Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the perfect dish for chilly fall days. It is warm, hearty, and comforting.

The mix of wild rice, vegetables, and chicken creates a filling meal. Plus, this soup is easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family. With its rich flavors, it brings the taste of autumn right to your table.

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 the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45-50 minutes, until the rice is tender and the grains have split open. Check it a few times and add more broth if needed. Drain any extra liquid and set the rice aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring every now and then, for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onion looks translucent. Next, add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until they are tender. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, until you smell the nice aroma.

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 chicken. Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it 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 you decide to use it). Add the chopped fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat everything gently, being careful not to let it boil after you add the cream.

Serving

Ladle the Autumn Wild Rice Soup into bowls. You can garnish with toasted pecans or walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve right away and enjoy!

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook. So, the total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It serves 6 people, and each serving contains about 400 calories, with roughly 20 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat.

How To Serve Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Serve this soup warm in a bowl. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can add more fresh parsley on top for extra flavor if you like. This soup is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

How To Store Autumn Wild Rice Soup

You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Tips To Make Autumn Wild Rice Soup

1. You can use any type of cooked chicken that you have on hand, such as rotisserie chicken.
2. Feel free to add any other vegetables you enjoy, like spinach or sweet potatoes.
3. If you want to make it lighter, you can use less cream or substitute with coconut milk.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This Autumn Wild Rice Soup is very healthy. It is packed with protein from the chicken, and wild rice is full of vitamins and minerals. The soup also has lots of vegetables, which provide fiber and essential nutrients. The cream adds some richness, but you can make it dairy-free if you prefer. Overall, it is a balanced meal that is warm and comforting.

Variation

You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might also add beans like chickpeas for extra protein.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Autumn Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just let it cool before pouring it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the soup a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is wild rice gluten-free?
Yes, wild rice is naturally gluten-free, making this soup a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.