Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the perfect dish to warm up your fall evenings. Made with a hearty combination of wild rice, seasonal vegetables, and creamy coconut milk, this soup is a nourishing and flavorful meal. Whether prepared in an Instant Pot for convenience or on the stovetop for a slower, simmering experience, this soup is guaranteed to become a fall favorite!

---

Ingredients:

• 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 (about 1 pound), peeled and diced
• 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 ½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk (or cream sauce option below*)
• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed
• Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

---

Instructions:

Instant Pot Method:

1. Combine Base Ingredients: In the bowl of an Instant Pot, combine vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir briefly to combine.
2. Pressure Cook: Cover the Instant Pot and cook on manual (high pressure) for 25 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Carefully open the vent and quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf.
3. Add Final Ingredients: Stir in the coconut milk and kale until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Old Bay if desired.
4. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this cozy soup!

---

Stovetop Method:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add Base Ingredients: Add the vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.
4. Add Final Ingredients: Stir in the coconut milk and kale until well combined. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and extra Old Bay if desired.
5. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy the cozy comfort of this soup!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a comforting, nourishing dish perfect for the cooler months. The combination of wild rice, sweet potatoes, and seasonal vegetables makes for a hearty and flavorful base, while the addition of creamy coconut milk creates a rich and satisfying texture. It’s an easy-to-make, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free soup, making it a great option for a wide range of dietary needs. Whether you’re using the Instant Pot for a quick dinner or simmering it on the stove for a leisurely meal, this soup is sure to become a fall favorite.

---

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Rice Substitutes: If you prefer a different type of rice, brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of wild rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
• Cream Options: For a dairy-free version, stick with coconut milk, but for a richer, creamier texture, you can substitute with a dairy-based cream or half-and-half.
• Seasoning Variations: You can swap the Old Bay seasoning for other seasoning blends like Italian seasoning or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap in other fall vegetables like butternut squash, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts to suit your taste.
• Protein Additions: For added protein, try incorporating beans like cannellini beans or cooked chicken for a heartier meal.

---

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use regular rice instead of wild rice?
Yes, you can substitute regular rice, but be aware that it may alter the texture and cooking time. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid used depending on the type of rice.

---

Serving Suggestions

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with:

• Crusty bread or a warm loaf of sourdough for dipping.
• A side salad with greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets for a hearty and wholesome meal.

Enjoy this fall-inspired dish as a warm and satisfying meal that will keep you cozy all season long!