TURKEY, WILD RICE AND BOURBON SOUP
Cozy Up with the Best Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And when it comes to fall and winter comfort food, our Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a true standout! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for using up leftover turkey (though you can absolutely make it with rotisserie chicken!). Packed with wild rice, tender turkey, and aromatic vegetables, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful & Hearty: The combination of turkey, wild rice, and a touch of bourbon creates a depth of flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Perfect for Leftovers: A fantastic way to use up that Thanksgiving or holiday turkey!
- Easy to Make: While it simmers for a bit, the active cooking time is minimal.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or add a pinch of your favorite herbs.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Wild Rice: Don’t substitute with white rice! Wild rice has a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture that’s essential to this soup. Rinse it thoroughly before cooking.
- Turkey Stock: Using homemade turkey stock (we’ve included instructions for making your own!) elevates the flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Bourbon (Optional but Recommended!): A splash of bourbon adds a subtle warmth and complexity. Don’t worry, you won’t taste alcohol – it cooks off during simmering!
- Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs always make a difference. If you don’t have fresh, you can use dried, but use about 1 teaspoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but the rice may become slightly softer. It’s best to freeze it without the rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have bourbon?
A: You can omit the bourbon entirely, or substitute with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a bit of acidity.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Mushrooms, parsnips, or sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your stock is also gluten-free.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! This Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a fall and winter staple in your kitchen.
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot chopped
- 3/4 cup celery chopped
- 8 oz mushrooms diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1/2 cup Bourbon or more if you like
- 6 cups turkey stock or chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 2/3 cup wild rice uncooked
- 4 cups leftover turkey chopped or shredded
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to garnish cranberries
- to garnish chopped parsley
- 1 turkey carcass turkey carcass for stock (optional)
- 10 cups water for stock (optional)
Instructions
- If making stock, combine turkey carcass and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour. Strain and discard solids.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in Bourbon and cook until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes.
- Add turkey stock, bay leaf, and wild rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Stir in turkey and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with cranberries and parsley.
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