Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together wholesome ingredients and a rich, creamy texture. With tender vegetables and the nice flavor of wild rice, this soup is both tasty and nutritious.

Perfect for cozy evenings or meal prepping, it’s easy to make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or want to add some protein like chicken or turkey, this versatile dish is a flavorful way to warm up and nourish your body.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups pre-cooked wild rice
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

How To Make Creamy Wild Rice Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables

• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Why this step is important: Melting the butter first ensures that the vegetables are sautéed evenly and are coated with the fat for better flavor and texture.
• Add the diced celery, carrots, onions, and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes or until they are softened and start to release their aroma.
  • Pro Tip: Stir the vegetables occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The longer you sauté, the more the natural sweetness of the vegetables will develop, enhancing the flavor of the soup.

2. Add Garlic and Flour

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step allows the garlic to release its fragrance without burning, adding a savory aroma to the soup.
  • Pro Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can become bitter if overcooked.
• Sprinkle the whole wheat flour over the softened vegetables and stir well to coat the vegetables with the flour.
  • Why this step is important: The flour will help thicken the soup and create a smooth, creamy texture as it combines with the liquids. Stirring the flour in with the vegetables ensures it doesn’t form clumps when the liquid is added.

3. Add the Broth and Water

• Gradually pour in the water and chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
  • Why this step is important: Gradually adding the liquid helps the flour dissolve evenly and prevents any flour lumps from forming, resulting in a smoother soup.
• Add salt and black pepper to the pot, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Pro Tip: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer rather than a boil to allow the flavors to meld without over-reducing the liquid.

4. Add the Pre-cooked Wild Rice

• Once the soup is simmering, add the pre-cooked wild rice and stir to combine.
  • Why this step is important: Adding pre-cooked wild rice ensures it doesn’t overcook and lose its texture in the soup. The rice should just warm up and absorb some of the broth’s flavor.

5. Add Coconut Milk

• Pour in the coconut milk, stirring well to combine it into the soup.
  • Why this step is important: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, making the soup richer and smoother. Stirring it in ensures an even distribution throughout the soup.
• Allow the soup to simmer for 5-10 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
  • Pro Tip: If you like a thicker soup, allow it to simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become too thick or start to stick to the bottom of the pot.

6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt or pepper.
  • Why this step is important: Seasoning can be adjusted at the end to balance the flavors. You may find the soup needs a little more salt or pepper to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables or the richness of the coconut milk.

7. Serve Warm

• Once the soup is fully heated and seasoned to your liking, serve it warm.
  • Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add color and freshness to the rich soup.

How To Store

Creamy Wild Rice Soup can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

To prepare it for freezing, allow it to cool fully to avoid freezer burn. Once transferred to a freezer-safe container, it will stay good for up to 6 months.

For the best texture and flavor, defrost the soup gradually. Place it in the fridge for about 24 hours to thaw, and then warm it up on the stovetop.

Top Tips

Pre-cook the Wild Rice: Using pre-cooked wild rice makes the recipe quicker and easier. If you don’t have pre-cooked rice, you can cook the wild rice from scratch, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer longer to reduce. Alternatively, for a thinner soup, you can add a little more water or broth.Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk creates a richer, creamier texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk, but keep in mind it will alter the texture slightly.Add Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavor and add color to the soup.Substitute with Vegetable Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a plant-based soup.Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup to give it a spicy kick.Creamy Texture: For an ultra-creamy soup, you can blend part of the soup (using an immersion blender or regular blender) after it’s cooked, then stir it back in for a smoother consistency.

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