If you are searching for a heartwarming meal to enjoy when the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is an absolute must-make. It beautifully blends tender wild rice, fresh vegetables, savory herbs, and a touch of creaminess into a bowl that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving a comforting solo dinner, this soup delivers on flavor, texture, and that unmistakable feeling of autumnal coziness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With simple, wholesome ingredients, this soup comes together easily while building layers of satisfying flavor and vibrant color. Each component plays a vital role, from the aromatic herbs to the creamy finish, making the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe both comforting and nourishing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness that helps soften vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enriches the base with a velvety texture and subtle flavor.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth as it sautés.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with a warm, savory punch.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Offer natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Contribute a mild, fresh crunch that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings earthy, aromatic notes that complement the rice perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, piney accent that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers just enough heat and balance.
- ¾ cup uncooked wild rice blend: The heart of the dish, offering chewy texture and nutty taste.
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Creates a savory, comforting liquid base.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts subtle herbal complexity during simmering.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional): Provides extra protein and heartiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Adds luscious creaminess and soothes the palate.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Thickens the soup for a rich, satisfying consistency.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brings a fresh, bright finishing touch.
How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil and butter together in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften and the onion turns translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it releases the natural sweetness and builds the soup’s flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, stir in the minced garlic alongside dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute to toast the garlic gently and awaken the herbs. This brief infusion enhances the soup’s aromatic profile without overpowering it.
Step 3: Cook the Wild Rice
Pour in the uncooked wild rice blend, vegetable or chicken broth, and toss in the bay leaf. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 to 50 minutes. The rice will gradually soften and absorb the savory liquid, forming the hearty core of this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Add Chicken (If Using)
If you want to make this soup extra filling, stir in cooked shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This protein addition melds perfectly with the rice and broth, resulting in a more robust and satisfying bowl.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk with the flour until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into your simmering soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly, offering a luscious and velvety texture that is irresistible.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a dash of color that makes the soup even more inviting.
How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice for garnish, lending a fresh herbal note and a vibrant pop of green. For an extra touch, try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a few crumbled crispy bacon bits to introduce salty richness and crunch that complements the creamy base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or warm, buttered rolls to soak up every last drop. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s richness and adds a crisp, refreshing element to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary. You could even ladle the soup into mini bread bowls for a cozy, edible container that perfectly suits the autumn vibe of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the soup to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it a great option for weekday lunches or quick dinners when you crave that cozy, comforting flavor again.
Freezing
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe freezes beautifully, especially if you omit the cream before freezing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add cream or coconut milk fresh when warming up to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Stir frequently to ensure that the soup heats evenly and the creamy base remains silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will still be flavorful and cozy, perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal.
Is wild rice necessary, or can I use regular rice?
Wild rice provides a unique chewy texture and nutty flavor that defines this soup. While you can substitute long-grain white rice, the overall experience will be less hearty and the cooking time shorter. Using wild rice blend is highly recommended for authenticity.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer all ingredients except cream/flour mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the rice is tender. Add the cream and flour mix in the last 30 minutes to thicken.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk works wonderfully, adding a slight coconut undertone that complements the herbs. Alternatively, use cashew cream or any rich plant-based milk for a creamy consistency.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply replace regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when whisking into the cream or coconut milk. Make sure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the entire dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a warm bowl of soup in the autumn months, and the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can transform into a deeply satisfying dish. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, recipe sharing with loved ones, or simply treating yourself to comfort in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to make it at home and experience just how cozy and delicious fall can taste.
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Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour), Vegetarian (if omitting chicken)
Description
A warm, comforting autumn wild rice soup featuring tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy broth, optionally enriched with chicken for extra protein. Perfect for cozy fall days, this soup blends wholesome ingredients into a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup uncooked wild rice blend
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Cook them together for another minute to release their flavors.
- Cook Wild Rice: Add the uncooked wild rice blend, broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
- Incorporate Chicken: If using, stir in the cooked shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through and meld flavors.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and flour until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup. Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This soup thickens as it cools and sits; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach desired consistency.
- The soup freezes well if cream is omitted before freezing; add cream when reheating.
