Turkey Wild Rice Soup

This is the kind of soup that I would describe as 'soul food'. Thick, hearty, and it warms you up more with each bite. Very fulfilling, and a great way to use leftover thanksgiving turkey. Try not to omit the almonds...I think it is the secret ingredient that gives a little extra 'wow'.

from AllRecipes.com

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup uncooked wild rice
• 2 cups water
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups turkey broth
• 1/3 cup shredded carrot
• 2 cups chopped cooked turkey
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped slivered almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 3/4 cup half-and-half cream

Directions

1. Bring the wild rice and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender but not mushy, 40 to 45 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid, fluff the rice with a fork, and cook uncovered 5 minutes more. Set the cooked rice aside.
2. Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Cook and stir the onion and celery until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour, and cook until it turns a pale yellowish-brown color, 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the turkey stock until no lumps of flour remain. Stir in the carrot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook, whisking constantly, until the stock is thick and smooth and the carrot is tender, about 2 more minutes.
3. Stir in the wild rice, turkey, salt, pepper, and almonds. Return to a simmer, and cook 2 more minutes to heat the ingredients. Stir in the lemon juice and half-and-half; bring the soup almost to a boil, and serve hot.