Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish to embrace the cozy vibes of fall, then let me introduce you to my favorite Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup. This recipe is not just about filling your belly; it’s about wrapping yourself in a bowl of love and nourishment. The combination of earthy wild rice, seasonal veggies, and creamy goodness makes it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!

I love how this soup brings people together around the table. Whether it’s a rainy day or a chilly autumn evening, this soup warms both the body and soul. It’s also easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or a quick dinner solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is packed with wholesome ingredients that fill you up without weighing you down.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves this cozy soup! It’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies without any complaints.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can make this soup in advance and store it for busy days—just reheat and enjoy!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of wild rice, mushrooms, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that warms your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup:

Base Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken 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 (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk (or see cream sauce option below)
• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed
• fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add Extra Greens: Toss in some spinach or Swiss chard for more nutrients!
• Change Up the Grain: If you don’t have wild rice, try brown rice or quinoa for different textures.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for some heat if you like spicy food.
• Make it Creamier: For an even richer broth, stir in some cashew cream instead of coconut milk.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by heating your vegetable stock in a large pot over medium heat. This will create the flavorful base for your soup. Adding the stock first helps build that rich flavor as we add our other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In another pan, sauté the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and sweet potato until they start to soften. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Sautéing these aromatics enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup.

Step 3: Add the Mushrooms

Once your vegetables are softened, toss in the sliced baby bella mushrooms. Cook them until they’re tender—about another 5 minutes. Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that complements the wild rice beautifully!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Transfer your sautéed mixture into the pot with the vegetable stock. Stir in the uncooked wild rice, bay leaf, Old Bay seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 40 minutes until the rice is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Kale and Coconut Milk

Finally, remove the bay leaf and stir in the kale along with the coconut milk. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts down into the soup. This step adds creaminess while keeping things light!

And there you have it! A delightful bowl of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen this fall. Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Creating the perfect bowl of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you can make it even more enjoyable!

• Use fresh seasonal vegetables: Fresh produce not only enhances the flavor but also adds vibrant colors to your soup, making it visually appealing and packed with nutrients.

• Soak the wild rice beforehand: Soaking wild rice for a few hours or overnight can reduce cooking time and help achieve that perfect chewy texture. It also allows the grains to absorb some moisture, enhancing their flavor.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is unique! Taste your soup as it simmers and feel free to adjust the Old Bay seasoning and salt levels to suit your preferences.

• Let it simmer longer: If you have extra time, let your soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will deepen the flavors and allow the ingredients to meld beautifully.

• Store leftovers properly: Allow your soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for up to three months, making it great for meal prep!

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Serving your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens up the dish and adds a burst of freshness.
• Toasted pumpkin seeds: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy broth.

Side Dishes

• Crusty whole-grain bread: Perfect for dipping, crusty bread complements the rich flavors of the soup while providing a satisfying texture.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad made with seasonal greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast that balances out the hearty soup.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts provide a deliciously earthy element that works wonderfully alongside the fall flavors in your soup.
• Quinoa or grain salad: A side dish featuring quinoa mixed with roasted vegetables and a lemony dressing adds an extra protein punch while enhancing the autumn vibe.

Enjoy every warm spoonful of your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, whether it’s shared with loved ones or savored during a cozy night in. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge and can easily be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeks.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Label the container with the date so you know when to enjoy it by.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of each container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use a microwave-safe dish to defrost quickly.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Add a splash of vegetable stock or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful soup!

Can I make a vegan version of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly by using vegetable stock and coconut milk. Enjoy all its flavors without any animal products!

What can I substitute for coconut milk in Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup?

If you prefer not to use coconut milk, you can replace it with a homemade cream sauce made from blended cashews or silken tofu mixed with a bit of vegetable broth for a creamy texture.

How long does Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It’s delicious reheated!

Can I add different vegetables to my Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, butternut squash, or even spinach. Just make sure they complement the cooking time of your wild rice.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort during those chilly autumn days. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family or savoring a quiet moment on your own. Happy cooking!