Print

Cozy Leftover Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: Easy Family Favorite

leftover turkey and wild rice soup - featured image
Print Recipe

This hearty and comforting soup is the perfect way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays. Made with wild rice, vegetables, and a creamy broth, it’s a family-friendly meal that comes together in about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper)
  • 6 cups chicken or turkey broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra black pepper (for serving)
  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables have softened.
  2. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Slowly pour in the broth, stirring to incorporate the flour mixture. Add the rinsed wild rice and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, until the rice is tender.
  5. Stir in the shredded turkey and heavy cream. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer and heat through for about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil after adding the cream.
  6. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra black pepper. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, omit the flour or use a gluten-free all-purpose blend. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. When reheating, add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover turkey soup, wild rice soup, turkey and wild rice soup, creamy turkey soup, easy turkey soup, post-Thanksgiving soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/cozy-leftover-turkey-and-wild-rice-soup-easy-family-favorite/