Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a gathering around the dinner table, and a memory of my mother’s nurturing spirit. The aroma of this rich, hearty soup bubbling on the stove takes me back to my childhood, where the kitchen was the vibrant heart of our home. My mother, with her apron tied loosely around her waist, would often whip up something special as the leaves turned golden and the air became crisp, a tradition that warmed not only our bellies but also our hearts.

This soup is an ode to those autumnal days: the earthiness of wild rice, the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, and the savory notes of baby bella mushrooms. It wraps you in love and comfort, making it a perfect dish for anyone seeking nurturing and connection through food, whether you’re a busy woman juggling life’s responsibilities or simply someone looking to gather with friends over a warm bowl. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a beautiful moment shared with loved ones, a reflection of homemade warmth and affection. And oh, what a Sunday morning classic it becomes!

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

Tips:

• For added depth of flavor, you can sauté the garlic and onion with a little olive oil before adding them to the pot.
• If you can’t find wild rice, a mix of brown rice and quinoa will work (though it’ll differ slightly in flavor).

Instructions

Instant Pot Method

1. Combine the Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, combine the vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir briefly to ensure everything mingles beautifully.

2. Cook: Cover the pot and set it to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Trust the process, and allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes (this is the part where the kitchen fills with that heavenly aroma!). After that, quick-release any remaining pressure and discard the bay leaf.

3. Finish Up: Now, add the luscious coconut milk and kale into the mix. Stir gently, seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm, ideally with a rustic bread for dipping!

Stovetop Method

1. Sauté: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until tender, then stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant (oh, that scent!).

2. Combine and Simmer: Stir in the vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. After they’re combined, allow them to come to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook: Simmer until the rice is tender (about 30-40 minutes), or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Finish and Serve: Add the coconut milk and kale, stirring until everything is incorporated. Season to taste and serve warm to your waiting family or friends.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve my cozy wild rice soup with a crusty sourdough bread, dipping each mouthful is a delight! It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, perhaps with vibrant tomatoes or a zesty vinaigrette. And don’t forget a comforting glass of warm apple cider! My grandmother adored thick stews paired with strong black coffee, which might just be the perfect pairing for a cozy autumn afternoon. This soup is versatile enough for a family dinner or an informal gathering with friends, forming the backdrop for laughter and shared stories.

Nutritional Information

This cozy autumn wild rice soup is not just delicious; it’s nourishing too! Each serving offers approximately 320 calories, 8 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbs, and 18 grams of fat. Despite its richness, this dish offers a delightful balance of nutrients, with a good dose of fiber and healthy fats, perfect for warming you from the inside out.

Tips & Variations

1. Make it Vegetarian: If you want to keep it entirely plant-based, stick with vegetable stock and coconut milk, which are already in the recipe!
2. Add a Spicy Kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño can add an exciting heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Finish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
4. Swaps for Fun: You can substitute chicken for wild rice if you prefer a meaty twist (add it in with the veggies).
5. Recipe Legacy: This was my mother’s twist on grandma’s original, she made it heartier with more veggies, and it was always a hit at family gatherings.

Cooking is how we show love, plain and simple. This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a testament to the warmth and memories we create in our kitchens. I invite you to try this recipe and perhaps share your own version of this comforting dish. Let it be a source of joy at your table. If this soup brings smiles or warms you on a chilly evening, tag me, I would love to see your kitchen creations!

Discover more Recipes :

• Chicken Mozzarella Bombs High Protein
• Warm and Soulful Mushroom Soup – A Recipe for Comfort

For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.

Print