Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Why Make This Recipe

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. It’s healthy, filling, and full of great flavors. This soup is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan.

Enjoying a steaming bowl of this soup can bring a sense of comfort and happiness on a cool autumn day.

How To Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pumpkin or butternut squash, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan version)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In an Instant Pot, combine all the ingredients except for the cream and parsley.
3. Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
4. Once done, allow for natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
5. Stir in the cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Note: For stovetop, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery first, then add the other ingredients and simmer for about 40-50 minutes.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, making a total of 35 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 350 calories, with a good amount of protein and healthy fats.

How To Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. It goes well with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

How To Store Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container since the soup will expand when frozen.

Tips To Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

1. Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
2. If you want thicker soup, blend a part of it after cooking.
3. Adjust the herbs and spices to your taste.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This soup is full of nutritious ingredients. Wild rice is a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It helps keep you full and satisfied. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this soup a balanced meal. Using cream or coconut milk adds healthy fats, which are good for your body.

Variation

You can easily change up this recipe based on your preferences. Feel free to add different vegetables like spinach or kale. You can also add protein like cooked chicken or beans for a heartier meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can use white rice, but cooking times may vary. Check the package for specific cooking instructions.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this soup are gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with gluten allergies.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup stays delicious even the next day and can be made ahead of time for busy days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.