Are you ready to transform your leftover turkey into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds? This isn't just another soup recipe – it's a magical journey of flavors that combines the rich, tender essence of heirloom turkey with earthy wild rice and luxurious mushrooms. Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that tells a story of tradition, warmth, and incredible taste in every single spoonful!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 75 mins
Total Time: 95 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb heirloom turkey, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become soft and onions are translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing mushrooms to release their moisture and develop a rich, golden color.
- Pour in chicken broth and add wild rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has started to burst open, creating a creamy texture in the soup.
- Stir in the shredded heirloom turkey, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed. If the soup seems too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- Wild Rice Wisdom: Always rinse your wild rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure a perfect, fluffy texture.
- Mushroom Magic: When sautéing mushrooms, don't crowd the pan. This allows them to develop a beautiful golden color and rich, deep flavor.
- Flavor Building: Take your time with the initial vegetable sauté. Letting onions, carrots, and celery develop a slight caramelization will add depth to your soup's overall taste.
- Consistency is Key: If the soup becomes too thick, gradually add more chicken broth to achieve your desired texture.
- Resting Time Matters: Always let the soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more harmonious dish.
- Optional Elevation: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add a fresh, bright finish to your soup.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This soup actually tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
