Description

Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a warm, hearty, and nourishing soup that transforms leftover turkey into a flavorful and comforting meal. Packed with wholesome wild rice, fresh vegetables, savory broth, and optional cream, this recipe is quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for using up leftovers in a delicious way.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped

Rice

1 cup wild rice

Vegetables

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

6 cups chicken or turkey broth
1/2 cup cream or milk (optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Other

1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil for sautéing

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop onions, carrots, and celery. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté these vegetables until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the flavorful foundation for your soup.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for another minute until the garlic releases its aroma but does not brown, enhancing the soup’s depth.
Pour in Broth and Wild Rice: Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the pot and bring it to a simmer. Add wild rice, cover, and let it cook gently for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still slightly chewy.
Incorporate Turkey and Seasonings: Add the shredded leftover turkey to the pot along with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to heat through for 5-7 minutes, letting the turkey absorb the broth’s warmth and flavor.
Stir in Cream (Optional) and Finish: If you want a creamy twist, stir in a splash of cream or milk now. Finish with a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Use quality homemade or good-quality store-bought broth for richer flavor.
Aim to cook wild rice tender yet slightly chewy for the best texture.
Add leftover turkey at the end to keep it moist and tender.
If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
Fresh thyme and parsley brighten and complement the soup beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 240
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: leftover turkey recipe, wild rice soup, leftover soup, turkey soup, easy weeknight soup, comforting soup, gluten free soup