Leftover turkey wild rice soup

This leftover turkey wild rice soup turns humble ingredients into a warming, comforting meal perfect for chilly days. It makes great use of turkey you have on hand and transforms it into something fresh and satisfying without much fuss.

I first made this after a big holiday feast to use up leftover turkey and was amazed at how it transformed into a flavorful, cozy soup. It quickly became a regular comfort food when the cold weather sets in.

Ingredients

• Onion: chopped to add a natural sweetness and base for flavor
• Carrots: peeled and chopped contribute subtle earthiness and color
• Celery: chopped brings a classic aromatic crunch to balance the soup
• Olive oil: provides a light, healthy fat that also helps soften the vegetables
• Butter: adds richness and depth to the sautéed mixture for a creamy background note
• Garlic: minced for a punch of savory aroma that awakens the palate
• Italian seasoning: for herbaceous warmth and an easy flavor booster, use quality dried herbs if fresh not available
• Flour: acts as a thickener to give the soup a lovely body, choose all-purpose for smooth mixing
• Chicken broth: as the liquid base, homemade or low-sodium store-bought works well
• Uncooked wild rice: brings chewy texture and a nutty flavor distinct from white rice
• Cooked turkey meat: shredded or chopped, use dark or white meat depending on preference
• Cremini mushrooms: add umami depth and a juicy bite, pick firm mushrooms without spots
• Salt and pepper: to taste for simple seasoning balance
• Heavy or whipping cream: optional to swirl in last for extra silkiness and richness

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

Add olive oil and butter to a large soup pot over medium-high heat& once melted and shimmering, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize, building a flavorful base.

Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Flour:

Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning thoroughly. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove its raw taste, allowing it to brown slightly which enhances the thickening power and flavor.

Incorporate Broth and Rice:

Slowly whisk in chicken broth into the pot, ensuring no lumps remain from the flour. Add uncooked wild rice and stir to distribute evenly. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a full boil.

Simmer Until Rice Cooks:

Once boiling, cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil. Let this cook undisturbed for 15 minutes to give the wild rice time to soften but keep a slight chew.

Add Turkey and Mushrooms:

While soup simmers, prep turkey and slice mushrooms. Add both to the pot and bring the soup back to a boil before reducing heat to a simmer again. Continue cooking covered with the lid slightly ajar for another 15 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and mushrooms are cooked through.

Finish with Cream and Season:

If you want a richer soup, stir in heavy cream at the end to add silkiness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to enhance all the flavors.

One of my favorite things about this soup is how the wild rice stands up to long cooking and remains pleasantly chewy. I remember serving this after holiday dinners with family gathered around, everyone savoring the warmth and familiarity it brings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make a lighter or vegetarian-friendly broth base if you replace turkey with a plant-based protein or extra mushrooms. Brown rice or barley can replace wild rice but will change the cooking time and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or crisp green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme before serving adds fresh herbal brightness that lifts the dish.

This soup makes a perfect comforting meal all year round, with options to tailor to your preferred richness or dietary needs.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftover meat?

Fresh turkey can be cooked separately and added once tender, ensuring it doesn't overcook during simmering.

→ What type of rice works best in this dish?

Wild rice offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor that complements the turkey and vegetables beautifully.

→ Is it necessary to add cream to the soup?

Cream adds a rich, smooth finish but can be omitted for a lighter version without compromising flavor.

→ How do I prevent wild rice from becoming too soft?

Simmer with the lid slightly ajar and monitor cooking times carefully to keep the rice tender but firm.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Flavors deepen when reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers enjoyed the next day.