Turkey and Wild Rice Soup with Carrots is a hearty bowl of comfort—perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something nourishing yet full of flavor. Inspired by classic American comfort cooking, this recipe showcases tender turkey meat, earthy wild rice, and sweet carrots simmered in a richly seasoned broth.

It’s a wonderful way to use leftover turkey (especially after holidays!), transforming simple ingredients into a soul-warming lunch or dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this soup because:

• It’s nutrient-dense with lean protein, fiber-rich rice, and veggies.
• It brings a cozy, rustic flavor from the wild rice and herbs.
• It’s one-pot friendly and incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy.
• It freezes beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

Why You Must-Try This Dish

This is a must-cook for anyone who:

• Has turkey leftovers and wants a new spin beyond sandwiches
• Loves thick, creamy soups that still feel wholesome
• Wants a complete meal in a single comforting bowl
• Enjoys classic flavors with a gourmet twist from wild rice aroma

This soup is the perfect balance—creamy, savory, and vibrant with carrots, fresh thyme, and that slight chew from wild rice!

Key Details

Category	Info
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	50–60 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes
Servings	6 bowls
Course	Soup / Main Dish
Cuisine	American Comfort
Calories	~340 kcal per serving

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
• 6 cups turkey or chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked shredded turkey (white/dark mix works best)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Creamy Finish (optional but recommended)

• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch slurry for thickening

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or thyme
• Squeeze of lemon for brightness (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Method

1. Sauté vegetables
   Heat oil/butter in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, celery; sauté 6–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic & herbs
   Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper—cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add rice & broth
   Add wild rice, bay leaf, and broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer
   Reduce heat, cover, and cook 40–50 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Add turkey
   Stir in cooked turkey; simmer 10 minutes more.
6. Creamy option
   Whisk milk + flour and then stir into soup. Cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Finish
   Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and add fresh parsley or lemon if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve steaming hot with crusty artisan bread, homemade biscuits, or buttery garlic toast
• Top with extra herbs or parmesan cheese for richness
• Pair with a light green salad for a complete meal

Recipe Tips

• Rinse wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch
• If rice absorbs too much broth, add a splash more before serving
• Turkey breast may dry—mix in some dark meat for the best texture
• Let flavors meld overnight: tastes even better the next day!

Variations

Here are some tasty twists:

Variation	What to Do
Dairy-Free Option	Skip cream and use coconut cream or leave brothy
Mushroom Boost	Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when sautéing veggies
Spicy Kick	Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño
Gluten-Free	Use cornstarch instead of flour
Chicken Version	Swap turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerate	4–5 days	Rice may thicken—add broth when reheating
Freeze	up to 3 months	For best texture, freeze before adding cream and add dairy after reheating

Special Equipment Needed

• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Large heavy-bottom soup pot or Dutch oven
• Ladle
• Whisk (if using creamy version)

FAQ

Q: Can I use leftover roast turkey?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked wild rice?
Yes, add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking and reduce broth by about 1 cup.

Q: Soup became too thick. What should I do?
Add extra broth or water—wild rice naturally expands over time.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Replace turkey with white beans or mushrooms + vegetable broth.

Conclusion

Turkey and Wild Rice Soup with Carrots is the perfect cozy companion: creamy, nutritious, and comforting with every spoonful. It’s a wonderful way to turn simple leftover turkey into a warming and deeply satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Once you try it, this recipe will become a treasured post-holiday tradition!