Description
This Easy Turkey Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. With a flavorful base of sautéed vegetables, Italian seasoning, and tender rice simmered in rich chicken stock, this soup is both nourishing and simple to prepare in about 30 minutes. Brightened with fresh lemon juice, it offers a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors, ideal for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon no-salt added Italian seasoning
- ½ cup long-grain white rice
- 3 cups cooked turkey, chopped or shredded
- 1 quart chicken stock (or turkey stock)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the fats: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and combined.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced yellow onion and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add carrot and celery: Stir in the chopped carrot, celery, and another ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Continue cooking for 3 minutes more, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Add garlic, seasoning, and rice: Mix in the minced garlic, no-salt added Italian seasoning, and the long-grain white rice. Cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to release the aromas.
- Add turkey and liquids: Pour in the chopped cooked turkey, chicken stock, water, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, still covered, for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Uncover the pot and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more lemon juice or salt if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute butter with ghee or use all olive oil if preferred.
- Leftover turkey can be substituted with cooked chicken if turkey is unavailable.
- If you prefer a more brothy soup, add additional water or stock to desired consistency.
- To make this gluten-free, ensure your stock and seasoning blends do not contain gluten.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley before serving can add a fresh touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
