If you’re looking for a warm hug in a bowl, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is just what you need! As the leaves turn and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like a steaming pot of this hearty soup to make you feel at home. This recipe combines fresh seasonal produce with delicious wild rice, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

What makes this soup so special is its wholesome ingredients and zesty creamy broth. Whether you’re cozying up on the couch or welcoming friends over, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Packed with nutritious veggies and flavors that everyone loves, it’s a hit with both kids and adults!
Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of wild rice, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes creates a savory depth that warms your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup. They not only bring vibrant flavors but also provide plenty of nutrition.

For the Soup Base

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 sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 pound)
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 Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.

Add some protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas or lentils for a heartier version.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Change the greens: Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
Use different vegetables: Try adding butternut squash or zucchini for added texture and taste.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable stock to sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cooking these aromatics until they’re soft helps release their flavors into the soup base. It sets the stage for a rich, savory experience!

Step 2: Add the Sweet Potato and Mushrooms

Once your aromatics are softened, stir in the diced sweet potatoes and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. This step adds layers of flavor that make each spoonful delightful.

Step 3: Incorporate Wild Rice and Stock

Next, add your uncooked wild rice to the pot along with the vegetable stock. Toss in the bay leaf and Old Bay seasoning as well. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer. This is where all those wonderful flavors meld together!

Step 4: Stir in Coconut Milk and Greens

After about 30 minutes of simmering (or when the rice is tender), stir in the coconut milk and chopped kale. Let it cook for just another few minutes until the kale wilts down. The coconut milk brings creaminess without any dairy, making every bite luscious!

Step 5: Season to Taste

Finally, remove the bay leaf and season your soup with fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste. A final taste test ensures that every spoonful is just right!

And there you have it! A bowl of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup ready to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Creating the perfect Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure that every bowl is bursting with flavor!

Use fresh seasonal vegetables: Incorporating seasonal produce not only enhances the taste but also ensures your soup is vibrant and packed with nutrients. Look for local farmers’ markets to find the freshest ingredients.
Cook wild rice separately: Cooking wild rice according to package instructions before adding it to the soup can prevent it from absorbing too much broth, keeping your soup creamy and hearty.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different! Don’t hesitate to taste your soup as you go and adjust the Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper to suit your preferences.
Add a splash of lemon juice: A little acidity can brighten up the flavors. Just a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice added at the end of cooking will elevate the dish beautifully.
Let it sit before serving: Allowing your soup to rest for about 10-15 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together even more, resulting in a richer taste.

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Serving your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to make this dish truly shine on your dinner table.

Garnishes

To elevate your soup’s presentation and flavor, consider these simple garnishes:

Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or cilantro adds freshness and color.
Toasted pumpkin seeds: These add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy broth.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup with these delightful side dishes for a well-rounded meal:

Crusty Whole Wheat Bread: A warm slice of whole wheat bread is perfect for dipping into your hearty soup. The texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy consistency of the soup.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad topped with seasonal fruits like apples or pears provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the soup. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette for added zest.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy bites bring an earthy flavor that matches well with the autumnal essence of wild rice. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until golden brown.
Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs pairs wonderfully as a side. It’s nutritious and adds another layer of texture to your meal.

Enjoy making this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup and let its warmth fill both your kitchen and hearts this season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors throughout the week. Whether you’re planning lunches or cozy dinners, this soup keeps well and tastes even better the next day!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing

To freeze, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
Leave about an inch of space at the top of containers for expansion.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in increments of 1-2 minutes until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup that might help you out!

Can I make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually gets better with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last for about 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool down before placing it in the fridge.

Can I use other grains besides wild rice?

Yes! While wild rice gives this soup its unique flavor and texture, you can substitute with other grains like brown rice or quinoa if preferred. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you may use are labeled gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy and comfort in making this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day filled with seasonal goodness. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your own variations with me! Happy cooking!

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Main
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm up with our Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup—a delicious blend of fresh produce and creamy goodness. Perfect for meal prep! Try it today!

Ingredients

Scale

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 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 small white onion, peeled and diced
1 bay leaf
1 ½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk
2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped
Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a splash of vegetable stock until softened.
Stir in sweet potatoes and mushrooms; sauté for about five minutes until softened.
Add wild rice and vegetable stock along with bay leaf and Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to simmer for about 30 minutes.
Stir in coconut milk and kale; cook for an additional few minutes until the kale wilts.
Remove the bay leaf; season to taste with salt and pepper.