This creamy wild rice soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender rice, fresh veggies, and a rich, silky broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist seconds. I love topping mine with crispy bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You’ll be coming back for more, trust me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Wild Rice Blend: This blend typically has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. If unavailable, you can use brown rice or a mix of arborio and long-grain rice, but the texture will differ slightly.
Broth: Chicken broth gives great depth, but vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly. Homemade broth is always a winner if you have time!
Vegetables: The classic combo of onion, celery, and carrots is perfect. You can swap in potatoes or bell peppers if you prefer, or even add some mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Milk and Cream: For a lighter version, use whole milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat with coconut cream. This combo keeps it creamy without being too heavy.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is ideal, but you can use Italian seasoning or even rosemary in a pinch. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy Without Lumps?
Getting a smooth, creamy texture is all about how you incorporate the flour and milk. Here’s the trick:
- When making the roux, ensure you cook the flour long enough to remove the raw taste — usually around 2 minutes.
- When adding milk, do it slowly while whisking continuously. This helps break up any potential lumps.
- Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to your liking. If it does get lumpy, using an immersion blender can help smooth things out.
Don’t forget, if you want a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer. Enjoy making your creamy wild rice soup a hit!
How to Make Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 cup wild rice blend (a mix of wild rice and white/brown rice)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: fresh thyme sprig for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour for cooking the rice and another 30 minutes for preparing the soup. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s a bit of time, but the deliciousness is worth it, especially on a chilly day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Wild Rice:
Start by rinsing the wild rice blend under cold water to remove any impurities. In a medium saucepan, mix the rice with the broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is gone. If there’s extra liquid left, drain it off and set the rice aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these delicious veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they soften up and the onion is translucent. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
3. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. You want to make sure the garlic doesn’t burn, as that will change the flavor.
4. Make the Roux:
Now it’s time to add the flour! Sprinkle it over the veggies and give everything a good stir to coat. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly; this will help create a thick base for your soup.
5. Create the Creamy Base:
Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, which should take around 5-7 minutes. It’s okay if it’s not super thick yet; it will continue to thicken later.
6. Combine Everything:
Stir in the cooked wild rice, dried thyme, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavor really comes together! If you taste it and think it needs more seasoning, go ahead and add a bit more salt or pepper.
7. Simmer the Soup:
Let the soup simmer gently for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help meld all the flavors together beautifully. If your soup gets too thick, just add a splash more milk or broth to thin it out to your preference.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, take the pot off the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and, if you like, a sprig of thyme. Enjoy your warm bowl of creamy wild rice soup with some crunchy bread on the side!
This dish is not just filling; it’s comforting and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Yes, you can! If you can’t find a wild rice blend, brown rice or even a combination of arborio and basmati rice can work, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking times may vary slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or milk if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you’d like to boost the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine while sautéing the vegetables, or for a hint of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes with the garlic. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also enhance the taste!