Hearty Turkey & Wild Rice Soup with Vegetables

Hearty Turkey & Wild Rice Soup with Vegetables

(A rich, creamy soup packed with tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and a variety of vegetables for a wholesome, comforting meal.)

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Ingredients

Meats:

• 2 cups cooked turkey (shredded or cubed) (leftover roasted turkey works great!)
• 4 slices bacon (chopped, for smoky flavor) (optional)
• ½ lb chicken sausage (sliced) (optional, for extra depth)

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 carrots (sliced)
• 3 stalks celery (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 medium sweet potato (cubed) (adds slight sweetness and thickness)
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup kale or spinach (chopped)

Broth & Seasonings:

• 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (for a creamy version, optional)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for depth, optional)
• ½ tsp dried sage (pairs well with turkey)
• ½ tsp nutmeg (adds warmth, optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt (to taste)

Grains & Thickener:

• 1 cup wild rice (rinsed)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour (for a slightly thicker broth, optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon & Sausage (if using):

   • In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
   • Brown chicken sausage in the bacon fat for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Melt butter in the same pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms.
   • Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
   • Sprinkle in flour and stir to coat the vegetables (if using for thickening).

3. Simmer the Soup:

   • Pour in turkey broth, bay leaves, thyme, paprika, sage, nutmeg, and black pepper.
   • Stir in wild rice and sweet potatoes.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, until rice is tender.

4. Add Turkey & Final Vegetables:

   • Stir in shredded turkey, corn, and kale/spinach.
   • Simmer for 5-10 more minutes until greens are tender.

5. Make it Creamy (Optional):

   • Stir in whole milk or heavy cream for a richer, creamier version.
   • Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Final Touches:

   • Remove bay leaves.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and extra black pepper if needed.
   • Stir in crispy bacon and sausage before serving.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

   • Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
   • Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.

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Why This Version Stands Out?

✅ Extra meats (turkey + bacon + sausage) for depth & smokiness
✅ More vegetables (sweet potato, mushrooms, corn, kale) for flavor & nutrition
✅ Creamy or brothy option for different textures

Would you like a spicier version or a slow-cooker adaptation? 😊

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