Description
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, nothing beats a bowl of hearty soup to bring warmth to your day. This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup celebrates the season with a blend of earthy wild rice, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy coconut base. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or to impress your guests—it’s bound to become a fall favorite!
6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup uncooked wild rice
8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery ribs, diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 small white onion, diced
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
14 oz can coconut milk
2 handfuls kale, chopped
Salt & pepper
Directions:
1. Cook base ingredients in Instant Pot for 25 mins or stovetop for 40 mins.
2. Add coconut milk and kale, season, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Kcal: 250 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for the best results, whether using an Instant Pot or stovetop.
- Sauté Aromatics: In your Instant Pot (using the Sauté function) or a large soup pot, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic & Mushrooms: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to release their juices.
- Combine & Cook: Add the wild rice, diced sweet potato, vegetable stock, Old Bay seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Instant Pot: Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes.
- Stovetop: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has split open.
- Finish the Soup: Once cooking is complete, carefully release pressure if using the Instant Pot. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the full can of coconut milk and the chopped kale. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Season & Serve: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper. Adjust other seasonings to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile soup pairs beautifully with several sides. For a complete meal, serve it with a slice of crusty, buttered sourdough bread or warm, flaky biscuits. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the soup’s richness. For added texture, top each bowl with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or a dash of smoked paprika.
How-to Summary
Sauté onion, carrots, and celery. Add garlic and mushrooms. Combine with wild rice, sweet potato, stock, Old Bay, and a bay leaf. Pressure cook for 25 mins or simmer for 40 mins. Finish by stirring in coconut milk and kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Wild rice is essential for its chewy texture and nutty flavor. For a similar result, try a wild rice blend. White or brown rice will change the cooking time and final texture significantly.
How can I make this soup creamier without coconut milk?
For a dairy-based version, substitute the coconut milk with 1.5 to 2 cups of heavy cream or half-and-half, added at the very end to prevent curdling.
Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
You can use a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne. A teaspoon of dried thyme also complements the flavors well.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits; thin it with a little broth or water when reheating gently on the stovetop.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Absolutely. For a non-vegetarian version, add 1-2 cups of shredded cooked chicken or turkey when you stir in the coconut milk. Drained and rinsed white beans are a great plant-based protein option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Rice: Wild rice should be tender and split, but not mushy. Follow the recommended cooking times closely.
- Adding Kale Too Early: Adding the kale with the initial ingredients will cause it to become slimy and lose its vibrant color. Always stir it in at the end.
- Underseasoning: Soups with a lot of liquid and rice need ample seasoning. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end, after adding the coconut milk.
- Not Sautéing Vegetables: Skipping the sauté step will result in less flavorful, raw-tasting vegetables. This step builds the soup’s foundational flavor.
Conclusion
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate embodiment of fall in a bowl. Its hearty combination of wholesome vegetables, chewy wild rice, and creamy coconut broth is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Simple to prepare yet impressive in flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to season after season. We hope it brings warmth and comfort to your table.