SPREAD LOVE

Why Make This Recipe

Autumn Wild Rice Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on chilly fall days. Packed with hearty ingredients, it delivers a comforting blend of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy. This soup is an excellent way to enjoy seasonal vegetables and is perfect for those who love the taste of autumn. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can customize it according to your preferences.

How to Make Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

1 cup wild rice, rinsed
8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (for garnish)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the Wild Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the grains have split open. Check periodically and add more broth if needed. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and the onion is translucent. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until tender and have released their moisture. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Simmer the Soup: Pour the remaining 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the cooked wild rice and shredded cooked chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
Finishing Touches: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and dry sherry (if using). Add the chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently, being careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream.
Serving: Ladle the Autumn Wild Rice Soup into bowls. Garnish with toasted pecans or walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

How to Serve Autumn Wild Rice Soup

This soup is best enjoyed fresh from the pot while it’s warm. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a nice glass of white wine if you’re looking to elevate the experience.

How to Store Autumn Wild Rice Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Autumn Wild Rice Soup

For a richer flavor, you can roast the vegetables before adding them to the pot.
If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth to your liking.

Variation

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables such as spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken.

FAQs

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy texture without the dairy.

How long does wild rice take to cook?
Wild rice takes about 45-50 minutes to cook. Make sure to check it periodically.

Can I use leftover rice instead of cooking it fresh?
Absolutely! Just add the cooked rice in the final steps of the recipe, adjusting the liquid accordingly for the desired consistency.