Turkey and Rice Soup in Crock Pot: A Warm and Cozy Meal for Any Day

Looking for a comforting and easy meal to warm you up on a chilly day? Look no further than this delicious Turkey and Rice Soup in Crock Pot! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey, and it’s also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy and Convenient: Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do its magic.
• Flavorful and Hearty: This soup is packed with flavor from the turkey, vegetables, and spices. The rice adds a satisfying heartiness to the soup.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other meal.
• Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium carrots, sliced thin
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice, rinsed well and drained
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, or 4 tsp. jarred minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups gluten-free chicken broth or stock or homemade turkey broth
• 2 cups diced or shredded cooked turkey
• 1 cup frozen peas
• fresh parsley, chopped fine for garnish, optional

Instructions:

1. Place the carrots, onion, celery, brown rice, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and then the chicken broth/stock into the crock of your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on high heat for 2.5 hours.
3. Add the turkey and peas, stir, then cover. Continue cooking on high for an additional hour or until the veggies are cooked to your preference.
4. Serve with a garnish of parsley if desired.

Tips:

• If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can use cooked chicken or even ground turkey.
• You can also add other vegetables to this soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
• If you want a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• This soup can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.

Variations:

• Spicy Turkey and Rice Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Turkey and Rice Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer flavor.
• Vegetarian Turkey and Rice Soup: Omit the turkey and add an extra cup of vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use white rice instead of brown rice? Yes, you can use white rice instead of brown rice. However, brown rice is a healthier option as it is higher in fiber and nutrients.
• Can I use frozen turkey instead of leftover turkey? Yes, you can use frozen turkey instead of leftover turkey. Just thaw the turkey completely before adding it to the crockpot.
• Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker? Yes, you can make this soup in a pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
• Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This Turkey and Rice Soup in Crock Pot is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for any day of the week. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey, and it’s also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. So next time you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try!