Slow Cooker Wild Rice and Turkey Soup
Warm up with a bowl of comforting Slow Cooker Wild Rice and Turkey Soup, a delicious and easy one-pot meal perfect for your rice dinner recipes collection. This hearty soup is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cooked Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey works wonderfully, or you can use cooked chicken breast.
- Wild Rice Blend: Use a blend for varied texture and flavor; do not substitute with white rice.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is an excellent alternative.
- Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans) are convenient, or you can chop fresh.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup wild rice blend, uncooked
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400
- Tools Needed: 6-quart slow cooker, large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, uncooked wild rice blend, cooked turkey, dried thyme, and dried sage. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook the Soup
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the wild rice is tender. The cooking time for wild rice blends can vary, so check for doneness.
4. Stir in Final Ingredients
Once the wild rice is tender, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and heavy cream. Continue to cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and the soup is creamy.
5. Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious rice dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the other vegetables for extra heartiness.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added greens.
- For a touch of tang, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Slow Cooker Wild Rice and Turkey Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use uncooked turkey?
It is best to use cooked turkey as it ensures the meat is tender and fully flavored by the end of the cooking time for this rice dinner recipe.
Do I need to soak wild rice before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, you do not need to soak wild rice for this recipe. It will cook perfectly in the broth within the slow cooker.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if my wild rice isn’t tender after the recommended cooking time?
Cooking times can vary. Continue to cook the soup until the wild rice reaches your desired tenderness. Ensure there’s enough liquid.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the turkey and use vegetable broth, making it a delicious wild rice and vegetable soup.
My soup is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
If it’s too thick, add more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables or wild rice against the side of the pot to thicken it, or make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
