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Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
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Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that transforms simple leftover turkey and wholesome wild rice into a rich, warming bowl perfect for cozy evenings. Nutritious and filling, this soup combines tender turkey, chewy wild rice, classic aromatics, and fresh herbs to deliver a flavorful and satisfying dish that reduces food waste while delighting the palate. Easily customizable, it works well for any season and is a wonderful way to enjoy holiday or weeknight leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

Grains

  • 1 cup wild rice, rinsed

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or substitute rosemary or sage)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced celery, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, building a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Add Broth and Wild Rice: Pour in 6 cups of chicken or turkey broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the rinsed wild rice, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Incorporate Leftover Turkey and Herbs: Once the wild rice is cooked, stir in the shredded or diced leftover turkey along with fresh thyme (or your preferred herbs). Warm the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld without boiling, keeping the turkey tender.
  4. Finish with Cream (Optional): If a creamier soup is desired, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk now. Heat just until combined without boiling to maintain a smooth, rich texture.
  5. Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Optionally, squeeze a bit of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or crispy fried onions as desired.

Notes

  • Prepare wild rice separately in broth beforehand to better control texture.
  • Use homemade turkey or chicken broth if possible to enhance flavor.
  • Add turkey near the end of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
  • Sauté vegetables thoroughly and use fresh herbs to layer flavors deeply.
  • For a thicker soup, reduce broth slightly before adding the turkey.
  • Dairy-free option: omit cream or use coconut milk or plant-based alternatives.
  • Vegetarian alternative: replace turkey with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
  • Gluten-free check: confirm broth is gluten-free and avoid flour or other thickeners.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover turkey soup, wild rice soup, turkey recipe, leftover recipe, hearty soup, gluten free soup, comfort food, easy turkey soup

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