Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup

This Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup comes together effortlessly with leftover turkey, lots of vegetables and your favorite rice. It has that slow-cooked flavor without all the work! It’s no secret we love soups here so be sure to check out some of my other recipes like this Shepherd’s Pie Soup, Creamy Steak and Potato Soup, or this Chicken and Gnocchi Soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of tender turkey, creamy broth and lots of vegetables creates a satisfying and comforting bowl full that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up all that leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

Ingredients You Will Need

Turkey: is a popular poultry dish that is often enjoyed during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love Grass Roots Coop for all of my meat purchases.

Carrots: are root vegetables that are perfect for roasting or infusing a soup with a natural sweetness and robust flavor.

Celery: is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food and adds a delightful crunch to this salad.

Onion: yellow onion has a bolder flavor than sweet onions but you can certainly use sweet if you prefer.

Chicken broth: can be used or chicken bone broth; the bone broth offers enhanced health benefits along with a richer flavor profile.

Coconut cream: is ideal for dairy-free dishes, providing a creamy texture with a taste that is very mild and usually hidden by other flavors.

Hearts of palm rice: is typically made from one ingredient, hearts of palm (or the core of certain types of palm trees). This rice pairs well with turkey in a soup!

Ghee: incorporating ghee into this soup adds a rich, nutty flavor. I love Fourth and Heart ghee.

Lemon juice: adds a fresh, bright, and tangy element, which can help balance the richness of the other ingredients.

Salt and black pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish, and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Thyme: a green herb from the thyme plant, known for its pungent, spicy, and slightly sweet, savory flavor.

Rosemary: is an evergreen shrub and is used in cooking for its earthy, woodsy flavor having hints of pepper, lemon, and mint.

Instructions

Dice: the celery, carrots, and onion, being sure the carrots and celery are diced in larger pieces.

Cut: the turkey into small bite-sized cubes or shred it.

Add: the ghee, onions, carrots, and celery to a large pot, stirring until the ghee melts and the onions are translucent.

Pour in: the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Then lower the heat and simmer for five minutes to start the base of your creamy turkey and rice soup.

Now add: the turkey and all of the spices, then simmer for five minutes.

Add: the rice and simmer for another five minutes. This will make the mixture creamy as well.

Lastly: add the lemon juice and coconut cream, stirring to combine and simmer for five minutes, completing your creamy turkey and rice soup.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cut the pieces: of turkey, carrots, and celery about the same size as it makes for a really nice texture while enjoying the soup.

Be sure the heat: is turned down to medium-low before adding the coconut cream to ensure it does not curdle in your turkey and rice soup.

Recipe Variations

Leftover rice: can be used instead of hearts of palm or cauliflower rice if you are not concerned about keeping this recipe Paleo or Whole30 friendly.

Dice potatoes: are also a nice alternative to the hearts of palm rice.

Chicken: is also a great alternative to turkey in this soup!

Storage Tips

You can store this creamy turkey and rice soup in the refrigerator for 4 days in an airtight glass container. It also freezes well for up to six months.

FAQs About Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup

Can other vegetables be added to this soup?

Yes, this is a very versatile soup and ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, kale, potatoes, or parsnips can be added.

How should the leftovers be reheated?

The soup will thicken in the refrigerator so you can add some extra broth, coconut milk or water to achieve your desired consistency when reheating your creamy turkey and rice soup.

What gives soup the most flavor?

Acid, such as lemon juice, lime, or a splash of vinegar, draws out and brightens the flavor.