Description
Lemony Turkey Rice Soup is a light, refreshing, and comforting soup with a zesty lemon flavor that perfectly complements tender turkey and hearty rice. This flavorful soup is perfect for using up leftover turkey and makes for a satisfying meal any time of year. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and full of vibrant flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 1 ½ cups cooked turkey, shredded
- ¾ cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Step 2: Add the Broth and Rice
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, followed by the shredded turkey, uncooked rice, thyme, and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.Step 3: Add Lemon and Season
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the lemon zest and juice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like more lemon flavor, feel free to add extra lemon juice.Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and discard.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this bright and flavorful soup!
Notes
- Rice: You can substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa if you prefer. Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook.
- Turkey: This is a great recipe for using leftover turkey after the holidays, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or even cooked chicken breasts.
- Storage: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg