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leftover turkey recipes

Leftover Turkey

Hearty Turkey Wild Rice Soup
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 595 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven (for simmering the soup) (for simmering the soup)
  • 1 Sharp knife (for chopping vegetables) (for chopping vegetables)
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
  • 1 Strainer (for rinsing the wild rice) (for rinsing the wild rice)
  • 1 Ladle (for serving the soup) (for serving the soup)

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup Wild Rice
  • 1 1 Yellow Onion chopped
  • 1 Carrot peeled and chopped
  • 1 Celery Stalks chopped
  • 2 Garlic Cloves
  • 1/2 tps Kosher Salt
  • 1 Black Pepper To Taste
  • 1 tps Poultry Seasoning
  • 1 handful Baby Spinach
  • 2 cups Cooked Turkey
  • 6 cups Turkey or Chicken Stock

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the wild rice under cold water and set aside.
  • Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add seasonings: Stir in the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook for another minute.
  • Cook the rice: Add the rinsed wild rice and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  • Add turkey and spinach: Stir in the shredded turkey and spinach. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the spinach wilts and the turkey is heated through.
  • Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  • Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Video

Notes

 

  1. Storage:
    This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing.
  2. Reheating:
    When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra stock or water if the soup has thickened. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
  3. Wild Rice:
    Wild rice can be a bit more textured and chewy than regular rice. If you don’t have wild rice, you can substitute with brown rice, though the flavor and texture will be different.
  4. Herbs:
    Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage are perfect for adding depth to the soup. If you use dried herbs, you’ll only need about 1/3 of the amount.
  5. Broth:
    For the most flavor, use homemade turkey or chicken broth. If you’re using store-bought broth, opt for a low-sodium version to better control the salt content in the soup.
  6. Vegetable Variations:
    Feel free to customize the soup with other vegetables you may have on hand, such as potatoes, parsnips, or green beans. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
  7. Gluten-Free:
    This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and make sure any additional ingredients, like seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
  8. Make Ahead:
    This soup is a great option for meal prep. You can make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s also a fantastic dish to make in large batches for meal planning.
  9. Vegetarian Option:
    To make this recipe vegetarian, simply swap out the turkey for tofu, chickpeas, or lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of turkey or chicken stock.
  10. Adjusting for Texture:
    If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the soup after cooking, then stir it back into the rest of the soup for a creamier consistency.
Enjoy your hearty and nourishing soup!
Keyword Comfort food, Hearty soup, Leftover turkey recipes, Thanksgiving leftovers, Turkey recipes, Turkey soup, Wild rice soup