Creamy Wild Rice Soup
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Creamy Wild Rice Soup to soothe the soul. This hearty, nourishing dish is the epitome of comfort food – brimming with tender vegetables, earthy wild rice, and a luscious creamy broth that wraps you in warmth.
Servings 6
Calories 290kcal
Cost $10-$12
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 cup cremini or white mushrooms chopped
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice or wild rice blend
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half or coconut milk for dairy-free
- 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch optional, for thickening
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan optional for added depth
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, and sauté for another 5–6 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Stir in the wild rice, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and a generous pinch of salt. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40–45 minutes until the wild rice is tender and slightly chewy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour (or cornstarch) until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the soup without making it heavy. Slowly stir the slurry into the soup, allowing it to combine and thicken as it simmers.
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding extra salt, pepper, or herbs.
- For a richer flavor, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. This step adds depth without overpowering the natural earthiness of the soup.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread, a side salad, or just on its own. The soup will thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
1. Rinse the Wild Rice
Always rinse your wild rice before cooking to remove any dust or debris. This also helps improve the texture and prevents clumping. 2. Don’t Overcook the Rice
Wild rice has a chewy texture and can burst if overcooked. Keep an eye on it around the 40-minute mark and remove from heat when tender yet slightly firm. 3. Stir Often After Adding Cream
Once you add the creamy base, stir regularly to prevent scorching. This ensures a silky smooth consistency. 4. Use Fresh Herbs if Available
Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor even more. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Always rinse your wild rice before cooking to remove any dust or debris. This also helps improve the texture and prevents clumping. 2. Don’t Overcook the Rice
Wild rice has a chewy texture and can burst if overcooked. Keep an eye on it around the 40-minute mark and remove from heat when tender yet slightly firm. 3. Stir Often After Adding Cream
Once you add the creamy base, stir regularly to prevent scorching. This ensures a silky smooth consistency. 4. Use Fresh Herbs if Available
Fresh thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor even more. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.