Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe: Heartwarming Fall Comfort

As the crisp autumn leaves dance around you, a steaming bowl of wild rice soup becomes the ultimate comfort companion.

This hearty wild rice soup recipe promises warmth and nourishment with every spoonful.

Earthy rice mingles with tender vegetables and rich, savory broth, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

The kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that whispers of cozy evenings and culinary comfort.

Packed with nutritious ingredients and simple preparation, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Each bite tells a story of wholesome ingredients and careful cooking.

Prepare to savor a bowl that celebrates the best of autumn bounty.

FAQs

• What is wild rice and why use it in this soup?

Wild rice is a nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It adds more protein and fiber compared to regular rice, making the soup heartier and more nutritionally balanced.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

Yes, you can swap vegetables like using butternut squash instead of sweet potato, or replacing kale with spinach. For a protein boost, add white beans or shredded chicken. Always maintain similar vegetable quantities for consistent texture.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and actually develops deeper flavors over time. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week for quick, nutritious meals.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup to Soothe Your Soul

• Craft a Flavor-Packed Adventure: Dive into a culinary journey that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand right to your kitchen with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize Your Comfort Bowl: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your personal preferences, making this soup a versatile meal for everyone.
• Quick Nourishing Meal: Prepare a wholesome, protein-rich dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Transform a simple soup into a restaurant-quality experience with bright, aromatic herbs that add layers of fresh flavor and visual appeal.

What Goes Into Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Wild Rice: A hearty and nutty rice variety that adds texture and earthy flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide a deep, savory base for the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots, Celery, Sweet Potato: These vegetables contribute sweetness, nutrition, and a comforting texture to the soup.
• Mushrooms: Add an umami depth and meaty texture to the soup.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense green that brings a fresh, slightly bitter taste and additional nutrition.

• Vegetable Stock: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy, rich texture and subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Imparts a subtle herbal note to enhance the overall flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Provides a signature blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness to the soup.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup with Ease

Step 1: Prep Kitchen Station

Gather all cooking tools including Instant Pot, cutting board, knife, and wooden spoon. Wash and chop vegetables carefully.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

• Vegetable stock
• Wild rice
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Sweet potato
• Onion
• Bay leaf
• Old Bay seasoning

Stir ingredients gently to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Magic

Lock Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 25 minutes.

Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release remaining pressure. Remove bay leaf from soup.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

• Coconut milk
• Kale

Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional Old Bay seasoning.

Step 5: Serve With Love

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the comforting autumn flavors.

Stovetop Method:

Step 1: Warm Up Veggies

Heat butter or olive oil in large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.

Incorporate garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Build Soup Foundation

• Vegetable stock
• Wild rice
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Celery
• Sweet potato
• Bay leaf
• Old Bay seasoning

Stir ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3: Gentle Simmering

Bring soup to simmer, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice becomes tender.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

• Coconut milk
• Kale

Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, or extra Old Bay seasoning.

Step 5: Serve With Warmth

Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Savor the rich, comforting soup.

Tips to Bring Out the Best in Wild Rice Soup

• Cook wild rice just until tender to prevent mushiness, checking consistency periodically during simmering.
• Toast Old Bay seasoning briefly in butter before adding liquid to enhance its aromatic spice profile.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for creamy richness, stirring gently to prevent separation in the soup.
• Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for varied nutritional benefits and different texture preferences.
• Chop vegetables in advance and store in refrigerator to streamline cooking process and save time.

Ways to Customize Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Protein Power Soup: Replace wild rice with quinoa and add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts seeking a nutrient-packed meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap Old Bay seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegan Creamy Alternative: Use almond milk instead of coconut milk, replace vegetable stock with mushroom broth. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Harvest Edition: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutritional boost.

What Complements Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Best

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the soup's creamy texture and earthy wild rice flavors. The wine's subtle buttery notes will enhance the sweet potato and mushroom undertones.
• Rustic Sourdough Companion: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the rich broth. The tangy bread will provide a delightful contrast to the soup's smooth, hearty profile.
• Herbal Green Tea Match: Brew a light green tea with hints of ginger to balance the soup's warmth. The tea's delicate herbal notes will cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Topping: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds over the soup for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

How to Store Wild Rice Soup Without Losing Flavor

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of vegetable stock if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra vegetable stock or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and fully warmed through.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this Wild Rice Soup, a hearty blend of earthy grains and savory seasonings that whispers Wisconsin’s warmth. Simmering with rich vegetables and tender chicken, each spoonful wraps you in pure seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound), peeled and diced
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 2 large handfuls kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons old bay seasoning
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Instant Pot Method:

1. Gather all ingredients in the Instant Pot, combining vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning.
2. Secure the lid and program the Instant Pot to high pressure for 25 minutes, ensuring a tight seal.
3. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release remaining pressure.
4. Remove bay leaf and discard, preparing the soup base for final additions.
5. Incorporate coconut milk and kale, stirring gently to integrate ingredients.
6. Taste and fine-tune seasonings with salt, pepper, or additional Old Bay seasoning.
7. Ladle into warm bowls, serving immediately while piping hot.

Stovetop Method:

1. Warm butter or olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté diced onions for 5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable stock along with wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning.
4. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to medium-low and covering the pot.
5. Cook for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice reaches tender consistency.
6. Fold in coconut milk and kale, blending thoroughly.
7. Adjust seasonings to personal preference with salt, pepper, or extra Old Bay.
8. Serve hot, enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of the soup.

Notes

• Enhance the soup’s richness by toasting wild rice in butter before adding liquid, which deepens the nutty flavor and adds complexity.
• For a protein boost, incorporate cooked shredded chicken or crispy chickpeas as a delicious optional topping.
• Swap coconut milk with heavy cream or plant-based alternatives like almond milk to accommodate different dietary preferences and allergies.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, noting that kale might slightly wilt but will still taste delicious when reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 145 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg