Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe

Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days. This creamy and comforting soup combines chicken, wild rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a delicious choice for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of herbs like thyme and sage creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Hearty and Filling: With chicken and wild rice, this soup is not only delicious but also filling enough to serve as a main dish.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe features simple steps that make preparation quick, allowing you to enjoy your meal sooner.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it even more enjoyable the next day.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Autumn Wild Rice Soup efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. These will help streamline the process and ensure you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Fine-mesh sieve: Perfect for rinsing wild rice thoroughly before cooking, which helps improve texture.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Creamy, comforting Autumn Wild Rice Soup with chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a chilly day!

For the Soup Base

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 8 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1/2 cup dry white apple vinegar, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

For the Finish

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

How to Make Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe

Step 1: Rinse the Wild Rice

Place the wild rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water for a couple of minutes until the water runs clear.

Step 2: Cook the Wild Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Garlic

Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic along with dried thyme, sage, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Deglaze with Vinegar

Pour in dry white apple vinegar while scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen browned bits. Cook for 2-3 minutes until reduced slightly.

Step 6: Combine Broth

Pour in remaining 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 7: Add Chicken and Wild Rice

Reduce heat to low after reaching a simmer. Add shredded cooked chicken and cooked wild rice into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 8: Finish with Cream

Stir in heavy cream last. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 9: Heat Through

Heat soup through gently without bringing it back to boil.

Step 10: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls garnished with chopped fresh parsley, toasted pecans or walnuts, and shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Autumn Wild Rice Soup!

How to Serve Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe

Serving Autumn Wild Rice Soup is an excellent way to warm up on a chilly fall day. This hearty soup pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that can enhance its flavors and create a comforting meal experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with a slice of freshly baked crusty bread for dipping. The crunchy texture complements the creamy soup beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with extra chopped parsley or chives. This adds a burst of freshness and color to your dish.

With a Side Salad

• A mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. It’s a refreshing addition that brings some crunch.

As an Entree

• Enjoy the soup as a standalone entree for lunch or dinner. It’s filling enough to be served by itself, especially on cooler days.

In Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks great but also provides delicious edible bowls!

How to Perfect Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe

To make your Autumn Wild Rice Soup even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor significantly. Always opt for the freshest produce you can find.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Everyone’s palate is different, so make sure it suits your preference.
• Let it simmer longer: If time permits, let the soup simmer longer than recommended. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add different spices like paprika or cumin for added depth of flavor. Just remember to start with small amounts.
• Add more veggies: Consider adding additional vegetables such as spinach or kale towards the end for extra nutrition and color.
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Autumn Wild Rice Soup can elevate your meal to new levels. Here are some great options that complement this hearty recipe well.

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfectly toasted garlic bread adds a savory touch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These crispy sprouts provide a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the soup’s richness.
3. Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess, making it a delightful accompaniment.
4. Stuffed Peppers
   Bell peppers filled with grains and veggies offer a colorful side that enhances your meal’s nutritional value.
5. Cheese Quesadillas
   Simple cheese quesadillas are easy to prepare and pair well, allowing you to dip them into the soup if desired.
6. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth while adding sweetness to balance flavors.
7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
   A gooey grilled cheese sandwich brings comfort and nostalgia, making it an ideal pairing for warm soups.
8. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   These naturally sweet potatoes provide fiber and vitamins, complementing your hearty autumn meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using old rice: Make sure your wild rice is fresh. Old rice can lead to underwhelming texture and flavor.
• Skipping the sauté step: Don’t rush this process. Sautéing vegetables enhances their flavors and adds depth to the soup.
• Overcooking the wild rice: Watch the cooking time closely. Overcooked rice can become mushy instead of maintaining a nice chew.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! Your broth may vary in saltiness, so adjust with salt and pepper accordingly.
• Forgetting garnish: Garnishes like parsley or nuts add not just flavor but also texture and visual appeal. Don’t skip it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until steaming hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe.

Can I make Autumn Wild Rice Soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.

How can I customize my Autumn Wild Rice Soup?

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like squash or kale. You can also use different herbs for varied flavors.

What type of chicken should I use in this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken works great, but you can also cook chicken breasts or thighs separately and shred them for the soup.

How long does it take to make Autumn Wild Rice Soup?

The total time is about 100 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Autumn Wild Rice Soup: A Hearty Fall Recipe is perfect for chilly days when you crave warmth and comfort. Its creamy texture combined with hearty ingredients makes it versatile enough for various palates. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making every batch uniquely yours!