This creamy wild rice soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with hearty wild rice, fresh veggies, and a rich, smooth broth. Perfect for chilly days!
I love how filling and cozy this soup is. It makes leftovers a treat—you’ll be dreaming of it the next day! Just grab a slice of bread to soak up all that goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice Blend: This gives the soup its unique texture and nutty flavor. If you don’t have wild rice, a mix of brown rice and quinoa can work well, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Broth: You can use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth adds depth, but store-bought works well too.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the salt level in your soup. To make it dairy-free, use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Onion, Celery, and Carrots: These classic vegetables create a solid flavor base. Feel free to substitute with leeks or shallots for a sweeter taste. Frozen veggies can also be used if fresh aren’t available.
Milk and Cream: I love the richness heavy cream adds, but half-and-half or a plant-based cream can lighten it up if you prefer. Coconut milk gives a lovely flavor too!
How Do You Make the Perfect Creamy Soup Base?
The soup base is essential for that creamy texture. Here’s how to master it:
- Melt the butter in a large pot and sauté your veggies until they soften. This step enhances their flavors.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking it until it’s slightly golden. This thickens the soup!
- Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. For a smoother mix, you can warm the milk slightly before adding.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream and let it thicken gently over medium heat. Patience is key here for the perfect creaminess!
Following these tips will help you create a delicious, creamy wild rice soup that’s sure to please!
How to Make Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 cup wild rice blend (wild rice mixed with brown or white rice)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy wild rice soup will take roughly 60-75 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on prep work, and the wild rice will need to cook for about 45-50 minutes. But don’t worry, the cooking time allows you to relax or tidy up while the soup gets ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wild Rice:
Start by rinsing the wild rice blend under cold running water. In a medium pot, mix the rinsed wild rice, broth, and water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 45-50 minutes or until the rice is tender. If there’s any extra liquid left after cooking, drain it and set the rice aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion, celery, and diced carrots. Sauté these veggies until they’re nice and tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Thyme:
Once the veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic and thyme. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell the garlic and thyme—yum!
4. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will help thicken our soup.
5. Add Milk:
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. This will help avoid any lumps and create a smooth base for your soup.
6. Stir in the Cream:
Next, gently pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Keep cooking the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up a bit.
7. Combine with Wild Rice:
Now, stir in the cooked wild rice (along with any liquid) into your creamy soup base. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.
8. Season to Taste:
Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your warm, creamy wild rice soup hot. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme sprigs for that lovely finishing touch!
Enjoy every spoonful of your creamy wild rice soup—it’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Yes! While wild rice adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with brown rice or a rice blend. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as some rice types take longer to cook than wild rice.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut cream. Just be mindful that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover creamy wild rice soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much in the fridge.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas for additional flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the other vegetables until they’re tender.
