The Coziest Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe for Comfort Dining

Comfort winds through every spoonful of this hearty turkey and rice soup, promising warmth on chilly evenings.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance with each savory bite.

Rich broth cradles tender meat and fluffy grains in a delightful embrace.

Leftover turkey finds new life in this nourishing bowl of goodness.

Fragrant herbs and vegetables add depth and complexity to the simple ingredients.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this soul-soothing recipe.

You’ll feel like a culinary hero after creating this delicious meal that brings everyone to the table.

Grab a ladle and let’s transform those turkey remnants into liquid gold!

Ingredients for Turkey and Rice Soup

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps sauté vegetables and adds a subtle flavor to the soup.
• Turkey: Provides lean protein and creates a hearty, satisfying soup with shredded meat.
• Rice: Adds texture and substance, making the soup more filling and nutritious.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Create a flavorful foundation with their complementary tastes and provide essential nutrients.

• Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that add depth and warmth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts a subtle, earthy background note to the broth.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the soup with a tangy, fresh accent.
• Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup, adding richness and moisture.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal flavor to finish the soup.

Stepwise Instructions for Turkey and Rice Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Start by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery.

Gently sauté the vegetables until they soften and become fragrant, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Sprinkle in Aromatic Herbs

Scatter thyme and rosemary into the pot.

Add a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Stir the herbs around for about a minute to release their wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Pour and Prepare the Liquid Base

Carefully pour chicken or turkey broth into the pot. Drop in uncooked rice and tuck in a bay leaf.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, watching as the liquid bubbles and the ingredients start to dance together.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Lower the heat and cover the pot with a lid.

Let the soup gently simmer. White rice will need about 15-20 minutes, while brown rice requires 30-35 minutes to become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add Protein Power

Fold in shredded turkey meat and let it warm through for 5 additional minutes. Fish out the bay leaf and discard it.

Step 6: Brighten the Flavors

Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice to add a bright, zesty note. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and serve immediately while it’s piping hot.

Tips for Hearty Turkey and Rice Soup

• Toast herbs like thyme and rosemary in olive oil before adding other ingredients to release their essential oils and intensify the soup's aromatic profile.
• Use day-old rice or cook rice separately to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming overly soft during simmering.
• Substitute turkey with rotisserie chicken or add white beans for a vegetarian protein alternative that complements the soup's hearty base.
• Keep extra broth on hand to adjust soup thickness, adding more if it becomes too dense during cooking or reheating.
• Store soup without rice to prevent grains from absorbing excess liquid, mixing rice fresh when reheating for optimal texture and taste.

Variations to Try with Turkey and Rice Soup

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Replace thyme and rosemary with oregano, basil, and mint for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder to create a zesty southwestern version with extra heat.
• Creamy Comfort Soup: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, velvety texture that adds depth to the soup.
• Asian-Inspired Variation: Swap herbs for ginger and garlic, add soy sauce, and finish with chopped green onions for an Eastern-style soup experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Turkey and Rice Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice a warm, tangy sourdough loaf to soak up the rich, herbal broth and add delightful texture contrast.
• Complement with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a chilled white wine with citrusy notes that mirror the soup's lemon brightness and cut through its hearty profile.
• Match with Herbed Goat Cheese Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and fresh herbs that echo the soup's aromatic thyme and rosemary.
• Serve alongside Roasted Root Vegetables: Prepare a simple side of caramelized parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes to enhance the soup's comforting winter warmth.

How to Store Turkey and Rice Soup Safely

Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover completely to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.

Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.

Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

Pour soup into saucepan, add splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, chicken works perfectly as a substitute. Shred cooked chicken breast or use leftover roasted chicken for an equally delicious soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from turkey, vegetables like carrots and celery, and whole grains from rice. The herbs add extra nutritional benefits and flavor.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth is certified gluten-free and use brown or white rice as your grain.

• What herbs work best in this soup?

Thyme and rosemary are classic choices, but you can also experiment with oregano or parsley. Fresh herbs will give a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.

Turkey and Rice Soup That Comforts the Soul

• Boost Comfort Levels: Warm, hearty soup packed with tender turkey and soft rice delivers ultimate comfort during chilly days or when feeling under the weather.
• Quick Kitchen Rescue: Simple one-pot recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks needing a fast nutritious meal.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe allows easy substitutions like chicken instead of turkey, different herbs, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences or pantry contents.
• Nutrient-Rich Meal: Combines protein from turkey, fiber from vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from rice, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that supports overall wellness.

Turkey And Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting turkey and rice soup warms winter kitchens with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Tender meat, fragrant herbs, and hearty grains create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 4 cups turkey broth (or chicken broth)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Grains, Seasonings, and Extras:

• 3/4 cup uncooked white or brown rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing chopped aromatics until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce dried herbs and spices, allowing them to bloom and release their essential oils by stirring continuously for 60 seconds.
3. Stream chicken or turkey broth into the vegetable mixture, incorporating uncooked rice and a single bay leaf, then elevate heat to generate a robust boil.
4. Reduce flame to low, securely cover the pot, and allow the mixture to gently simmer until rice reaches a tender consistency, roughly 18-25 minutes depending on rice variety.
5. Fold shredded poultry into the simmering liquid, letting it warm through completely for an additional 4-5 minutes while maintaining a consistent temperature.
6. Extract and discard the bay leaf, then brighten the soup’s profile with a splash of citrus juice, carefully adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor complexity.
7. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped herbaceous greens across the surface, serving immediately while piping hot for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Use leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy soup preparation.
• Opt for short-grain rice like Arborio for a creamier texture, or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of white wine during the vegetable sautéing stage for depth.
• Freeze soup in portion-sized containers for convenient meal prep, keeping it fresh for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 195 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg