This creamy wild rice soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender wild rice, fresh veggies, and a luscious creamy broth, it’s both filling and comforting.
No one can resist a big bowl of this soup, especially when it’s chilly outside. I love to pair it with some crusty bread—yum! It’s so easy to make, you’ll want to whip it up all winter long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice: Wild rice adds a unique nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you can’t find it, substitute with brown rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary, so check doneness regularly.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the soup’s base. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-sodium broth. It’s a great way to control saltiness, especially since you’ll be seasoning later!
Milk or Cream: I like to use cream for a richer texture, but you can easily swap in milk or even a non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep flavors balanced.
Mushrooms: They’re optional but highly recommended for added depth. If you want a mushroom-less version, try using diced potatoes or extra veggies for texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Wild Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the wild rice just right is key to the overall texture of your soup. Here’s how to nail it:
- Rinse the rice first to remove excess starch, which can make it sticky.
- Use a medium pot and cover it while simmering to lock in steam. Check for doneness at about 40 minutes; it should be tender but still chewy.
- If you overcook it, it can turn mushy, so keep a close eye!
These tips will help you create a flavorful and comforting creamy wild rice soup that will warm everyone’s heart!
How to Make Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Wild Rice: 1 cup (uncooked)
- Broth: 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Oil or Butter: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Mushrooms: 8 oz, sliced (optional)
- Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Milk or Cream: 1 1/2 cups
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy wild rice soup will take about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 50 minutes to cook, totaling around 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. It’s easy to make, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Wild Rice:
Start by rinsing the wild rice under cold water to remove any debris. In a medium pot, bring the broth to a boil, then add the rinsed wild rice, bay leaf, and half of the thyme. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes until the rice is tender and slightly chewy. Once done, drain any excess liquid and set the rice aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
3. Add Mushrooms (if using):
If you decided to include mushrooms, add them to the pot now. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes until they are soft and their moisture has evaporated. This will deepen the flavor of your soup!
4. Create the Roux:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to coat everything. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes. This step helps eliminate the raw flour taste and will thicken your soup.
5. Whisk in Milk or Cream:
Gradually pour in the milk or cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes creamy. It should look luscious at this stage!
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked wild rice, the remaining thyme, and gently stir to combine everything. Heat through for a few minutes, and if it seems too thick, feel free to add a bit more broth or milk until desired consistency.
7. Season and Serve:
Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Finally, remove the bay leaf before serving!
8. Enjoy Your Soup:
Ladle the creamy wild rice soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot alongside some crusty bread. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
Happy cooking! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and this soup is sure to warm your heart.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Wild Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be different. Brown rice typically takes about 30-40 minutes to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly for the best texture.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat-based additions. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful with the vegetables and wild rice.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just remember to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the soup if it thickens.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetables’ cooking needs, and enjoy the added nutrition and flavor!
