cream of wild rice soup recipe

cream of wild rice soup recipe

The Best cream of wild rice soup recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe for cream of wild rice soup with you. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s one of the first things I think of when I need to make a comforting meal for my family. The creamy texture and rich flavor of the soup are absolute perfection, and it’s easy to see why this dish has been a favorite in many parts of the country for generations.

As a mom, I love that this recipe is so versatile – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at family gatherings or special occasions. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy days when I don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

The history of wild rice soup dates back to the Native American tribes of the Great Lakes region, who would harvest the rice from the shallow waters and cook it with their favorite vegetables. Over time, European settlers adapted the recipe to include cream and other ingredients, and it’s been a beloved comfort food ever since. One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way the flavors all come together – the earthy sweetness of the wild rice pairs perfectly with the tangy cream and savory vegetables.

It’s a true taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. Of course, like any good home cooking technique, making cream of wild rice soup is all about layering flavors. You start by sautΓ©ing onions and celery in butter until they’re soft and fragrant, then add in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra depth.

Next, you add in your wild rice and cook it until it’s lightly toasted – this will help bring out its nutty flavor. Once your rice is toasted, you can start building your soup by adding in chicken or vegetable broth (or a combination of both), followed by some heavy cream or half-and-half. You’ll also want to add in some grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor – trust me when I say it makes all the difference!

Finally, finish off your soup with some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Not only do these add a pop of color to your bowl, but they’ll also help bring out the earthy sweetness of that wild rice.

Cream of Wild Rice Soup

Cream of Wild Rice Soup

4.6 from 1961 votes

This Cream of Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cold weather. It features a creamy base with tender wild rice and vegetables.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
4This should take about 5 minutes.
5Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6Stir in the rinsed wild rice and pour in the chicken broth.
7Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
8Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
9This will allow the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
10After 20 minutes, remove the bay leaf and stir in the heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
11Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
12Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
13Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional thyme or a drizzle of cream if desired.

πŸ”§Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 12g❀️Cholesterol: 65mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 4gπŸ₯©Protein: 9g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the heavy cream with coconut milk.

This cream of wild rice soup recipe is truly one of our favorites – not only does it taste amazing on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile.

We love serving it at family gatherings or special occasions because everyone always raves about how delicious it is.

Plus, as an added bonus, this recipe is also super healthy – with lots of fiber-rich wild rice and veggies plus healthy fats from cream and cheese.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream of Wild Rice Soup

Q: What type of wild rice should I use?

In order to get that authentic flavor, you’ll want to use long-grain wild rice. This type has a nuttier flavor than short-grain varieties and holds its shape beautifully in soups.

Q: Can I make this recipe without cream?

While heavy cream gives this soup its rich texture, you can easily substitute in Greek yogurt or half-and-half if you prefer a lighter option.

Q: What kind of vegetables should I use?

This recipe is super versatile – feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand! Some popular options include diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead?

This soup freezes beautifully – simply thaw out what you need for dinner and reheat as needed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Scoop leftovers into individual containers and refrigerate for up to three days; reheat as needed.

Q: Can I serve this at a party?

This soup makes an amazing party dish – simply serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

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