Get ready to discover your new favorite comfort food! This wild rice soup recipe delivers a hearty, incredibly creamy texture paired with rich, earthy flavors. It’s the perfect bowl to warm you up on a chilly evening, simple to make, and remarkably satisfying. We’ll show you how to prepare this delicious soup, easily adaptable for vegetarian and even vegan diets, ensuring a delightful meal for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Wild Rice Soup
This delightful wild rice soup recipe will quickly become a household favorite for many reasons:
- Delicious and Satisfying Flavor: Enjoy a rich, savory broth brimming with tender vegetables and hearty wild rice.
- Simple Ingredients, Easy Steps: You’ll find common pantry staples and straightforward instructions, perfect for beginners.
- Versatile for Dietary Needs: Easily adjust ingredients to make it vegetarian or completely vegan-friendly.
- Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for packed lunches or quick dinners.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Add your favorite veggies or seasonings to make this soup uniquely yours.
Easy Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the wild rice according to package directions, simmering for 45–60 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery, onion, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Add cooked wild rice, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and simmer over low-medium heat until warmed through. Do not boil once milk is added.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or a drizzle of cream.
Notes
Essential Ingredients
Creating this incredible wild rice soup recipe starts with a few key ingredients. Gather these items for a flavorful and satisfying meal:
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice: Crucial for its unique chewy texture and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing; use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped: Adds a fresh, crisp aromatic base.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: Contributes sweetness and depth.
- 2 large carrots, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for pungent, aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, stem removed: Provides a bright, herbaceous note.
- 3 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base for our soup.
- 1 cup evaporated milk: For its signature creamy richness.
- Salt to taste: To season generously and enhance all flavors.
- 2 cups of water: Only required if using the Instant Pot method.
Notes & Substitutions
Wild rice, often mistakenly identified as rice, is actually a semi-aquatic grass seed known for its distinctive nutty flavor and chewy texture. For more information on its botanical classification, Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of wild rice. Do not substitute it with brown or white rice, as they cook differently and lack the unique characteristics this soup demands. For creamy richness, evaporated milk is preferred, but you can also use half & half or heavy cream. To make this a vegan wild rice soup, opt for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based half & half alternative. Always choose vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian. You can typically find wild rice in most large grocery stores near other grains, or purchase it conveniently online.
Recommended Equipment
Making this creamy soup is straightforward and requires only basic kitchen tools.
- Large pot or Dutch oven (for stovetop method).
- Cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Instant Pot (optional, for the pressure cooker method).
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This comprehensive guide covers two popular methods to prepare your delicious wild rice soup recipe, ensuring you can make it whether you prefer the stovetop or a pressure cooker.
Stovetop Method
- Cook the wild rice separately according to package directions. This typically involves simmering it in water for 45-60 minutes until tender and some grains have burst.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium heat for about 30 seconds, or until fully melted.
- Add the celery, onion, and carrots to the pot. Cook these “mirepoix” vegetables for five minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Continue cooking for just one minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Remove the thyme stems from the pot before proceeding.
- Add the cooked wild rice, evaporated milk, and salt to the pot. If your rice isn’t quite ready yet, simply turn off the heat of your soup pot and resume cooking once the rice is ready to be added.
- Cook over low-medium heat until the soup is thoroughly heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the soup once the milk is added. If the soup sits before serving, the rice will absorb more liquid. Simply add ½ cup of water and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust additional salt as needed before serving.
Instant Pot Method
- Melt the butter in your Instant Pot using the “Sauté” mode.
- Sauté the celery, onion, and carrots for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme and cook for one minute longer until aromatic.
- Stir in the uncooked wild rice, vegetable broth, and 2 cups of water. Ensure the wild rice is submerged.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the vent to sealing, and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 25 minutes on high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the vent.
- Allow the soup to cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Stir in the evaporated milk and salt to taste.
- Turn off the “Keep Warm” function and serve your creamy wild rice soup.
Pro Tips for the Best Wild Rice Soup
Elevate your homemade wild rice soup recipe with these simple tips for perfect results every time.
- Prep Veggies Ahead: Chop your celery, onion, and carrots the day before to save time on busy weeknights.
- Don’t Overcook Wild Rice: If cooking separately, ensure the wild rice is tender but still has a slight chew, not mushy.
- Season Generously: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; proper seasoning enhances all the flavors.
- Consider Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work, fresh thyme or parsley stirred in at the end brightens the flavor considerably.
- Make it Heartier: Sauté sliced mushrooms with your mirepoix for an extra layer of umami and texture.
- Adjust Liquid: The soup can thicken as it sits. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serve this comforting wild rice soup recipe warm, enjoying its rich flavors and creamy texture.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop.
- Fresh Green Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a light, crisp green salad tossed with a vinaigrette.
- Garnishes: Top individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a swirl of extra cream, or some crunchy homemade croutons.
Variations
- Roasted Mushrooms: For an earthy depth, roast mixed mushrooms separately and stir them into the soup at the end.
- Chicken Addition: If not strictly vegetarian, add cooked, shredded chicken breast during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate diced potatoes, corn, or green peas for added nutrients and color.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy, umami boost in your vegan wild rice soup, stir in a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
Storing Leftovers
Storing your leftover wild rice soup recipe properly ensures you can enjoy its deliciousness for days. Transfer any cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. As the wild rice absorbs more liquid over time, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it back to your preferred consistency. We generally advise against freezing creamy, milk-based soups as the texture can become grainy or separate upon thawing.
Nutrition Information
This vegetarian wild rice soup recipe offers a wholesome and nutritious meal, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to Healthline, wild rice provides more protein and antioxidants than regular rice, contributing to a healthy diet. Each serving provides a comforting and filling option. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 6.6 cups total):
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280-320 kcal |
| Protein | 10-12 g |
| Total Fat | 8-10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45 g |
| Fiber | 5-7 g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations. This information is intended for general guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
No, wild rice has a unique texture and cooking time. Other types of rice like brown or white rice will not yield the same results in this creamy wild rice soup.
Is this wild rice soup recipe naturally gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth. Always check ingredient labels to confirm.
How long does wild rice soup last in the refrigerator?
Your delicious wild rice soup will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping.
What kind of wild rice should I use?
Use 100% pure wild rice, not a wild rice blend. These blends often include other rice types that cook differently and impact the texture of the soup.
Conclusion
This easy, creamy wild rice soup recipe is truly a gem, offering both comfort and robust flavor in every spoonful. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, simple enough for beginners, and versatile for various dietary needs. We encourage you to try making this delicious vegetarian soup. Share your creations and let us know what you think in the comments below!
