If you’re searching for a heartwarming dish to welcome crisp evenings and fill your home with inviting aromas, look no further than this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It perfectly marries the earthy nuttiness of wild rice with sweet butternut squash and the gentle creaminess of coconut milk, creating a bowl of comfort that celebrates all the best flavors of fall in each spoonful. This soup is not only nourishing but also a vibrant showcase of simple ingredients transforming into a soul-soothing delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen, playing a crucial role in delivering layers of flavor, texture, and seasonal color to your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe. From the aromatic herbs that give depth to the soup to the bright pops of kale and creamy coconut milk, these elements come together to make every bite memorable.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing the vegetables and herbs, enhancing overall richness.
- Onion, diced: Provides a foundational sweetness and savory depth as it softens.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth that complements every ingredient.
- Carrots, sliced: Bring a natural sweetness and tender bite that brighten the soup’s flavor profile.
- Celery, sliced: Adds subtle crunch and earthiness, balancing the sweetness of root vegetables.
- Dried rosemary: Offers piney, woody notes that evoke cozy autumn walks in the woods.
- Dried thyme: Adds a slightly minty, lemony aroma perfect for hearty soups.
- Wild rice: The star ingredient, providing a nutty chewiness and beautiful texture contrast.
- Vegetable broth: Forms the savory, flavorful liquid base that brings all the components together.
- Butternut squash, diced: Provides a velvety sweetness and vibrant orange color that screams fall.
- Mushrooms, sliced: Contribute a meaty earthiness that deepens the soup’s complexity.
- Coconut milk: Introduces luscious creaminess with a subtle hint of tropical sweetness, making the soup silky-smooth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Kale, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, sturdy green element for nutrition and color.
- Apple cider vinegar: A splash of tang to brighten and lift the soup’s flavors in the final moments.
How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat—this is where the magic begins. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion turns translucent and soft. This step releases their sweet, savory scents, setting a flavorful foundation that will carry through the whole soup.
Step 2: Build Flavor With Veggies and Herbs
Next, toss in the carrots, celery, dried rosemary, and thyme. Let these cook together for about five minutes, allowing the herbs to wake up and the vegetables to soften slightly. This stage brings a delightful fragrance to your kitchen and layers that comforting fall flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Wild Rice
Add the wild rice into the pot and stir it around for about a minute, coating each grain with the olive oil and herbs. This little toasting step enhances the rice’s natural nuttiness and ensures it will cook up with a pleasing texture.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup Base
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This slow cooking begins softening the rice while infusing the broth with all those aromatic flavors.
Step 5: Add Autumn’s Sweetness and Earthiness
Stir in the diced butternut squash and sliced mushrooms, then let the soup continue to simmer, covered, for another 20 to 25 minutes. This tenderizes the squash and allows the rice to finish cooking, melding all the flavors into a harmonious whole.
Step 6: Creamify and Season
Stir in the coconut milk, adding a creamy, dreamy texture to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer uncovered for an additional five minutes. This step lets the coconut milk gently warm through without curdling.
Step 7: Finish With Greens and Brightness
Finally, add the chopped kale and apple cider vinegar. Stir well and cook just until the kale wilts into the soup. The vinegar brightens all the rich flavors with a refreshing tang, giving your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe that irresistible balance.
Step 8: Final Taste and Serve
Give your soup a final taste test, adjusting seasoning if needed. Ladle it into bowls while piping hot, ready to be savored.
How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves on top adds a lovely herbaceous note and visual appeal. For an extra touch, a swirl of coconut cream or a few toasted pumpkin seeds can make each bowl feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up every last drop. A crisp autumn salad with apple slices and walnuts also makes an excellent companion, balancing the soup’s creaminess with a fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic stoneware bowls for cozy vibes, or hollow out small pumpkins or squash for an unforgettable seasonal presentation. You can also garnish with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add a bit of exciting contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Keep in mind that kale may lose some texture after freezing, but it will still add wonderful color and nourishment.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up while preserving its delicious richness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this soup?
While wild rice is preferred for its nutty flavor and chewy texture in the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe, you can substitute with brown rice or a wild rice blend. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this soup vegan and dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe uses vegetable broth and coconut milk, making it entirely plant-based and free from dairy, perfect for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas, or add shredded cooked chicken or turkey to boost the protein content while keeping the soup hearty and satisfying.
What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar will also provide the bright acidity needed to lift the flavors near the end of cooking.
How do I make the soup thicker?
You can cook the soup uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water towards the end of cooking, then simmer until thickened to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Its earthy ingredients and creamy broth come together in a way that’s both comforting and festive, capturing the very essence of fall. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy savoring every spoonful as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season’s flavors with family and friends.
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Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with nutritious ingredients like wild rice, butternut squash, kale, and creamy coconut milk, it’s a flavorful and wholesome soup that celebrates the best of autumn produce with fragrant herbs and a touch of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup butternut squash, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 cups kale, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onions become translucent, releasing their aroma.
- Add carrots, celery, and herbs: Stir in sliced carrots, celery, dried rosemary, and dried thyme, cooking for an additional 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and meld flavors.
- Incorporate wild rice: Add 1 cup of wild rice to the pot, stirring for about a minute to coat the grains with the oil and herbal mixture.
- Add vegetable broth and boil: Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer rice partially: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes to begin cooking the rice.
- Add squash and mushrooms: Mix in diced butternut squash and sliced mushrooms, then continue to simmer covered for another 20-25 minutes, until the rice and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in coconut milk and season: Pour in the canned coconut milk, season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to blend the creaminess.
- Add kale and vinegar: Toss in the chopped kale and apple cider vinegar, stirring until the kale wilts and the soup is well combined.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed to enhance the flavor.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with extra dried thyme or rosemary for an added aromatic touch.
Notes
- This soup can easily be made vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Wild rice has a chewy texture and nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut milk.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not strictly vegetarian.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or coconut milk based on your preference.
- For an added protein boost, consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or lentils.
- The apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang and brightens the flavors; don’t skip this step.
- Leftovers will keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and also freeze beautifully.
