My Favorite holiday is just around the corner. Thanksgiving is THE best because of all of the amazing food and how socially acceptable it is to stuff your face until you literally can’t eat any more. Yeah, It’s my kind of holiday. While the food on Thanksgiving day is great, you know what’s even better? All of the leftovers! I like to make a Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup with my leftovers and it is SO good when it’s chilly out.
I like making Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup because I can enjoy it immediately or freeze it for later. And having prepared meals ready to go in the freezer is never a bad idea especially during the cold winter months. What I really like about this recipe is how easy and how quickly it comes together. It’s not complicated and you get an awesome tasting soup in no time!
One question I get asked a lot is why the poblano pepper? I add it because it adds a subtle spice to the broth and gives a more robust flavor to the soup. And once it’s shredded, it provides a nice color as well. If you don’t believe me, try it in your next soup 😉 .
I can’t wait to make this again after Thanksgiving. Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup is one of our all time favorites. What other leftover turkey recipes do you make? How do you east your Thanksgiving leftovers?
Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup
Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup is a great way to use those thanksgiving leftovers. Easy to freeze and save for later, make the most out of your meal!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 Carrots Chopped
- 1 Small Onion Chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 3-4 Cups Cooked Turkey
- 1 Poblano Pepper
- 12 Oz Chicken Broth
- 2 Tsp Ground Thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
- 1 Cup Rice Dry
Instructions
- Heat a stock pot or dutch oven on medium-high heat, Add oil, carrots, onion and garlic. Cook until onions have turned translucent.
- Add turkey, 1 whole poblano pepper, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Season with thyme. salt and pepper. Shred poblano pepper.
- Add rice and let cook for 10 minutes or until rice if completely cooked.
- Serve immediately or freeze for later, Enjoy!
My hubby always makes turkey rice soup with Thanksgiving leftovers. I like the look of your soup better. I won’t eat his soup, because he adds too much rice.
Yes! It’s all about the balance of soup to rice. I personally like less rice too 😉
My mother in law always makes turkey soup after Thanksgiving too. We’ve never done it. I give her all the turkey leftovers.
you’ll have to try it this year 🙂
Yum, I love turkey soup! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Thanks Elaine! It’s a great way to use leftovers after Thanksgiving too!
I enjoy turkey leftovers almost as much as I do the turkey when it is fresh out of the oven.
right? Turkey is SO good all around!
I love this idea of soup to use leftover turkey! Normally we just make the normal sandwiches but this year I will absolutely be trying this!
Let me know how it goes!
Yum. Great idea for leftover turkey! Love the addition of poblano for a little kick!
thanks!
Tried your soup tonight…really good!!!! The kids liked it too! I found that I needed to add quite a bit more liquid though. 12oz was not enough. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Thanks Kristie for your feedback!
What kind of rice do you suggest?
I used regular white rice, but you can use wild or brown rice as well. You may have to increase the amount of liquid added for different types of rice 🙂