Go Back
Turkey Wild Rice Soup: Easy Leftover Recipe

Turkey Wild Rice Soup: Easy Leftover Recipe

This cozy soup turns leftover turkey into something special! Wild rice, fresh veggies, and cream make it hearty, delicious, and perfect for chilly days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Rinse wild rice under cold water using a strainer. This removes dirt and makes it taste better and cleaner.
  • Melt butter in your big pot over medium heat. Wait until it gets foamy and smells really good all over.
  • Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 6-7 minutes until soft. Stir them around so they don't stick.
  • Throw in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir constantly so the garlic doesn't burn at all on the bottom.
  • Add wild rice, broth, and thyme to the pot. Turn the heat to high and bring it to a big rolling boil.
  • Turn the heat to low, put the lid on, and simmer 40-45 minutes. The rice should get tender and a bit chewy.
  • Stir in shredded turkey and simmer 10 more minutes. This heats the turkey all the way through nicely and evenly.
  • Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and don't let it boil. Boiling will make the cream look weird and separated.
  • Take it off the heat and let it rest 5 minutes. This helps all those yummy flavors blend together really nicely.
  • Scoop into bowls, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and serve hot. Grab some bread or salad to go with it!

Notes

  • Wild rice cooking time varies by brand. Taste it while cooking to check if it's done and tender enough.
  • Homemade turkey stock from the bones gives a deeper flavor. It's way better than the store-bought kind if you can.
  • Soup gets thicker when it sits in the fridge overnight. Just add more broth when you reheat it tomorrow for perfect consistency.
  • Dark turkey meat tastes richer than white meat. Or mix both kinds together for the very best flavor and texture.
  • Try adding white wine to the broth for a fancy flavor. Just a splash makes it taste extra special and delicious!