Description

Dive into the cozy embrace of fall with our Ultimate Autumn Turkey and Wild Rice Soup! As the leaves turn vibrant and the air grows crisp, this hearty soup becomes your ideal companion. Infused with the earthy goodness of wild rice, tender turkey, and an array of autumn vegetables, each spoonful promises warmth and comfort. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this soup will elevate your seasonal culinary experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
8 cups chicken or turkey stock
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Stock

Pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Add the rinsed wild rice and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook until the rice is tender, around 40-45 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Turkey and Seasonings

Stir in the cooked turkey, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Cream

Add the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the soup to heat through without boiling, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the flavors of fall in every bowl!

Notes

Choosing Your Stock

The stock you choose can greatly affect the flavor of your soup. Homemade stock tends to have a richer taste, but store-bought stock can be a convenient alternative. If you want a more robust flavor, opt for turkey stock over chicken stock to enhance the dish’s depth.

Using Leftover Turkey

This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey, especially after a big holiday meal. The key is to use moist and tender turkey meat to ensure your soup stays juicy and not dry. If the turkey has dried out, consider adding a bit extra cream to restore moisture.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to modify the vegetables to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Other great options include diced sweet potatoes, parsnips, or squash, which can add extra sweetness and texture to the soup without overpowering the flavors.

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free version of this soup, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. This substitution will alter the taste slightly, giving the soup a nutty flavor, but will still maintain its creamy consistency.

Storing and Freezing

This soup is ideal for making in large batches and storing. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, especially if using cream, do so slowly over low heat to prevent curdling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour