This creamy turkey wild rice soup is warm and comforting. It’s packed with tender turkey, hearty wild rice, and veggies all in a deliciously creamy broth. Perfect for chilly days!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this soup. I love serving it with crusty bread on the side—dipping is totally allowed! It feels like a warm hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey works best for this soup. If you don’t have any, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute! You could even use canned chicken in a pinch.
Wild Rice: This is the star of the soup, offering a nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you can’t find wild rice, brown rice or a rice blend can work too, but cooking times may vary.
Broth: Chicken or turkey broth adds depth. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth; just note that the flavor will change slightly.
Vegetables: The traditional mix includes carrots, onion, and celery. You can toss in other veggies like bell peppers, peas, or corn if you prefer.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter version, whole milk or a non-dairy substitute like almond or oat milk can be used, but it won’t be as rich.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Vegetables?
Getting the right flavor from your vegetables is essential for a hearty soup. Sautéeing them properly is key!
- Start by heating your pot over medium heat.
- Add butter, and once it’s melted, toss in your chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Make sure to stir occasionally! This will build a lovely base of flavor for your soup.
- Don’t forget the garlic! Add it last to keep its flavor powerful.
By taking this time, you create a delicious foundation for your creamy soup! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, diced (preferably leftover roasted turkey)
- 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp dried sage (or 1 tsp fresh)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making this creamy turkey wild rice soup will take about 60 minutes in total. This includes 50 minutes for cooking the rice, plus about 10-15 minutes to sauté the vegetables and combine everything. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Wild Rice:
Start by rinsing the wild rice blend under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 3 cups of broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and mushrooms if you’re using them. Cook while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and sage. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let those lovely flavors release. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
4. Create the Base:
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat them. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly. This will help eliminate any raw flour taste and thicken your soup later.
5. Add Broth and Thicken:
Slowly pour in the remaining 3 cups of broth while whisking continuously. This will help prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Make It Creamy:
Stir in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to simmer gently. Be careful not to boil it, as we want a smooth, creamy texture!
7. Combine and Heat:
Add the cooked wild rice and diced turkey to the pot. Stir everything together and heat through for about 5-10 minutes. The soup should be hot and hearty by now!
8. Season and Serve:
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs and some crusty bread on the side if you like.
And there you have it! A deliciously creamy turkey wild rice soup that will warm you up on any chilly day. Enjoy your cooking and every comforting spoonful! 😊
Can I Use Leftover Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted chicken works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup. It’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Wild Rice?
If you can’t find wild rice, a brown rice blend or even white rice can be used as an alternative. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Brown rice will take longer to cook than white rice!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a little extra broth or water.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the turkey with cooked chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Leave out the heavy cream or use a plant-based version for a creamy texture without dairy.
