Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup – Hearty, Comforting & Full of Flavor
Warm up with this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup! Packed with nutty wild rice, tender vegetables, and savory seasonings, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly fall evenings, weeknight dinners, or a comforting lunch. Easy to make, nourishing, and loaded with cozy autumn flavors.
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife + cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Blender (optional for creamy version)
- Ladle for serving (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3–4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1–2 cups cooked protein (chicken, turkey, or plant-based; optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup cream or cashew cream (optional)
- Optional garnish: toasted nuts, dried cranberries, grated cheese, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare wild rice: Rinse under cold water. Optional: toast in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes. Cook separately until al dente; drain.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and herbs; cook 1–2 more minutes.
- Cook protein (optional): Brown or poach chicken or turkey; cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooked wild rice, sautéed vegetables, protein, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Optional creamy finish: Stir in cream or cashew cream at the end; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with cranberries, nuts, cheese, or fresh herbs. Rest 5–10 minutes for flavor to meld.
Notes
- Prevent watery soup: Toast wild rice and cook separately.
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate; reheat gently.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions or as a whole batch for up to 2 months; thaw overnight.
- Vegetarian/vegan option: Use vegetable broth and plant-based protein.
- Cheesy addition: Sprinkle grated parmesan or cheddar before serving for extra richness.
- Seasonal flexibility: Swap in sweet potatoes, parsnips, kale, or spinach for variety.