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Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Turkey and Wild Rice Soup - featured image

A comforting, slow-cooked soup featuring tender turkey, nutty wild rice, and aromatic vegetables. This set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for busy weeknights and provides a warm, soul-soothing experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dried wild rice blend
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded or diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables by peeling and slicing carrots into half-inch rounds, dicing celery and onion, and mincing garlic.
  2. Sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened and aromatic. (Optional but recommended).
  3. Transfer the vegetables to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the dried wild rice, thyme, sage, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir well to ensure no rice is stuck to the bottom. The liquid should cover the rice by about an inch.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked turkey. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If too thick, add more water; if too thin, leave lid off to reduce.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

If using leftover turkey, rinse under cold water to remove fridge smell. Add turkey in the last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming tough. Wild rice absorbs a lot of liquid, so adjust water levels based on your slow cooker’s efficiency. For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, turkey soup, wild rice soup, comfort food, healthy dinner, gluten-free, meal prep, cozy recipes