Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup Recipe - USA | Ingredients: margarine, carrot, onion, celery, mushrooms, garlic, all-purpose flour, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, turkey breast, wild rice, evaporated fat-free milk, salt, black pepper

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with vegetables, tender turkey, and nutty wild rice, making it a satisfying meal on its own.

History

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a popular dish in American cuisine, especially during the holiday season when there is an abundance of leftover turkey. It is a great way to use up leftover turkey and create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

2 tsp margarine
1 cup finely diced carrot
1 cup finely diced onion
0.5 cup finely diced celery
1 cup sliced mushrooms (save yourself some prep time and buy pre-sliced mushrooms.)
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cans (14.5 oz or 411 g each) fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
0.25 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups roasted turkey breast, chopped
1 cup uncooked wild and long-grain rice
0.5 cup evaporated fat-free milk
0.25 tsp salt (optional)
0.25 tsp ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat margarine in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
Add carrots, onion, celery, and mushrooms and sauté until they begin to brown.
Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Add flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute.
Add chicken broth and stir, making sure to scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add thyme, bay leaf, turkey, and rice; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes.
Add evaporated milk; bring to a boil for 1 minute.
Season with salt and pepper.
Remove bay leaf before serving.

Variations

Add in some chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition.
Use leftover chicken instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add in some cooked bacon for a smoky twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the vegetables until they begin to brown to develop flavor.

- Adding evaporated milk at the end of cooking gives the soup a creamy texture without the added fat of heavy cream.

- Remove the bay leaf before serving to prevent anyone from accidentally biting into it.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Turkey and Wild Rice Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the broth helps to develop flavor.

- Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use regular milk or cream instead of evaporated milk for a creamier soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Turkey and Wild Rice Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Turkey and Wild Rice Soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Turkey and Wild Rice Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (evaporated milk) and wheat (all-purpose flour).

Summary

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Summary

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for using up leftover turkey. Packed with vegetables, tender turkey, and nutty wild rice, this soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Turkey and Wild Rice Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the Midwest. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had received the recipe from a dear friend who had learned it from her own mother. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful, and I was eager to learn how to make it myself.

As my grandmother guided me through the steps of preparing the soup, I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped vegetables, cooked the turkey, and simmered the wild rice. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that this soup would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its comforting and nourishing qualities. The memories of learning how to make this soup with my grandmother are some of my most cherished, and I am grateful for the culinary legacy that she passed down to me.

The key to this soup is using a rich and flavorful broth as the base. My grandmother always made her own turkey broth from scratch, simmering the turkey carcass with onions, carrots, and celery for hours until it was rich and golden. This broth forms the foundation of the soup, infusing it with depth and complexity.

Once the broth is ready, the rest of the ingredients are added in layers of flavor. The turkey, cooked until tender and juicy, is shredded and added to the pot along with the wild rice, which imparts a nutty and earthy taste to the soup. Carrots, celery, and onions provide sweetness and crunch, while a touch of cream adds richness and smoothness.

As the soup simmers on the stove, the flavors meld together, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish. The aroma of the soup wafts through the house, drawing in hungry mouths and warming hearts. Each spoonful is a taste of comfort and nostalgia, a reminder of the love and care that went into its creation.

I have made this soup for countless occasions, from holiday gatherings to quiet nights at home. It is a versatile dish that can be dressed up with fresh herbs and spices or kept simple and rustic. No matter how it is prepared, the soup always manages to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and connection.

As I continue to make this soup, I am reminded of the importance of preserving and sharing family recipes. They are more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; they are a link to our past, a way to honor our heritage and traditions. Each time I make this Turkey and Wild Rice Soup, I am reminded of my grandmother and the love that she poured into her cooking. I am grateful for the memories that I have of learning how to make this soup, and I hope to pass them on to future generations.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, there is something comforting and reassuring about returning to the familiar flavors of a beloved recipe. This soup is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones. It is a testament to the power of food to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

So the next time you find yourself craving a hearty and satisfying meal, why not give this Turkey and Wild Rice Soup a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass this recipe down to your own family, creating new memories and traditions along the way.