If you are searching for a comforting bowl that perfectly captures the essence of the season, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender wild rice mingling with sweet butternut squash, earthy mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and leafy greens all swimming in a creamy, savory broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup brings together simple ingredients with vibrant colors and delicious textures, transforming humble pantry staples into a luscious dish that celebrates autumn’s bounty in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each item plays a critical role, lending layers of flavor, heartiness, and that perfect balance between creamy and fresh to bring this bowl to life.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and a gentle fruity depth as the base for sautéing.
- 1 small onion (diced): Builds a naturally sweet and aromatic foundation.
- 2 carrots (sliced): Provide a subtle sweetness and a tender yet satisfying bite.
- 2 celery stalks (sliced): Contributes a fresh, mild crunch and balances the sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a pungent warmth that awakens the soup’s flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, herbal note essential for autumn flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds piney brightness and depth.
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend: The star ingredient bringing a chewy, nutty texture.
- 6 cups vegetable broth: Creates a savory, comforting liquid base.
- 1 bay leaf: Offers subtle savory undertones during simmering.
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced): Deepens the umami and earthiness.
- 1 cup diced butternut squash: Delivers creamy sweetness and gorgeous orange color.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Rounds out the soup with luxurious creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening): Helps achieve a silky, thicker consistency.
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale: Adds vibrant greenery and a fresh bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balance and brightness.
How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery stalks. Cook them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften beautifully, releasing their natural sweetness. This step is crucial because these aromatics lay the flavor foundation that will build the complexity in your soup.
Step 2: Infuse with Herbs and Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with dried thyme and rosemary. Cook everything for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the herbs let loose their fragrant oils. This moment fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that gets your taste buds tingling.
Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Vegetables
Now, add the uncooked wild rice blend, vegetable broth, bay leaf, mushrooms, and diced butternut squash. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to let everything simmer covered for 45 to 50 minutes. This is when the wild rice softens, swells, and absorbs all the delicious savory flavors around it.
Step 4: Thicken with Cream and Flour
Carefully remove the bay leaf after cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and flour until smooth. Stir this creamy mixture into your simmering soup, allowing it to thicken for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This step makes the texture indulgently smooth and velvety.
Step 5: Add the Greens and Season
Finally, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook until they wilt softly into the soup’s warmth. Season carefully with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve a bowl of this sensational Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper on top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a small spoonful of crème fraîche makes the soup feel even more special. These simple touches brighten the bowl and add a burst of freshness or creaminess to each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls that soak up every last drop. For something lighter, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the soup’s creamy texture. Roasted root vegetables or a cheese plate can turn this terrific soup into a satisfying autumn feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an extra cozy vibe? You can also ladle it into small mason jars for a charming lunchbox idea or offer a toppings bar with toasted nuts, grated cheese, or crispy shallots so everyone can customize their bowl. The inviting presentation only amplifies the joy of digging into this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together beautifully. Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy reheated, comforting goodness anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep this soup on hand for a more extended period, it freezes well. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency since thickening ingredients like cream can settle during storage. Avoid boiling to preserve that creamy texture and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can work in this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe, though it may cook more quickly and create a slightly different texture. Adjust the simmer time accordingly and keep an eye on the liquid level since brown rice absorbs less broth.
Is there a vegan option for this soup?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan by substituting the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and omitting the flour or replacing it with a plant-based thickener like cornstarch. The result is just as rich and delicious.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Adding cooked shredded chicken or turkey turns this soup into a hearty meal perfect for cooler days. For plant-based protein, consider stirring in cooked beans or lentils.
How do I make the soup creamier without flour?
If you prefer to skip flour, using more heavy cream or coconut milk works beautifully. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup and then stirring it back in creates natural thickness without extra ingredients.
What type of wild rice blend should I use?
Look for a wild rice blend that mixes wild rice with other varieties like brown rice or long-grain rice for balanced texture and cooking times. These blends usually ensure even cooking and a delightful chewiness.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that make chilly days feel warmer and gathering around the table more special. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough to impress guests. I encourage you to dive into this recipe, savor every bite, and let it become one of your treasured go-to comfort foods as the leaves start to fall.
Print
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl perfect for chilly fall days. Featuring a wholesome blend of wild rice, hearty vegetables like butternut squash and mushrooms, and a touch of herbs, this soup is rich in flavor yet nourishing. It’s simmered slowly on the stovetop to develop a deep, savory taste and finished with cream for silky texture. This vegetarian recipe can easily be adapted for vegan diets and is wonderful served warm as a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
Grains and Broth
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Thickening and Creaminess
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for an additional 1 minute until aromatic.
- Combine Rice and Broth: Add the uncooked wild rice blend, vegetable broth, bay leaf, sliced mushrooms, and diced butternut squash to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and the flavors meld together.
- Remove Bay Leaf and Thicken: Discard the bay leaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and flour if using. Stir this mixture into the soup to thicken it. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to develop creaminess.
- Add Greens and Season: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, perfect for a cozy autumn meal.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- For a vegan version, use coconut milk and omit the flour or substitute with a plant-based thickener like cornstarch.
- To add protein, incorporate cooked shredded chicken or turkey before serving.
