This creamy wild rice soup is warm and comforting, packed with tender vegetables and hearty wild rice. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
I love how the flavors blend together, making every spoonful rich and satisfying. Perfect for chilly days when you want something extra special! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice: Using a wild rice blend gives great texture and nutty flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with brown rice or even quinoa for a different but tasty twist.
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth is always fantastic if you have it on hand!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion form a classic mirepoix base. Feel free to add other favorites like potatoes or leeks based on what you have available. Each will add a unique taste!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms offer a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try using diced potatoes or a mix of your favorite veg.
Milk: Whole milk makes the soup creamy and rich. For a lighter version, use 2% milk, or for dairy-free, opt for almond milk or oat milk. Just be mindful that these might alter the flavor slightly!
How Do I Avoid Lumpy Soup When Adding Milk?
Getting smooth and creamy soup can be tricky when adding milk. The key is to whisk continuously when you pour in the milk after adding the flour. Here’s a step-by-step:
- After cooking the vegetables, remove the pot from heat.
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to coat. This will help thicken your soup.
- Gradually add the milk or half-and-half, whisking steadily. This prevents lumps from forming.
- Return to medium heat and stir until thickened, enjoying that creamy texture!
Taking your time with the milk will ensure a smooth consistency everyone will love!
How to Make Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 cup wild rice blend (uncooked)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (for a non-vegetarian option)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy wild rice soup will take you about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 1 hour to cook. The cooking time includes both simmering the rice and letting the soup come together perfectly. So, in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Wild Rice:
Start by rinsing your wild rice under cold water to remove any impurities. In a medium pot, combine the rice and broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broth has mostly absorbed. If there’s any excess liquid, just drain it 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 diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these aromatic veggies for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften and smell amazing!
3. Add the Mushrooms and Garlic:
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and keep cooking for about 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally until they release their moisture and brown lightly. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute.
4. Thicken the Soup:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies. Stir well to coat everything and cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. This will help thicken your soup!
5. Add the Creaminess:
Gradually pour in the milk or half-and-half while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir well and keep cooking until the soup thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked wild rice into the soup along with the thyme. Stir well to combine all those yummy flavors. If you’re using cooked chicken, go ahead and add it at this point too!
7. Final Simmer:
Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Before serving, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy wild rice soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!
Enjoy your bowl of comforting creamy wild rice soup! 🥣✨
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Wild Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice as a substitute! However, keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook. You may need to simmer it for about 60-70 minutes or until tender.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply replace chicken or vegetable broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and skip the chicken. You can add extra veggies or beans for protein!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Wild Rice Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or a side of roasted vegetables. It’s also great on its own as a hearty meal!