Description
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring wild rice simmered with vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a touch of coconut milk and heavy cream, it offers a rich, creamy texture with layers of warm autumn flavors. The addition of kale and a splash of lemon juice lends freshness and a nourishing boost, making it an ideal meal to enjoy throughout the fall season.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup wild rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced medium onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, developing a sweet base flavor.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the aroma of the soup.
- Cook carrots and celery: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables.
- Add wild rice: Pour in 1 cup of wild rice and stir thoroughly to combine it with the vegetables.
- Add vegetable broth: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, making sure the rice and vegetables are well covered to allow proper cooking of the rice.
- Add coconut milk: Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk to add creaminess and subtle sweetness to the soup.
- Season with herbs and spices: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, tossing gently to mix.
- Add bay leaf: Drop 1 bay leaf into the pot to infuse the broth with a gentle herbal note.
- Bring to boil and simmer: Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to low heat for simmering.
- Simmer covered: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 40-45 minutes until the wild rice is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Monitor consistency: Check the rice as it cooks and add extra broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
- Remove bay leaf: Once the rice is fully cooked, fish out and discard the bay leaf to avoid bitterness.
- Add kale: Stir in 1 cup chopped kale and cook for 3-4 minutes until the kale wilts and softens, adding color and nutrients.
- Incorporate heavy cream: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir gently to blend the creaminess evenly throughout the soup.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice as desired to balance the flavors.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired, serving immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Wild rice takes longer to cook than regular rice; soaking it beforehand can reduce cooking time.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with additional coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Feel free to add other autumn vegetables such as mushrooms or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and lemon juice, to enhance the soup’s depth.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American