Print

Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

This Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty meal featuring tender turkey, shredded carrots, aromatic herbs, and a luscious cream base combined with a wild rice blend. Perfect for using leftover turkey, this soup is rich in flavor and texture, making it an ideal dish for chilly days or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 3 cups celery, chopped (including leaves)
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 8 large carrots, shredded
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • more fresh herbs for garnish

Dairy & Fats

  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
  • 1 1/2 cups cream

Proteins & Broth

  • 4 cups leftover cooked turkey (mixture of dark and white meat)
  • 4 (31-oz) jars Zoup! Chicken Bone Broth (15 cups)

Dry Goods & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking wild rice blend
  • juice from 1 large lemon (1/4 cup, or to taste)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter: In a very large stock pot, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat to prepare the base for sautéing vegetables.
  2. Chop Celery and Onions: Chop 3 cups celery including the leaves and 2 large onions. Add both to the melted butter in the pot.
  3. Add Seasonings and Sauté: Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon dried poultry seasoning. Sauté the vegetables on medium heat for 13-14 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent and aromatic.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
  5. Incorporate Flour: Sprinkle 1/2 cup all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux and thicken the base.
  6. Slowly Add Broth: Gradually pour in 15 cups chicken bone broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps and create a smooth soup base.
  7. Add Herbs: Add 5 sprigs fresh thyme and 1 bay leaf to the pot for flavor layering.
  8. Prepare Carrots: Peel 8 medium to large carrots and shred them using a food processor or a cheese grater. Add the shredded carrots to the soup.
  9. Bring to Boil: Increase heat to high, cover the pot, and bring the soup to a boil. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over.
  10. Add Turkey and Simmer: Add 4 cups leftover cooked turkey. Lower heat to a simmer (low to medium-low), ensuring slow bubbles, and cook for about 30 minutes until carrots are tender.
  11. Add Wild Rice and Cook: Stir in 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking wild rice blend, bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-30 minutes until the rice is tender.
  12. Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat to very low and stir in 1 1/2 cups cream gently to enrich the soup.
  13. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice to add brightness; adjust to taste starting with 2 tablespoons if preferred milder.
  14. Add Fresh Herbs: Finely chop 1 teaspoon rosemary, 1 tablespoon sage, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Stir into the soup and turn off heat.
  15. Season to Taste: Add additional salt and pepper according to your preferences. Removing herbs stems is essential before serving.
  16. Remove Herb Stems and Serve: Take out bay leaf and thyme sprigs, then serve the soup topped with fresh herbs and an optional drizzle of cream.

Notes

  • Quick-cooking wild rice blends are recommended to reduce cooking time while still imparting the nutty flavor and texture of wild rice.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, finely grate carrots for best texture.
  • Soup freezes well; divide into portions and store for future meals.
  • The lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that balances the creaminess—adjust according to taste.
  • The recipe also includes a slow cooker variation for convenience, adapting the stovetop steps accordingly.

Keywords: Creamy turkey soup, wild rice soup, leftover turkey recipe, comforting soup, autumn soup, holiday leftovers

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/creamy-turkey-wild-rice-soup-recipe/