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Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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5 from 88 reviews

This comforting Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Combining tender chunks of turkey, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a creamy, savory broth enhanced with white wine and thyme, this soup offers both richness and warmth. It’s a satisfying meal ideal for chilly days and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 rib celery, diced (optional)

Rice & Herbs

  • 1 cup dry wild rice or wild rice blend
  • ¼ tsp baking soda (see notes)
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Liquids

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (¼ stick)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup dry white wine (a good, drinkable wine)
  • 4-5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth, divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute coconut milk for dairy-free)

Protein

  • 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded

Seasonings

  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery (if using). Sauté the vegetables until they become fragrant and begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Toast the Rice: Add the dry wild rice and baking soda to the pot with the vegetables. Stir and toast the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor and help soften it.
  3. Add Herbs and Wine: Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, then pour in the dry white wine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and marry the flavors.
  4. Add Broth and Season: Pour in 4 cups of the low-sodium chicken or turkey broth and add the kosher salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes or until the wild rice is tender, adding more broth if necessary.
  5. Add Turkey and Cream: Stir in the cooked turkey and heavy cream (or coconut milk). Heat through gently over medium-low heat, making sure not to boil the soup once the cream is added to prevent curdling, about 5-10 minutes.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, enjoying the creamy texture and comforting flavors.

Notes

  • The baking soda helps soften the wild rice during cooking but use sparingly to avoid altering the flavor.
  • You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, which will slightly change the flavor but maintain creaminess.
  • For a richer broth, use homemade turkey broth if available.
  • If the soup thickens too much, add extra broth or water to reach desired consistency.