This creamy wild rice soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender wild rice, fresh veggies, and a rich, creamy base, it’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you need comfort food.
Honestly, every spoonful feels like a little celebration! I love to top mine with crispy bacon or some fresh herbs for that extra kick. Cozy vibes guaranteed! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice: This is the star of the soup! It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you can’t find wild rice, try using brown rice or a mix of white and brown rice, although the cooking time will change.
Broth: I used chicken broth for deeper flavor, but vegetable broth works well too. For a lighter soup, consider low-sodium options or homemade varieties.
Vegetables: Classic choices include onions, celery, and carrots. Feel free to swap in diced potatoes or bell peppers based on what you have. More greens like spinach or kale can also add nutrition.
Cream: Half-and-half makes the soup rich, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, oat milk or coconut milk can also give a nice creaminess, especially for dairy-free diets.
Thyme: Dried thyme is great, but fresh thyme adds a brighter flavor. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano could work too!
How Do I Get the Soup to Thicken Properly?
Thickening the soup just right can be tricky! The key is to sprinkle the flour over the cooked veggies and stir it in well before adding the cream. This step helps avoid lumps.
- Cook the flour with the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste. This creates a roux that thickens your soup.
- When adding the cream, do so slowly while continuously stirring. This prevents any lumps from forming.
- If the soup isn’t thickening to your liking, you can let it simmer a little longer. Remember, it will also thicken slightly as it cools.
With these tips, your creamy wild rice soup will turn out perfectly every time! Enjoy! 🌿
How to Make Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful creamy wild rice soup takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to prepare and cook. It includes about 10 minutes for prep and roughly 45-60 minutes to simmer the rice and cook all the ingredients together. It’s a cozy, hearty meal that’s well worth the time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Wild Rice:
In a large pot, combine the rinsed wild rice and broth. Turn the heat to high to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the rice is tender, which should take about 45 minutes to an hour. After it’s done, feel free to drain any excess liquid if necessary, and set the cooked rice aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Your next step is to build up flavor! In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Then add the finely chopped onion, celery, and diced carrots. Cook this mixture until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add More Flavor:
Now it’s time to add the mushrooms and minced garlic. This is where it gets nice and fragrant! Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and soften.
4. Thicken the Soup:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat everything nicely. This will help thicken your soup. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste.
5. Add Creaminess:
Now, slowly whisk in the half-and-half or cream, stirring constantly to make sure there are no lumps. Cook and stir until the soup begins to thicken slightly.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked wild rice back into the pot, along with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and allow everything to simmer together for another 5-10 minutes, so the flavors can really come together.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. It should be bursting with delicious flavors!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like. Serve it hot and enjoy your rich, comforting bowl of creamy wild rice soup!
Enjoy every comforting spoonful! 🍲
Can I Use Different Types of Rice in This Soup?
Yes, you can! While wild rice is recommended for its nutty flavor and texture, you can substitute it with brown rice or even a mix of short-grain white rice and brown rice. Just note that the cooking times may vary, so check the rice package for specific instructions.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half or heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Can I Add Protein to This Soup?
Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage would be great additions to boost the protein content. Add it in along with the cooked wild rice for a complete meal!