Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting, and nourishing soup featuring tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in savory broth with herbs and a touch of cream. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a wholesome and soulful meal, this recipe delivers warmth and robust flavors that keep you coming back for more.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2 cups cooked lean turkey, shredded or diced
Grain
- 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
Liquids & Dairy
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter (for sautéing)
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop all vegetables finely including carrots, celery, onion, and mince the garlic. Shred or dice the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the wild rice under cold water to remove any excess starch or debris.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil or butter over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rinsed wild rice and mix with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken or turkey broth and add fresh thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes until the wild rice is tender.
- Incorporate Turkey and Cream: Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded or diced cooked turkey to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream or milk for a subtle creamy finish. Heat through for another 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the steaming Turkey Wild Rice Soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or crispy fried onions if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use homemade broth if possible for deeper flavor.
- Cook wild rice slowly to achieve perfect chewy texture without mushiness.
- Shred turkey finely for better integration with vegetables and rice.
- Add cream gradually and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the soup.
- Stir gently after adding cream and turkey to preserve texture and prevent rice from breaking down.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Turkey soup, wild rice soup, comfort food, hearty soup, gluten free soup, healthy turkey recipe, wild rice, autumn soup