As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing like the warmth of a hearty soup to bring comfort. This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is the perfect blend of earthy wild rice, tender vegetables, and a hint of herby goodness, all simmered to perfection. The beauty? It’s creamy without relying on heavy cream, making it a wholesome choice for chilly evenings. Picture a steaming bowl in your hands, with plumes of fragrant steam rising as you take a deep inhale of that cozy aroma. Whether you’re warming up after a long day or hosting friends for a laid-back supper, this soup is the ultimate autumn delight. Plus, it’s versatile enough for meal prep, meaning you can savor it throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)

You’ll fall head over heels for this soup! It’s not just about the comforting flavor; it’s also simple to whip up and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. The combination of wild rice, vegetables, and herbs creates a delightful texture that dances on your palate. This soup checks all the boxes for cozy comfort, plus it’s packed with nutrients to keep you fueled.

Benefits:

• Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour.
• Creamy Texture: Achieved without heavy cream for a lighter option.
• Pantry-Friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
• Meal Prep Hero: Easily makes a big batch for the week.
• Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins for variety.

Hero Ingredients for Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

• Olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies.
• Chopped onion – Brings a sweet, fragrant base to the soup.
• Chopped carrots – Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Chopped celery – Contributes crunch and depth of flavor.
• Garlic, minced – Boosts the savory taste.
• Vegetable broth – Rich, savory base that envelops the ingredients.
• Wild rice – The star! It’s nutty and chewy, bringing heartiness.
• Dried thyme and rosemary – Fresh and fragrant herbal notes elevate the dish.
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
• Chopped kale or spinach – Nutrient-packed greens for added health benefits.
• Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional) – For extra creaminess.

Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Phase 1 – Prep

1. Gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
2. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Keep them handy!
3. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.

Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the wild rice, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Lastly, stir in the kale or spinach and cream/coconut milk, cooking just until the greens wilt.

Phase 3 – Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish if desired.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
3. Enjoy each spoonful as you soak in the cozy vibes!

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Swap for convenience: Use pre-chopped veggies to save time.
• Technique improvement: Toast the wild rice in the pot for a few minutes before adding broth for a nuttier flavor.
• Storage/time saver: Portion extras into meal prep containers for easy lunches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcooking the wild rice. This can lead to a mushy texture instead of that delightful chewiness. To fix this, monitor the cooking time closely.

Another mistake is under-seasoning the soup. The right balance of salt and pepper is crucial for bringing out the flavors, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly!

Lastly, using too much liquid can lead to a watery soup. If you find it too thin, simmer it longer to thicken up or add a little starch like cornstarch mixed with water.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Ensure your broth is labeled gluten-free.
• Dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or leave it out altogether.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
• Herbal: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh twist.
• Stovetop/Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the initial cooking, then pressure cook for a quicker option.

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Best Pairings

• Crusty bread or rolls to soak up all that delicious broth.
• Side salads with bright ingredients for a refreshing complement.

Toppings & Garnishes

• Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness.
• Shredded cheese if you’re wanting that cheesy finish.

Drink Pairing

• Pair with a hot cup of apple cider or a crisp, refreshing sparkling water.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can I Meal Prep This?

Yes! This soup is great for meal prep; just store it in portioned containers for easy lunches.

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the soup for up to 3 months. The wild rice might become softer, but it will still be delicious!

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or on the stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes! Just add it to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

How to make it extra creamy without cream?

Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamy texture without dairy.

Can I double it?

Absolutely! Just use a larger pot and adjust the cooking time if needed.

How to fix a too-thick soup?

Add extra broth or water, and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

If you’re looking for an easy, wholesome dish that captures the essence of the season, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is calling your name. Not only is it creamy and delightful, but it’s also a fantastic way to warm up your evenings. I’d love to hear what you think about this recipe, so feel free to share your thoughts or try out some of our other cozy soup recipes!

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

A delightful and creamy soup featuring wild rice, tender vegetables, and herbs, perfect for chilly evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Soup

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil Adds richness and helps sauté the veggies.
• 1 medium Chopped onion Brings a sweet, fragrant base to the soup.
• 2 medium Chopped carrots Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• 2 stalks Chopped celery Contributes crunch and depth of flavor.
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced Boosts the savory taste.
• 6 cups Vegetable broth Rich, savory base that envelops the ingredients.
• 1 cup Wild rice The star! It’s nutty and chewy, bringing heartiness.
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Fresh and fragrant herbal notes elevate the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary Adds herbal aroma.
• 1 teaspoon Salt Simple seasoning to enhance flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Simple seasoning to enhance flavors.
• 2 cups Chopped kale or spinach Nutrient-packed greens for added health benefits.
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional) For extra creaminess.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Gather all your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
2. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Keep them handy!
3. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.

Cooking

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the wild rice, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Lastly, stir in the kale or spinach and cream/coconut milk, cooking just until the greens wilt.

Serving

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish if desired.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Notes

Best pairings include crusty bread or rolls and side salads. Can be meal prepped and stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Freeze for up to 3 months.