Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Chilly evenings call for a comforting wild rice soup that warms you from the inside out.

This hearty wild rice soup recipe brings the essence of autumn to your dinner table.

Packed with tender vegetables and rich, creamy broth, each spoonful delivers pure comfort.

Earthy mushrooms and subtle herbs dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that speak to the season.

The combination of wild rice and savory ingredients makes this soup a standout dinner option.

Robust and satisfying, it transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll want to ladle this soup into your favorite bowl and savor every delicious moment.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Highlights

• Instant Pot slashes preparation time, delivering delicious wild rice soup without hours of traditional simmering.
• Choose between convenient Instant Pot or classic stovetop methods, making this recipe adaptable for different kitchen setups and cooking preferences.
• Loaded with hearty vegetables like sweet potato, carrots, and kale, this soup provides a wholesome meal that nourishes and satisfies hungry families.
• Packed with immune-supporting ingredients and warming spices, this soup becomes a perfect companion during chilly seasons, offering both comfort and nutrition.

Ingredient Lineup for Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Wild Rice: A hearty and nutty grain that provides a robust texture and earthy flavor to the soup.
• Stock: The foundational liquid that creates a rich and flavorful base for the soup.
• Sweet Potato: A creamy and sweet vegetable that adds thickness and nutritional value to the dish.

• Mushrooms, Carrots, Celery, Onion: A classic combination of vegetables that builds depth and complexity in the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste with its pungent and warm notes.

• Old Bay Seasoning: A signature spice blend that introduces a zesty and slightly spicy character to the soup.
• Bay Leaf: An herb that imparts a subtle, earthy undertone during cooking.
• Coconut Milk: A creamy liquid that adds richness and a hint of tropical sweetness to the soup.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a fresh and slightly bitter contrast to the soup's other ingredients.
• Butter or Oil: A fat used for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall flavor.

Tools for Cooking Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Instant Pot: Essential for quick and easy pressure cooking method.
• Large Stockpot: Perfect alternative for stovetop cooking technique.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and combining mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Bay Leaf Strainer or Tongs: Helpful for removing bay leaf after cooking.

Autumn Wild Rice Soup Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep Instant Pot Ingredients

Gather all your delicious ingredients into the Instant Pot.

• Wild rice
• Vegetable stock
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Sweet potato
• Onion
• Bay leaf
• Old Bay seasoning

Stir everything together so the flavors start mingling and getting excited about their upcoming delicious adventure.

Step 2: Pressure Cook

Lock the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 25 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.

After that, do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Carefully remove the bay leaf – it’s done its job of adding wonderful flavor.

Step 3: Stovetop Flavor Foundation

Warm a tablespoon of butter or oil in a large stockpot.

Sauté the onions until they become beautifully translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, letting those aromatics develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Gentle Simmering

Add remaining base ingredients to the pot, keeping the coconut milk and kale aside for later.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the wild rice becomes tender and soft.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Whether you used the Instant Pot or stovetop method, now’s the time to stir in the coconut milk and kale.

Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of extra Old Bay if you’re feeling adventurous.

Your cozy autumn soup is ready to warm hearts and souls!

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Toast wild rice in butter before adding liquid to enhance nutty undertones and create a richer taste profile.
• Use pre-cooked wild rice to reduce overall cooking time and ensure perfect texture without overcooking.
• Swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash or pumpkin for different autumn-inspired variations of the soup.
• Add shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and a delightful textural contrast in the creamy soup.
• Replace coconut milk with cashew cream or almond milk for alternative dietary needs while maintaining smooth consistency.

Wild Rice Soup Mix-ins and Ideas

• Vegan Wild Rice Delight: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter substitute, and add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Confirm wild rice is certified gluten-free, use gluten-free Old Bay seasoning alternative, and ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
• Protein-Packed Winter Soup: Add cooked shredded chicken or diced ham during final simmering stage, increase protein content for hearty meal.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Version: Use low-sodium vegetable broth, skip added salt, replace Old Bay with herb blend like thyme, rosemary, and sage for flavor complexity.

Presentation Tips for Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Hearty Meal Companion: Pair this wild rice soup with crusty sourdough bread for a satisfying texture contrast and delightful dipping experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top to enhance protein content and provide extra savory crunch.
• Seasonal Side Salad: Toss a light autumn-inspired mixed green salad with roasted pumpkin seeds and apple cider vinaigrette to complement the soup's warm flavors.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, toasted almonds, or crispy shallots as a final touch to elevate presentation and add exciting textural elements.

Storage Plan for Wild Rice Soup Leftovers

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight container and store in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Pour single serving into microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup reaches 165°F.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of vegetable broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What makes wild rice different from regular rice?

Wild rice is actually a grass seed, not a true rice. It’s more nutritious, with higher protein content, and offers a chewier texture and nuttier flavor compared to white or brown rice.

• Is wild rice good for my health?

Yes! Wild rice is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals like zinc and magnesium. It’s lower in calories and higher in protein than many other grains, making it an excellent nutritional choice.

• Can I substitute other vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery, you can swap in butternut squash, parsnips, or turnips. Just keep similar vegetable sizes for consistent cooking.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Wild rice soup from Minnesota kitchens wraps comfort around hearty ingredients. Local cooks appreciate this creamy harvest blend that warms souls through chilly seasons.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable stock
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) uncooked wild rice
• 8 ounces (226 grams) baby bella mushrooms, sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 large sweet potato (about 1 pound or 454 grams), peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large handfuls kale, roughly chopped, stems removed

Seasonings & Liquids:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 can (14 ounces or 414 milliliters) unsweetened coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Freshly-cracked black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare your cooking vessel, either an Instant Pot or a large stockpot, ensuring all components are within reach for a smooth cooking process.
2. For Instant Pot method, combine stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning in the pot, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure, cooking for precisely 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to become tender.
4. Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure to prevent overcooking.
5. For stovetop method, warm butter or oil in a large stockpot over medium heat, sautéing onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Add minced garlic to the onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance aromatic qualities without burning.
7. Incorporate remaining base ingredients, excluding coconut milk and kale, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and reducing heat to maintain a low, steady temperature.
8. Cover and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, periodically checking rice tenderness and liquid consistency.
9. Remove bay leaf from either cooking method to prevent potential bitter undertones.
10. Finish the soup by stirring in coconut milk and chopped kale, allowing greens to slightly wilt and integrate into the warm broth.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Old Bay seasoning as desired, creating a perfectly balanced autumn soup.

Notes

• Wild rice takes longer to cook than other rice varieties, so patience is key when preparing this hearty soup.
• Experiment with different mushroom types like shiitake or cremini for added depth of flavor and nutritional variety.
• For a protein boost, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or diced tofu during the final simmering stage.
• Make this soup gluten-free by ensuring your stock and Old Bay seasoning are certified gluten-free and using tamari instead of soy sauce if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg