If you are searching for a comforting, hearty, and nutrient-packed meal, this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It beautifully combines tender chunks of cooked turkey with earthy wild rice and savory mushrooms, all simmered in a rich, flavorful turkey broth that warms both the body and soul. Every spoonful is like a cozy hug, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a wholesome homemade soup with simple ingredients that pack a punch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white pot with two handles on a white marbled surface, captured in three side-by-side stages of cooking. In the first stage, there is a layer of browned mushrooms with a rough texture and deep brown color covering the bottom of the pot. In the second stage, wild black rice is added on top of the mushrooms, forming a dark, thin layer in the center with a dry texture, along with a single golden bay leaf visible near the edge. In the third stage, the rice looks wet and glossy, mixed lightly with the mushrooms, and sitting in a shallow layer of brown liquid, with the bay leaf still on top, showing a mix of dark and light colors and soft textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe lies in its wonderfully straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. From the depth brought by mushrooms and the fragrant garlic to the hearty texture of wild rice, every item is carefully chosen to create a vibrant and nourishing bowl of soup.

Olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and enhances the soup’s richness without overpowering the flavors.
Cremini mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Add an earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements the turkey perfectly.
Chopped onion (1 cup): Provides a natural sweetness and foundation to build the soup’s savory base.
Minced garlic (4 cloves): Offers a fragrant punch that awakens the senses in every bite.
Turkey broth (6 cups): The heart and soul of the soup, making every spoonful deeply flavorful and comforting.
Wild rice (¾ cup): Adds a chewy and nutty texture that turns this soup into a satisfying meal.
Bay leaf (1): Infuses the broth with subtle herbal notes to elevate the overall taste.
Cooked turkey (4 cups, cut into bite-size pieces): The star protein that makes this soup hearty and replenishing.
Chopped parsley (¼ cup): Lends a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor to brighten the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every ingredient’s flavor.

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and mushrooms

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. Taking your time here builds a deeply savory base that forms the heart of your Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe.

Step 2: Add broth, rice, and bay leaf

Pour the turkey broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the wild rice and drop in the bay leaf. Lower the heat and simmer with the pot partially covered for about 45 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender but still chewy. This slow simmer allows the rice to absorb all those fantastic umami flavors from the broth and aromatics.

Step 3: Incorporate the turkey and parsley

Stir in the bite-sized cooked turkey pieces and chopped parsley. Let the soup gently simmer for another 10 minutes so the turkey warms through without drying out. At this stage, taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference to bring those layered tastes together perfectly.

How to Serve Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

The image shows three white bowls filled with clear brown mushroom soup. Each bowl contains several sliced mushrooms with a soft, light brown color and pieces of darker mushrooms, all floating in the broth. Green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. Two gold spoons rest inside two of the bowls. Around the bowls, there are soft brown bread rolls, some torn into pieces, placed on a white marbled surface. A white cloth napkin lies partially under one soup bowl, adding texture to the scene. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bright, fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal flavor. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can elevate each bowl into something truly special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette for dunking, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal vegetables that complement its heartiness without overshadowing the soup’s delicate balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party or to impress guests, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls. You could also top it with crispy fried shallots or toasted nuts for an unexpected crunch that brings additional texture to this warm classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making leftovers deliciously satisfying.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Just cool it completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully when you’re ready for a comforting meal.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing. Microwave reheating works well too, but be sure to cover your bowl and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice in this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While wild rice offers a chewy texture and nutty flavor, substituting with white rice will work fine, though cooking times will be shorter and the texture a bit softer.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

You can adapt the recipe by using vegetable broth and skipping the turkey. Adding hearty mushrooms and additional legumes like white beans can help maintain that filling, savory quality.

How do I know when the wild rice is fully cooked?

You want the outer layer of the wild rice grain to be tender while the center remains slightly chewy. This usually takes around 45 to 60 minutes, but tasting towards the end is the best way to check.

Can I use leftover turkey for this soup?

Yes! Leftover turkey is perfect for this soup and helps reduce food waste. Just make sure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces and added during the final simmer to keep it moist.

What thickens the soup if I want a creamier texture?

While this Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe is naturally brothy, you can stir in a splash of cream, coconut milk, or blend a small portion of the soup before adding the turkey for a thicker, creamier finish.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a homemade Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe that comforts and satisfies on every level. It’s a dish that brings together simple ingredients with extraordinary heart and flavor, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Turkey Wild Rice Soup Recipe