Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal, this Instant Pot Turkey and Wild Rice Soup is the perfect choice. Whether you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey or cooked chicken, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make. With the option to use either wild or brown rice, and tips for making it gluten-free or dairy-free, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Join me as we dive into the aromatic flavors, creamy broth, and hearty goodness of this delectable dish.
The Goodness of Turkey and Rice Soup
Benefits of Making Soup in the Instant Pot
Cooking soup in the Instant Pot offers several advantages. First, it’s incredibly easy. After prepping your ingredients, you can simply throw everything into the pot and let it work its magic. No need to constantly tend to a pot on the stove. Second, it’s a one-pot wonder. Saute, pressure cook, and thicken all in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze. Third, it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey. Transform your Thanksgiving remnants into a nutritious and hearty meal. Lastly, it’s a healthy choice. Packed with nutritious vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, calcium-rich dairy, and high-quality protein, this soup checks all the boxes when it comes to nutrition.
Ingredients
To create this delectable soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cooked turkey breast (or chicken breast)
- Dry wild rice (or brown rice)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrots
- Baby bella mushrooms
- Turkey bone broth (or chicken broth)
- Bay leaf
- Fresh thyme
- Dried sage
- Dried rosemary
- Fresh parsley
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Spelt flour (or whole wheat flour)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
You can find the specific quantities of each ingredient in the recipe card at the bottom of this article.
How to Make Turkey and Wild Rice Soup in the Instant Pot
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delicious soup:
- Begin by prepping your protein and veggies. Chop the onion, celery, and carrots into ½-inch dice, slice the mushrooms, chop the parsley garnish, and cut the turkey into 1-inch cubes.
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on high sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms, and sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the veggies.
- If the veggies stick, deglaze the Instant Pot with turkey broth. Add the dry wild rice, bay leaf, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid.
- Pressure cook the soup for 15 minutes using the “rice/risotto” setting under high pressure. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully opening the lid vent.
- Whisk milk and flour together to create a smooth paste. This will help thicken the soup and make it even creamier.
- After pressure cooking, remove the lid and set the Instant Pot to high sauté. Add the cooked turkey pieces, milk mixture, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Remove the bay leaf.
- Cook the mixture, with the lid off, for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The soup will thicken, becoming irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!
Leftovers and Substitutions
Turkey and wild rice soup can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If the rice absorbs too much liquid, simply add some extra broth before reheating. You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Feel free to experiment with substitutions to suit your taste. You can use barley or potatoes instead of rice, or even add some corn for extra flavor. Crispy bacon crumbles make a delightful garnish.
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
This soup falls into the level 2 category, suitable for weight maintenance or transition. Brothy soups and stews are not only comforting but also great for healthy weight management. They are low in calories while being rich in filling protein and fiber-packed vegetables. Making healthy soups a regular part of your diet is a smart choice.
If you prefer a lower calorie option, you can skip the cream in this recipe. Just add a little more milk or broth to adjust the liquid consistency. Heavy cream is high in calories, so eliminating it can significantly reduce the calorie content of the soup.
Another way to reduce calories is by pureeing a portion of the soup after cooking. This creates a thicker consistency without adding extra calories. Homemade soups with homemade broth are also a healthier choice for those on a low-sodium diet.
Conclusion
This Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup cooked in the Instant Pot is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich flavors, delightful creaminess, and nutritious ingredients, it’s a dish that will warm both your heart and your taste buds. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort. For more delicious recipes, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill.