Cozy Nights In: Creamy Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Creamy Wild Rice Mushroom Soup Recipe

Elaria Jackson

A comforting, creamy soup packed with earthy flavors, a hint of sweetness, and a satisfying texture. Perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a hug in a bowl.

4.50 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Separate pan for roux

Ingredients

  

• Butter or olive oil
• Mushrooms cremini, baby bellas, and shiitake
• Onion
• Garlic
• Shallot optional
• Carrots
• Celery
• Wild rice blend
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Flour
• Milk or cream
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bay leaf
• White wine optional
• Parmesan optional
• Fresh herbs optional

Instructions

 

• Sauté Time: Heat butter or oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, shallot (if using), carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
• Mushroom Magic: Add sliced mushrooms. Cook until golden brown and slightly caramelized.
• Rice and Broth: Add wild rice blend and broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then simmer for 45-60 minutes until rice is tender.
• Roux Time: In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a smooth paste.
• Creamy Dreams: Slowly whisk milk or cream into the roux until smooth and lump-free. Pour this mixture into the soup pot.
• Seasoning Symphony: Add thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Finishing Touches: Add a splash of white wine or Parmesan if desired. Stir in chopped fresh herbs a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Mix and match different mushroom varieties for unique flavors.
• For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
• For vegan, use plant-based milk and butter.
• Adjust thickness by simmering longer or adding more roux. Thin with broth if needed.
• Leftover cooked rice can be used; add it towards the end to heat through.

Hey soup lovers! If you’re looking for a recipe that’ll warm you from the inside out, look no further. My creamy wild rice mushroom soup is packed with earthy flavors, a hint of sweetness, and the most satisfying texture. Perfect for a cozy night in or when you just need a hug in a bowl. Let’s dive in!

Introduction: Cozy Up to a Bowl of Goodness

Imagine: it’s a chilly evening, maybe it’s drizzling outside, and you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket. Now, picture a steaming bowl of soup in your hands – that’s where this recipe comes in. My creamy wild rice mushroom soup isn’t just any soup; it’s like a warm embrace on a cold day. It’s got this incredible creaminess that’s both luxurious and comforting, and the mix of wild rice and mushrooms gives it an earthy depth that’ll make your tastebuds sing. Whether you’re making it a full meal or just a starter, trust me, this soup is a winner.

Ingredient Lineup: Your Soup’s Dream Team

Alright, let’s gather our players for this flavor symphony. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter or olive oil: The foundation for building flavor.
• Mushrooms: I love using a mix of cremini, baby bellas, and shiitake, but feel free to experiment!
• Aromatics: Think onion, garlic, maybe even a shallot for a little something extra.
• Veggies: Carrots and celery are my go-to, but you could throw in some parsnips for a sweeter touch.
• Wild rice blend: You can buy it pre-mixed, or get adventurous and combine wild and brown rice yourself.
• Broth: Chicken or veggie, both work beautifully.
• Flour: This is our secret weapon for creating that lusciously thick base.
• Milk or cream: Choose your level of indulgence. I often use a mix of both.
• Seasonings: Thyme is a must, along with salt and pepper. Don’t forget a bay leaf!
• Optional Goodies: A splash of white wine adds complexity, a sprinkle of Parmesan brings a salty punch, and fresh herbs at the end brighten it all up.

Let’s Get Cooking: Soup Symphony in Seven Steps

1. Sauté Time: Heat up your butter or oil in a big pot, then toss in your chopped aromatics and veggies. Let them soften and release their delicious smells.
2. Mushroom Magic: Add your sliced mushrooms and cook them until they’re golden brown and slightly caramelized. This is where the magic happens – they develop a deep, umami flavor that’s essential for this soup.
3. Rice and Broth: In goes the rice blend and the broth. Give it a good stir, bring it to a boil, then let it simmer until the rice is tender. This usually takes about 45-60 minutes, so put on some music and let the kitchen fill with comforting aromas.
4. Roux Time: Remember that flour we talked about? It’s time to make a roux. Melt some butter in a separate pan and whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. This is what’s going to thicken our soup beautifully.
5. Creamy Dreams: Slowly whisk in your milk or cream into the roux. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and there are no lumps. Then, pour this creamy mixture into your soup pot.
6. Seasoning Symphony: Now comes the fun part – seasoning! Add your thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Taste and adjust as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
7. Finishing Touches: If you’re feeling fancy, this is where you add that splash of white wine or Parmesan. A few minutes before serving, stir in some chopped fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

Tips and Tricks: Make It Your Own

• Mushroom Mania: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different mushroom varieties – each one brings a unique flavor profile to the party.
• Dietary Delights: Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour. Vegan? Opt for plant-based milk and butter. This soup is flexible!
• Thickness Control: Want it thicker? Simmer it longer or add a bit more roux. Too thick? Thin it out with a splash of broth.
• Leftover Love: If you have leftover cooked rice, you can use that instead of cooking it in the soup. Just add it towards the end so it heats through.
• Serving Suggestions: This soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with some crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a delicious pairing.

Serving and Storage: Enjoy Now or Later

Ladle your soup into bowls, garnish with a few fresh herbs if you have them, and get ready for a flavor explosion. If you have leftovers, they’ll keep well in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for a few months. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

There you have it – my creamy wild rice mushroom soup recipe. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. And hey, if you get creative and make your own variations, I’d love to hear about them!

Elaria Jackson

Hello, I’m Elaria Jackson, the author behind Vegan Castle. I have a background in Nutrition Science and Culinary Arts. I’ve studied the benefits of a plant-based diet and its impact on health and the environment. I’ve attended various vegan cooking courses and workshops. Through Vegan Castle, I share easy weeknight meals and decadent desserts. I aim to be a valuable companion on your vegan journey.