Smoked Turkey Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Classic

This Smoked Turkey Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with smoky turkey flavor, chewy wild rice, and tender vegetables. Perfect for using leftover smoked turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, or anytime you crave a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness. This recipe is easy to adapt, allowing you to customize the ingredients to your liking. Get ready to cozy up with a delicious and nourishing soup that will warm you from the inside out!

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Turkey Wild Rice Soup

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of smoked turkey, wild rice, and aromatic vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Comfort Food at its Finest:** This soup is the epitome of comfort food, providing a warm and satisfying experience on a chilly day.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** It’s a fantastic way to use leftover smoked turkey, preventing food waste and transforming it into a delicious new meal.
* **Customizable:** The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust the vegetables, herbs, and spices to your preferences.
* **Relatively Healthy:** Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup is a nutritious and wholesome meal.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its complex flavor profile, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Smoked Turkey:** The star of the show! Leftover smoked turkey is ideal, but you can also purchase smoked turkey breast or legs specifically for this recipe. About 4-6 cups of shredded or diced smoked turkey is perfect. The amount can be adjusted to preference.
* **Wild Rice:** This nutty and chewy grain adds a unique texture and flavor to the soup. Use a blend of wild rice and other long-grain rice for a more complex flavor profile, or stick with pure wild rice. Approximately 1 cup of uncooked wild rice is needed.
* **Vegetables:** A combination of aromatic vegetables forms the base of the soup. These typically include:
* **Onion:** Adds a savory and aromatic foundation.
* **Celery:** Provides a subtle, fresh flavor and crunch.
* **Carrots:** Contribute sweetness and color.
* **Garlic:** Enhances the overall flavor and adds a pungent kick.
* **Broth:** Chicken broth or turkey broth is the liquid base of the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
* **Cream/Milk:** Heavy cream or half-and-half adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can also use milk for a lighter option, but the texture won’t be as thick. For a dairy-free option, consider coconut cream or cashew cream.
* **Butter or Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
* **All-Purpose Flour (Optional):** A small amount of flour can be used as a thickening agent. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot starch for a gluten-free option.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Fresh or dried herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the flavor. Common choices include:
* **Thyme:** Earthy and aromatic.
* **Bay Leaf:** Infuses a subtle, savory flavor.
* **Parsley:** Adds freshness and a pop of color.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning.
* **Other Options:** Consider adding rosemary, sage, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
* **Sherry (Optional):** A splash of dry sherry adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the other flavors.

Equipment Needed

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the soup.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and turkey.
* **Knife:** For chopping.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Wild Rice**

* Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water. This removes any excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy.
* In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice with 3 cups of chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has split open. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of wild rice you are using, so check it periodically.
* Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and set the wild rice aside.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Melt butter or heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Create the Roux (Optional)**

* If using flour as a thickening agent, sprinkle it over the sautéed vegetables.
* Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux. This will help thicken the soup. Make sure the flour is fully incorporated and doesn’t clump together.

**Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer**

* Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or turkey broth), stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you didn’t make a roux, just pour in the broth.
* Add the bay leaf and thyme (or other desired herbs). Bring the soup to a simmer.
* Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

**Step 5: Add Smoked Turkey and Wild Rice**

* Stir in the shredded or diced smoked turkey and the cooked wild rice.
* Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the wild rice is well incorporated.

**Step 6: Add Cream/Milk (Optional)**

* If using cream or milk, stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of simmering. Do not boil the soup after adding the cream, as it may curdle.

**Step 7: Season and Serve**

* Remove the bay leaf.
* Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content, as smoked turkey can be quite salty.
* Add a splash of dry sherry (if using).
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Smoked Turkey Wild Rice Soup

* **Use High-Quality Smoked Turkey:** The flavor of the smoked turkey is crucial to the overall taste of the soup. Choose a high-quality smoked turkey from a reputable source.
* **Don’t Overcook the Wild Rice:** Overcooked wild rice can become mushy. Keep a close eye on it while it’s simmering and check it periodically for doneness.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more flour or cornstarch. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** Simmering the soup for an extended period allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. Don’t rush the process.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the soup frequently throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt, pepper, and herbs can make a big difference in the final flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Dairy-Free:** Use coconut cream, cashew cream, or almond milk instead of dairy cream. You can also omit the cream altogether and the soup will still be delicious.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use cornstarch or arrowroot starch instead of flour as a thickening agent. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute smoked tofu or smoked mushrooms for the smoked turkey. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, green beans, peas, corn, or spinach.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Rosemary, sage, oregano, and smoked paprika are all great options.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve with crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
* Top with fresh parsley, chives, or croutons.
* Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
* Pair with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort food combination.
* Enjoy as a starter or main course.

Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Card

**Smoked Turkey Wild Rice Soup**

A hearty and flavorful soup perfect for using leftover smoked turkey. This recipe features chewy wild rice, tender vegetables, and a creamy broth.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 1 hour 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup uncooked wild rice
* 8 cups chicken broth (divided)
* 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional)
* 4 cups shredded or diced smoked turkey
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* 1/4 cup dry Sherry (Optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Rinse wild rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine wild rice with 3 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until rice is tender. Drain excess liquid and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add garlic; sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. (Optional) Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Slowly pour in remaining 5 cups chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add bay leaf and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Stir in smoked turkey and cooked wild rice. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until turkey is heated through.
7. (Optional) Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Do not boil.
8. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Add sherry if you desire
9. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

**Notes:**

* For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Omit it entirely for a thinner soup.
* Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
* Add other vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or corn for added flavor.
* Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

**Enjoy!**

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g

Conclusion

This Smoked Turkey Wild Rice Soup is a delicious and comforting way to use leftover smoked turkey or simply enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. With its rich and smoky flavors, chewy wild rice, and tender vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients and seasonings to your preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a soup that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings!