Name: Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 cup wild rice, rinsed; 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth); 8 ounces mushrooms (cremini or wild), sliced; 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for dairy-free option); Fresh parsley for garnish

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Heartwarming Bowl of Seasonal Comfort 🍂🍲✨

1. Introduction

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup. This nourishing dish combines the earthy goodness of wild rice with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of fall flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings, this autumn wild rice soup recipe is both comforting and packed with nutrients to keep you healthy during the colder months.

If you’re looking for more comforting soup recipes to try this season, be sure to check out our collection of hearty options that are perfect for fall and winter.

Finished Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup with fresh parsley garnish, perfect for fall.

Wild rice, the star of this autumn wild rice soup, isn’t actually rice but a nutrient-dense aquatic grass native to North America. When combined with seasonal mushrooms, kale, and aromatic vegetables, it creates a soup that’s both hearty and healthy. The best part? This autumn wild rice soup recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily make it vegetarian or add your favorite protein like chicken or beef (check out our chicken recipes or beef recipes for inspiration).

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base of your autumn wild rice soup. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Diced vegetables sautéing in olive oil for Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup.

Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) to the pot. The garlic will perfume your autumn wild rice soup with its unmistakable aroma, while the thyme adds an earthy depth that complements the wild rice beautifully. Cook for another minute until fragrant – you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely amazing!

Step 2: Prepare the Wild Rice

While the vegetables cook, rinse 1 cup of wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any debris and excess starch, ensuring your autumn wild rice soup has perfect texture. Wild rice takes longer to cook than white rice (about 45-50 minutes total), so we’ll add it early in the process to ensure it becomes perfectly tender.

Wild rice being rinsed for Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup.

Add the rinsed wild rice to the pot along with 6 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred). The broth will infuse the wild rice with flavor as it cooks. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the perfect time to prepare a fresh salad to serve alongside your soup!

Step 3: Add Seasonal Vegetables

After 30 minutes, your wild rice should be tender but still slightly chewy – this is the perfect texture for autumn wild rice soup. Now add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or wild mushrooms work beautifully) and 2 cups of chopped kale (stems removed). The mushrooms add wonderful umami flavor while the kale provides a nutritional boost.

Vegetable broth and wild rice added to sautéed vegetables for soup.

Season your autumn wild rice soup with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. The mushrooms will release their umami-rich juices into the broth, while the kale adds vibrant color and nutrients. Continue simmering uncovered for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re looking for more dinner inspiration, this soup pairs wonderfully with many main dishes.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

For the finishing touch, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free option. This adds a luxurious creaminess to your autumn wild rice soup without overpowering the other flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want to add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Mushrooms and kale added to simmering Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup.

Ladle your autumn wild rice soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with crusty bread for dipping – perhaps one from our baking recipes collection. The soup will thicken as it cools – simply add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers. For dessert, consider pairing with one of our delicious autumn desserts.

9. Conclusion

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food for crisp fall days. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients and bursting with seasonal flavors, this autumn wild rice soup recipe will become a staple in your fall meal rotation. The combination of chewy wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant kale creates a satisfying texture and depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Remember that wild rice varies in cooking time depending on its age and variety, so check for doneness after 30 minutes. You can easily customize this autumn wild rice soup by adding cooked chicken, turkey, or white beans for extra protein. Inspired by the wonderful recipe at Gimme Some Oven, we’ve added our own special touches to make this version uniquely delicious.

The soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep during busy autumn weeks. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love some of our other breakfast and brunch ideas to start your day right. To learn more about our cooking philosophy, visit our about page, or if you’re interested in collaborations, check out our work with me section.

We hope this autumn wild rice soup brings warmth and comfort to your table all season long. Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family – this recipe is too good not to spread the autumnal cheer!