As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves start to turn golden, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Enter Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup—a seasonal dish that perfectly blends the flavors of wild rice, vegetables, and herbs. This soup is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a delight for your senses, with its rich, savory aroma filling your kitchen as it simmers on the stove.
Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup is an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep throughout the week. Whether you’re seeking a comforting dish after a busy day or a nourishing recipe to serve to loved ones, this wild rice soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of tender wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and savory vegetables makes this soup not only flavorful but also nutritious, with plenty of fiber and antioxidants. Cozy up with this delightful autumn dish, and enjoy the warmth it brings to your fall season.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a recipe that will quickly become a staple in your fall rotation. Its versatility makes it ideal for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a cozy weekend lunch. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and heartwarming flavors. Each bite offers a rich, creamy texture, thanks to the combination of wild rice and hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion.
One of the main reasons you’ll love making this soup is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you can create a filling and nutritious meal that everyone will enjoy. The wild rice gives the soup a slightly nutty taste, while the blend of herbs and spices adds a depth of flavor that makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable—whether you prefer it creamier or with extra veggies, you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. The soup stores wonderfully in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for longer storage, so you can enjoy a comforting bowl whenever you need it. It’s also vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by swapping out the cream for coconut milk. The soup is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy yet indulgent way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice (rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 large carrots (diced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Used
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle
Directions & Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice: Begin by cooking the wild rice. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed wild rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and the garlic to become fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cooked wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) for a creamy, comforting texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutritional Information
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup offers a hearty and wholesome meal with a good balance of nutrients. One serving of this soup (approximately 1 cup) contains roughly:
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on broth used)
- Vitamins and minerals: High in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the vegetables, along with essential nutrients from wild rice.
This recipe is rich in fiber, which is great for digestion, and offers a hearty dose of antioxidants to support your immune system. The coconut milk adds a touch of healthy fats, making this soup a filling and satisfying meal. It’s a great option for vegetarians and can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk to make the soup vegan.
- Extra Protein: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or tofu for an added protein boost.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While wild rice adds a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute with brown rice or even quinoa if you prefer.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth.
Pro Tips by Emma
- Rinse the Wild Rice: Make sure to rinse the wild rice before cooking to remove any excess starch.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary for the best flavor. Dried herbs work as well, but fresh herbs add a lovely fragrance to the soup.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread or a light green salad. For a more filling meal, serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of savory quiche. You can also top the soup with a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe : Hearty and Flavorful
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven:
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 large carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried or fresh
- 1 teaspoon rosemary dried or fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Wild Rice: Begin by cooking the wild rice. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed wild rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Mushrooms and Garlic: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their moisture and the garlic to become fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the cooked wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) for a creamy, comforting texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh thyme and rosemary for the best flavor. Dried herbs work as well, but fresh herbs add a lovely fragrance to the soup.