Creamy Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Few recipes can equal a cup of creamy wild rice soup when it comes to filling, cosy cuisine. Packed with crisp veggies, nutty wild rice, and a thick, velvety broth, this filling and healthy soup Creamy wild rice soup is a go-to dish that provides taste and comfort in every bite whether you’re making it for a basic weeknight supper or a nice family feast.

The grace of wild rice soup comes from its adaptability. Using vegetable broth and excluding any meat will keep it vegetarian; alternatively, add chicken or turkey for a boost in protein. Though realistically it’s great year-round, this is the ideal fall or winter dinner.

What is Wild Rice?

Originally the seed of aquatic grass, wild rice is not strictly a rice. It differs from conventional rice kinds in that it has a unique nutty taste and somewhat chewed-through texture. A good and filling basis for soups, wild rice is also high in nutrients including fiber, protein, and antioxidants.

Creamy Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

Making a great pot of creamy wild rice soup calls for the following ingredients:

• One cup wild rice: The soup gains a distinctive taste and texture from this show star.
• Four cups vegetable or chicken broth will provide a rich and aromatic basis. For a vegetarian take-off, use vegetable broth; for more complexity, use chicken broth.
• One diced onion gives the soup taste and sweetening power.
• Three minced garlic cloves provide a flavorful taste and scent that permeate the soup.
• Sliced two carrots offer color and sweetness.
• Two chopped celery stalks provide the soup a good earthy taste and texture.
• One bay leaf will provide a trace of herbal taste.
• A classic herb that goes nicely with wild rice and vegetables is one teaspoon dried thyme.
• Taste-wise, salt and pepper will help the soup to accentuate all the flavors.
• One cup heavy cream is what gives the soup thick and creamy consistency.
• Two tablespoons butter will bring richness and help to sauté the vegetables.
• Two tablespoons all-purpose flour helps to thicken the soup so obtaining that creamy texture.

If you wish to make it more filling, adding leftover cooked chicken or turkey will be fantastic.

Making creamy wild rice soup: how to do it?

Here’s how to create the greatest creamy wild rice soup right at home:

1. Prepare the wild rice.

Cooking the wild rice as directed on the package starts you. Though usually about 40 to 45 minutes, wild rice can take more time to cook than ordinary rice; the extra time is well worth it for its distinctive flavor and texture. Empty any extra water then set the cooked rice aside.

2. Saut the vegetables.

Melt the butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven or big pot. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots and celery; sauté for five to seven minutes, or until the veggies are tender and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and heat just until fragrant, another minute.

3. Add the seasons and broth.

Spoon in the vegetable or chicken broth once the vegetables have softened. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme; then, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper. Stirring thoroughly will help to mix the components.

4. Cook the soup gently.

After gently boiling the soup, turn the heat to low and let it simmer for roughly 15 to 20 minutes. This lets the vegetables get totally soft and the flavors mingle together.

5. Prepare the creamy basis.

It’s time to build the creamy base while the soup simmers. Till smooth, mix the flour and heavy cream in a small bowl. This mixture will thicken the soup and impart that lovely, creamy texture.

6. Combine the wild rice and cream.

Add the cream mixture and cooked wild rice once the soup has simmering. Stirring now, keep cooking the soup over low heat for another five to ten minutes until the soup thickens and the rice is thoroughly warmed through.

7. Add the Chicken (Optional).

Stir cooked chicken or turkey into the broth at this point. Let it cook through for still another few minutes. Though it’s totally optional, the meat gives a lovely touch of protein and makes the soup even heartier.

8. Taste and Seasoning Adjustment

Taste the soup last and then change the seasoning as necessary. If you would want more thyme, salt, or pepper, add those. Before serving, remove the bay leaf.

Presenting and storing creamy wild rice soup

Present your creamy wild rice soup hot, topped if preferred with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. It goes quite nicely with side salad, crusty bread, even a light sandwich. On its alone, the wild rice’s creamy texture and nutty taste make it a substantial and comfortable dinner.

Storing: Should you have leftovers, refrigerate the soup for up to four days in an airtight container. The rice absorbs liquid as it rests, hence when warming you might have to add a bit extra broth or cream.

Freezing: Creamy wild rice soup keeps for up to three months. Before putting the soup in freezer-safe containers, let it totally cool. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop adding extra liquid if necessary.

variations

• Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing; replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.
• vegetarian: For a substantial vegetarian soup, keep to vegetable broth and avoid meat.
• For added nutrients and taste, feel free to include more vegetables including mushrooms, spinach, or peas.

Last thoughts

Perfect for when you want something filling, comforting, and nouraging is creamy wild rice soup. Perfect for cold days or comfortable evenings, chewy wild rice, soft veggies, and a rich, creamy broth combine to create a taste sensation. This soup is certain to be a favorite in your recipe rotation whether you keep it basic or add chicken for extra heartiness.

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