How to Make Delicious Turkey Rice Soup Using Leftovers

Making a hearty and comforting turkey rice soup is a great way to use up leftover turkey after the holidays. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a savory soup that the whole family will love. In this article, I’ll walk you through the easy process step-by-step so you can learn how to make turkey rice soup yourself.

Step 1: Make the Turkey Stock

The foundation of any good turkey soup is a flavorful homemade turkey stock. To make turkey stock:

• Place the cleaned turkey carcass into a large stockpot. Add the neck, giblets, wings, and any other turkey scraps if you have them.

• Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. The vegetables and herbs add tons of flavor.

• Pour enough water to cover everything. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.

• Let the stock simmer for at least 1-2 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam that rises to the top.

• Strain the finished stock through a mesh strainer into a large container Pick out any leftover turkey meat to use in the soup.

Making your own stock extracts maximum flavor from the bones and creates a rich, homemade broth that store-bought just can’t compete with. It’s worth the extra time and effort.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Vegetables

While the stock simmers, you can prep the vegetables that will go into the soup:

• Dice 2 onions and mince 2-3 cloves of garlic. Onions and garlic provide an aromatic flavor base.

• Chop 2-3 ribs celery and 2 large carrots. This adds texture and more flavor.

• Chop any other veggies you want like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Having the veggies prepped ahead of time makes the cooking process easier.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

• In a large soup pot, heat 1-2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

• Add the celery and carrots. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

• Stir in any other vegetables at this point. Cook just until they begin to soften.

• Season with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, rosemary, and any other desired herbs/spices.

Cooking the vegetables first brings out their full flavor and aroma. Don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

• Pour in 6-8 cups of the homemade turkey stock, adding more if needed to reach your desired consistency.

• Add 2-3 cups of pre-cooked rice like white or brown rice. The starch from the rice will help thicken the broth.

• Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle.

• Stir in chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes if using. Cook just until wilted.

• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, herbs etc.

Letting everything simmer together infuses the broth with layers of flavor.

Step 5: Add the Turkey Meat

• Chop or shred 2-3 cups of cooked turkey meat. Both white and dark meat work great.

• Add the turkey to the soup and cook for just 5 more minutes until heated through.

• You don’t want to overcook the turkey or it may become rubbery.

Stir in leftover roasted or smoked turkey at the end to keep it moist and tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

A few finishing touches take the soup from great to spectacular:

• Stir in the juice of 1 lemon to brighten all the flavors.

• Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with minced parsley, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Enjoy with crusty bread, biscuits, or pie crust crackers on the side.

The tart lemon juice and fresh parsley garnish add a final punch of flavor and color. Dig in while it’s hot!

Turkey Rice Soup Tips

• For a creamier soup, puree some of the cooked vegetables before adding the turkey stock.

• Use brown rice or wild rice blends for more texture and nutty flavor.

• Add a splash of white wine to the vegetables while cooking for complexity.

• Top individual portions with shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or green onions.

• Stir in cooked egg noodles or small pasta shapes just before serving.

• Garnish with crispy fried onions or oyster crackers for crunch.

• For spicy soup, add red pepper flakes, chopped chipotle, or hot sauce.

With a few easy substitutions, you can customize your turkey rice soup. Make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice is best for turkey soup?

Long grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works well since it won’t get too sticky. Medium or short grain rice can make the broth thick and gluey.

How long does homemade turkey stock last?

Refrigerated turkey stock will keep for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze stock in airtight containers for up to 6 months.

Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey stock?

You can substitute chicken broth, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich and savory. For best results, try to use homemade turkey stock.

What should I do with leftover soup?

Cover and refrigerate turkey soup for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat until hot. You can also freeze servings in airtight containers for 2-3 months.

What sides go well with turkey rice soup?

Bread, biscuits, and crackers are great for dipping. A simple green salad provides crispy contrast. You can also serve it with cornbread or rolls.

Conclusion

There you have it – an easy blueprint for how to make flavorful homemade turkey rice soup from scratch using common ingredients. The key is starting with a rich and nourishing turkey broth. Customize the recipe with your favorite veggies and seasonings. Leftover holiday turkey finally meets its destiny in this hearty, pleasing soup!