the flour into the milk or half-and-half before stirring it into the pot. Cook the mixture for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly and develop that rich, velvety texture.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of color and a hint of freshness before serving.
How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, adding a burst of color and a light, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. You can also sprinkle some cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully alongside crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings a crisp contrast, creating a well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, rustic touch perfect for entertaining. You could also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added indulgence and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals during busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent curdling, especially if your soup is creamy. Stir frequently until heated through, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice, but wild rice adds a distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements turkey wonderfully. White rice will make the soup less textured but still tasty.
What if I don’t have leftover turkey?
No problem! Rotisserie chicken or even cooked leftover chicken works just as well in this recipe, making it very flexible and convenient.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, or skip the creamy step altogether for a delicious dairy-free version.
Can I make the soup thicker without using flour?
Definitely. You can mash some of the cooked vegetables before adding the turkey to naturally thicken the soup without flour.
How long does wild rice usually take to cook?
Wild rice typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes to become tender, which is why this soup simmers for nearly an hour to develop perfect texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s straightforward to make and incredibly satisfying, a perfect way to transform leftover turkey into something spectacular. I hope you give it a try soon and make it a regular in your kitchen rotation—the delicious results speak for themselves!
Print
Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Turkey Wild Rice Soup made with tender turkey, nutritious wild rice, and a medley of sautéed vegetables simmered in flavorful broth. This creamy, gluten-free soup is perfect for using up leftover turkey and offers a warming meal ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
Creamy Soup Base
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery stalks, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Cook Wild Rice: Add the uncooked wild rice and pour in the low-sodium chicken or turkey broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the pot and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Add Turkey: Stir in the cooked shredded or diced turkey, allowing it to warm through in the soup.
- Create Creamy Base (Optional): For a creamier texture, whisk the all-purpose flour into the milk or half-and-half until smooth, then stir this mixture into the soup. Continue to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This soup works wonderfully with leftover Thanksgiving turkey or rotisserie chicken as a substitute.
- For a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based milk or omit the creamy step entirely.
- If you prefer a thicker soup without using flour, mash a few of the cooked vegetables before adding the turkey.
- Wild rice offers a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making this soup both hearty and nutritious.
