Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporates fresh autumn produce like sweet potatoes, kale, and mushrooms.
  • Hearty and Nutritious: Wild rice adds a satisfying chew and is rich in protein and fiber.
  • Versatile Creaminess: Choose between coconut milk for a subtle sweetness or a traditional cream sauce for richness.
  • Diet-Friendly: Easily adaptable for vegan or gluten-free diets.
  • One-Pot Meal: Simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it ideal for weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Wild rice
  • Vegetable stock
  • Sweet potato
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onion
  • Mushrooms
  • Garlic
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Bay leaf
  • Coconut milk or heavy cream
  • Fresh kale
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms; cook until fragrant.
  2. Add Broth and Rice: Pour in vegetable stock and add wild rice. Stir in diced sweet potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer until the wild rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. Incorporate Creaminess: Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream, depending on your preference. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted.
  5. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 8 servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

  • Protein Addition: Add shredded chicken or turkey for extra protein.
  • Different Greens: Substitute kale with spinach or collard greens.
  • Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
  • Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

What type of wild rice should I use?

Opt for 100% wild rice for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. Avoid wild rice blends, as they may alter the cooking time and texture.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable stock and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely. You can substitute coconut milk with almond milk, soy milk, or dairy milk, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor and creaminess.

How can I add more protein without meat?

Incorporate beans like cannellini or chickpeas to boost protein content while keeping the soup vegetarian or vegan.

What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, a combination of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, and ground bay leaves can mimic its flavor.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If the soup thickens too much, especially after refrigeration, add additional broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients except the coconut milk and kale in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Stir in the coconut milk and kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What can I serve with this soup?

Pair it with crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

How can I add a smoky flavor to the soup?

Add a dash of smoked paprika or incorporate smoked sausage to introduce a smoky element to the soup.

Conclusion

The Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a versatile and hearty dish that captures the flavors of fall. Its blend of seasonal vegetables, nutritious wild rice, and creamy broth makes it a comforting choice for any meal. Whether you’re adhering to dietary preferences or looking to experiment with variations, this soup offers


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Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, hearty dish featuring seasonal vegetables, wild rice, and a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly fall days, it’s packed with sweet potatoes, kale, mushrooms, and aromatic spices. Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for vegan diets, this one-pot soup is a must-try for cozy dinners.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup wild rice
  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 medium sweet potato, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook until fragrant.
  2. Add Broth and Rice: Pour in vegetable stock, then add wild rice, sweet potatoes, Old Bay seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Simmer: Cover and cook until the wild rice is tender, stirring occasionally (about 45 minutes).
  4. Incorporate Creaminess: Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream. Add kale and cook until wilted.
  5. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use 100% wild rice for the best texture and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat with additional broth or water to maintain consistency.
  • Customize by adding shredded chicken, beans, or smoked paprika for extra protein and depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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