If you’re looking for a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender chunks of turkey, nutty wild rice, and a silky creamy broth infused with fresh herbs and a splash of white wine, creating a hearty meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. This soup is perfect for using up leftover turkey while treating yourself to a luxurious, homemade dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe comes from its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and color—from the sweetness of carrots to the earthiness of wild rice and the richness of cream. Having quality basics makes all the difference!
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Adds a gentle richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Balances the butter and offers a subtle fruity note.
- Yellow onion (½, diced): Provides a savory base that softens and sweetens as it cooks.
- Carrots (3, peeled and chopped): Bring sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery rib (1, diced, optional): Gives a mild aromatic crunch that deepens the broth.
- Dry wild rice (1 cup): Adds a hearty, chewy texture and nutty flavor that’s signature in this soup.
- Baking soda (¼ tsp): Helps soften the wild rice faster without losing its bite.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tbsp): Infuses a lovely herbal aroma that brightens the soup.
- Dry white wine (½ cup): Lends acidity and complexity, elevating the overall flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (4-5 cups): The liquid backbone that brings everything together — lower sodium lets you control saltiness.
- Kosher salt (1½ tsp): Essential for seasoning and boosting the natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle spice kick without overpowering.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a silky, indulgent texture; for dairy-free options, substitute with coconut milk.
- Cooked turkey (3 cups, chopped or shredded): The star protein that makes the soup robust and fulfilling.
How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Start by warming your large Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the butter and olive oil. This combination gives a beautifully rich but balanced fat base to slowly soften your diced onion, chopped carrots, celery if using, and dry wild rice. Cooking them together for 6 to 8 minutes helps the veggies become tender and releases the rice’s nutty aroma as it starts to pop slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure everything is evenly cooked and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Baking Soda, Thyme, and Wine
This might seem like a surprising step, but adding a small amount of baking soda speeds up the softening of wild rice by breaking down its tough outer layer. Right after, toss in fresh thyme leaves and pour in your dry white wine. Don’t skip the wine — it adds a lovely brightness and depth that complements the earthiness of the rice and hearty turkey. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring to meld these flavors together.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in 4 cups of your low-sodium broth, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce to a low simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 30 minutes, then check the rice’s tenderness. If it still feels too firm for your liking, keep simmering with the lid on for another 10 minutes. This slow simmer allows the rice to fully absorb the flavors without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Turkey, Then Thicken
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream along with your chopped or shredded turkey. Allow the soup to cook uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes, which thickens the broth while gently melding the creamy texture with the turkey pieces. If you prefer a thicker consistency, whisk together 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch with ¼ cup cold heavy cream, then stir this slurry into the soup. Bring it to a boil briefly and reduce heat again to let it thicken perfectly. If your soup feels too thick, simply add an extra cup of broth to balance it out.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Before serving, taste and adjust with extra kosher salt and black pepper if needed. This final seasoning step is key to making your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe shine with lively yet comforting flavors.
How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. For a little extra indulgence, you can also add a swirl of cream or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, which are perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or round bread bowls. This not only elevates your meal visually but keeps the soup warm longer, making for a cozy, inviting dining experience especially during fall or winter gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it an even tastier treat the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe for a later date, freezing works well. Cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Just remember that wild rice can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing, so it’s best for reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick after reheating, stir in a little extra broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency. Avoid reheating in high heat to maintain the creamy texture and prevent curdling.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice makes a tasty substitute if you can’t find wild rice. Keep in mind it has a softer texture and medium cooking time, so adjust simmering accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, you can swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to keep the soup creamy without dairy. It will give a slightly different but delicious flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace turkey with hearty mushrooms or tofu. The wild rice and veggies still provide plenty of satisfying texture.
How long does cooking wild rice usually take?
Unchecked wild rice can take up to an hour to soften, but the baking soda in this recipe helps speed that up to about 30-40 minutes of simmering, making it a weeknight-friendly meal.
What can I do if my soup is too thin?
To thicken your soup, whisk in a flour or cornstarch slurry mixed with cold cream or broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil and simmer until thickened to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a true labor of love and comfort that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas. It’s perfect for cozy nights, leftover turkey makeover, or anytime you crave something both nourishing and indulgently creamy. Open up your pot, savor the layers of flavor, and share this delicious tradition with the people you love. I promise it’ll become a cherished classic in your recipe box!
Print
Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a comforting blend of tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a creamy broth infused with thyme and white wine. Perfect for using up leftover turkey, this soup offers a rich, satisfying meal that balances earthy flavors and creamy texture, making it an ideal dish for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 rib celery, diced (optional)
- 1 cup dry wild rice or wild rice blend
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ cup dry white wine (drinkable quality)
Broth and Seasonings
- 4–5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth, divided
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free version)
- 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
Instructions
- Heat the Base: Warm a large Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the butter along with the olive oil to create a flavorful cooking base.
- Sauté Vegetables and Rice: Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, celery (if using), and dry wild rice. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables have softened and the rice begins to pop for a nutty aroma.
- Deglaze and Flavor: Stir in the baking soda, fresh thyme leaves, and pour in the dry white wine. Cook for 1 minute while stirring frequently to blend the flavors and reduce the wine slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour 4 cups of the broth into the pot, then season with kosher salt and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Check the rice’s texture; if it’s not soft, continue cooking for another 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Add Cream and Turkey, Reduce Soup: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and cooked turkey. Simmer uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes allowing the soup to thicken and flavors to meld. If the soup is too thin, whisk together 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch with ¼ cup cold heavy cream and add it, bringing the mixture just to a boil before reducing heat to low. If the soup gets too thick, dilute with an extra cup of broth to reach desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level better.
- Baking soda helps soften the wild rice and improve texture.
- If the soup thickens too much when adding cream and turkey, gradually add broth to loosen it.
- Leftover turkey works perfectly in this soup, making it a great post-holiday recipe.
