Authentic Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe – A Must-Try

by Julia
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August 25, 2023

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Indulge in the rustic elegance of Turkey Wild Rice Soup, a hearty symphony of flavors and textures. Tender chunks of turkey mingle with nutty wild rice, creating a satisfying chewiness, while a medley of finely chopped vegetables adds a burst of freshness and color. The creamy broth, delicately seasoned, wraps everything in a warm, flavorful embrace. This soul-soothing bowl is the perfect way to transform leftover turkey into a gourmet experience that’s both comforting and invigorating.

Immerse yourself in the comforting fusion of tradition and health with our Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe. This culinary masterpiece celebrates the authentic flavors of nature.

This recipe will whisk you away on a delectable journey, where tender turkey pieces intertwine with wild rice’s nutty allure, simmered in a soothingly rich broth.

Introduce your taste buds to a symphony of textures wrapped in layers of wholesome warmth that could only come from lovingly prepared home cooking. Not only does this dish provide an exquisite gastronomic experience, but it also taps into the wellness benefits of its main ingredients.

Marvel in the heartiness of turkey, filled with essential nutrients, while wild rice, the undervalued jewel of grains, brings a wealth of fiber and antioxidants to your table.

Our Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a testament to the art of simple yet delightful sustenance, a truly heart-warming dish for every season. Prepare to fall in love, one spoonful at a time.

What Is Turkey Wild Rice Soup?

Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, nutritious dish that combines cooked turkey and wild rice in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s typically made by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots, adding herbs, broth, cooked turkey, and wild rice.

A dash of cream adds a touch of richness. This soup is perfect for using leftover turkey and is an excellent comfort food for cold days. Moreover, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome meal option.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

The Turkey Wild Rice Soup recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:

Keto Replace wild rice with lower-carb vegetables like cauliflower rice. Use heavy cream for added fats.
Paleo Use a grain substitute such as cauliflower rice instead of wild rice. Ensure your broth is Paleo-approved.
Gluten-Free This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as wild rice is not a wheat product. However, make sure your broth is certified gluten-free.
Whole30 Replace the dairy with coconut milk and make sure your broth is Whole30-compliant. Also, skip any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Vegetarian/Vegan Swap the turkey for a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms or butternut squash. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey or chicken broth. For vegans, replace the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

Recipe Directions

Combine the condensed chicken broth, water, finely chopped green onions, and uncooked wild rice in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 35-40 minutes or until the wild rice becomes tender and fully cooked.
While the rice is cooking, take a skillet and cook the slices of bacon until they become nice and crispy. Once done, crumble the bacon into smaller pieces and set it aside for later use.
In a separate saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour, salt, poultry seasoning, and ground black pepper. Let them cook together for a minute or so, creating a roux.
Now, add the half-and-half cream to the roux mixture and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
Once the wild rice is tender, combine the creamy half-and-half mixture with the rice mixture in the pot. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Next, add the crumbled bacon, diced cooked turkey meat, and the delightful dry sherry to the pot, infusing the soup with rich flavors.
Allow the soup to heat through, ensuring all ingredients are nicely blended. The enticing aroma will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant!
Finally, serve the heartwarming Turkey Wild Rice Soup in bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of green onions or some additional bacon bits for an extra indulgence.
This delicious and comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It will surely be a hit with your family and friends.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations: You can swap turkey for chicken or mix both. For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or butternut squash.
Grain Variations: If you prefer different textures, consider mixing wild and brown rice or quinoa.
Add-Ons: Increase the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or kale. For added creaminess, consider a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Spices: Adding herbs like thyme, bay leaf, or rosemary enhances the flavor. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a hint of spice.
Toppings: Serve the soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor. Crispy bacon bits or toasted almond slices can provide a satisfying crunch.
Bread: Pair your soup with crusty bread or a warm baguette, perfect for dipping. Alternatively, serve in a bread bowl for a fun and hearty meal.

Can I Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

The Turkey Wild Rice Soup recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker and an Instant Pot. Here are the basics:

Slow Cooker

Combine all the ingredients except dairy and thickening agents in your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
About half an hour before serving, prepare your roux on the stovetop with margarine, flour, and half-and-half. Once it’s thickened, stir it into the slow cooker along with the turkey and any final seasonings.
Cook on high for another 30 minutes or until everything is heated through.

Instant Pot

Use the sauté function to cook your bacon, then remove and set aside. In the bacon grease, sauté your onions.
Add your broth, water, turkey, wild rice, and seasonings to the pot.
Close and lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes.
Quickly release the pressure. Turn the Instant Pot back to the sauté function, and stir in your roux (made from margarine, flour, and half-and-half on the stovetop). Also, add in your bacon and any final adjustments.
Continue to sauté until the soup is heated and has reached your desired consistency.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broth can be used in the Turkey Wild Rice Soup recipe, each with its advantages.

Store-Bought Broth

It’s convenient, easy to use, and saves time. You can choose from a variety of options available, such as low-sodium or organic. However, it’s essential to check the labels for additives or high sodium content.
Store-bought broth can sometimes lack the depth of flavor compared to homemade.

Homemade Broth

Making your broth allows you to control the ingredients and the flavor.
Homemade broth is typically richer in flavor and more nutritious as it extracts minerals from the bones during the simmering process. However, it is time-consuming and requires planning.

How To Serve ?

Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread or dinner rolls. The bread is excellent for dipping into the soup and adds a delightful contrasting texture.
Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh, crisp salad. The salad’s lightness will complement the soup’s heartiness, creating a balanced meal.
Toppings: Add a sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top of the soup just before serving. You could also add freshly ground black pepper or a sprinkle of cheese.
Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine with your meal, a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio could pair well with this soup.
Presentation: Serve the soup in warm bowls to maintain its temperature. Consider using soup bowls with handles for a rustic look.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Warm, crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad can balance the heartiness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad or a tangy coleslaw for contrast in flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower can add a nice textural contrast and enhance the meal’s nutritional profile.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For an ultra-comforting meal, serve the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The rich melted cheese pairs beautifully with the soup.
Quiche or Frittata: A light quiche or frittata can be a delightful accompaniment, making the meal even more filling.

Storage & Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste.
Freezing: Soups with wild rice can be frozen successfully. Freeze in portions for easy reheating, ensuring you leave some space in the container for expansion during freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base and freeze it without the addition of cooked rice. Cook the rice separately and add it when reheating. This ensures the rice maintains its texture, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Fresh Garnishes: Add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon just before serving to brighten up the flavors. Store these separately to maintain their vibrancy.
Flavor Development: Letting the soup rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Leftovers of Turkey Wild Rice Soup are versatile and can be repurposed in several ways to create new meals:

Casserole: Use leftover soup as the base for a casserole. Add cooked vegetables, pasta, or even more protein, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Stuffed Peppers: Reduce the soup until thick, then use it as a filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake.
Pot Pie: Use the soup as the filling for a quick pot pie. Top with puff pastry and bake until golden.
Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup until thick and use it as a sauce for pasta. Add extra veggies or cooked turkey if desired.
Tacos or Wraps: Thicken the soup and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.

TIPS

Grain Variety: Elevate your Turkey Wild Rice Soup by incorporating a mix of wild rice varieties for a dynamic texture and nutty flavor.
Herb Fusion: Infuse a burst of freshness by blending thyme, sage, and rosemary, creating a herbaceous symphony that complements the rich turkey.
Citrus Twist: Add a surprising twist with a squeeze of orange or lemon juice just before serving for a citrusy zing that brightens up the soup.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds as a topping to introduce a delightful crunch, adding depth to every spoonful.
Cheese Elegance: Garnish with a dollop of smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar to impart a creamy, savory finish.