Introduction
Creamy Turkey Soup with Rice is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick meal. This recipe combines tender turkey, flavorful vegetables, and creamy broth, making it a delightful option for lunch or dinner. With the addition of rice, it becomes a complete meal that satisfies your hunger and warms your soul.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Cooked turkey (shredded) – 2 cups
– Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
– Onion (diced) – 1 medium
– Carrots (diced) – 2 medium
– Celery (diced) – 2 stalks
– Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
– Chicken broth – 4 cups
– Cream (heavy or half-and-half) – 1 cup
– Rice (uncooked) – 1 cup
– Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
– Dried rosemary – 1 teaspoon
– Salt – to taste
– Pepper – to taste
– Fresh parsley (chopped) – for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
The preparation time for this creamy turkey soup is approximately 15 minutes. This includes chopping the vegetables and shredding the turkey, making it a great option for busy days.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is about 25 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 40 minutes. This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or for leftovers the next day.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cooking the Turkey
Start by cooking the ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the turkey is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary.
Adding Vegetables
Add diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked turkey. Stir and cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened.
Incorporating Garlic and Seasonings
Mix in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Adding Broth
Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Incorporating Rice
Add the rice to the pot and stir well. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
Finalizing the Soup
Once the rice is tender, add cream cheese to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Serving
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Storage
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Variation Options
Feel free to add additional vegetables such as peas or corn for more flavor and nutrition. You can also substitute the turkey with chicken if preferred.
