Description
Warm up with a bowl of creamy, comforting turkey wild rice soup. Packed with tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and hearty vegetables, this soul-soothing soup is perfect for using up leftovers or creating a delicious meal from scratch.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 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, rinsed
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 4–5 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth, divided
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery (if using). Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove excess starch. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. - Toast the Wild Rice:
Add the rinsed wild rice and baking soda to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice in the butter and oil. Let it toast for 1–2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor. - Deglaze the Pot with White Wine:
Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off. - Add Broth and Seasonings:
Stir in 4 cups of chicken or turkey broth, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender. - Incorporate the Turkey and Cream:
Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the cooked turkey and heavy cream. If the soup is too thick, add an additional cup of broth to reach your desired consistency. - Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Leftover Friendly: This recipe is ideal for leftover turkey, but you can also use cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the consistency.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the cream for up to 3 months. Add the cream after reheating.
- Baking Soda Tip: Adding a small amount of baking soda helps tenderize the wild rice and reduces its cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: American