There’s something magical about the first spoonful of wild rice soup; creamy, earthy, and deeply satisfying. I still remember the nights in my Nonna’s kitchen when the aroma of simmering vegetables and rice filled the air. Her soups weren’t just meals; they were stories told through slow cooking. When I recreate her recipes today, I keep her spirit alive in every pot I stir. This wild rice soup captures that feeling, it’s warm, nourishing, and meant to be shared around a table that feels like home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This wild rice soup is everything comfort food should be; creamy without being heavy, simple to make, and loaded with flavor. The nutty texture of wild rice pairs beautifully with tender vegetables and herbs. It’s the perfect recipe for cozy nights, quick weeknight dinners, or when you just want a bowl of something soothing. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian.
If you love creamy soups like Broccoli Cheddar Soup, this one will win you over with its rustic charm and wholesome flavor.
Reasons to love it:
- One pot meal, minimal cleanup
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing
- Hearty yet healthy
- Customizable with your favorite proteins or vegetables
Wild Rice Soup
A creamy, hearty wild rice soup made with wholesome vegetables, tender wild rice, and a comforting broth. Simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for cozy nights.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked wild rice
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk or cream
1 cup shredded cooked chicken (optional)
2 tablespoons flour or gluten-free thickener
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
2. Add the wild rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the rice with flavor.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes or until rice is tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk flour with some milk until smooth. Stir it into the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes to thicken.
5. Stir in remaining milk or cream and cooked chicken if using. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra texture and nutrition.
Wild rice soup freezes well—cool completely before storing for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the best wild rice soup:
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk or cream (for a richer soup)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (optional)
- 2 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free thickener)
For a similar creamy and satisfying texture, you might also enjoy Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder, another reader favorite for cozy meals.
How to Make It
Making wild rice soup at home is straightforward and rewarding:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Add the rice and broth: Stir in the wild rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 45–50 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Thicken the soup: In a small bowl, whisk flour with a bit of milk, then slowly stir it into the pot. Simmer for 5–10 minutes more until creamy.
- Finish and serve: Add the cooked chicken if using, taste, and adjust seasoning.
For another slow-simmered favorite, check out Crockpot Crack Potato Soup, it’s equally comforting with a Southern twist.
Tips and Variations
- Make it dairy-free: Swap milk for coconut milk or almond milk.
- Add extra veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or kale add flavor and texture.
- Go vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken.
- Add protein: Shredded turkey or sausage gives it a heartier touch.
- Thicken naturally: For a creamier soup without flour, blend a small portion and stir it back in.
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad. For a heartier pairing, try Creamy Turkey Stroganoff, another one-pan wonder that brings the same cozy vibe.
FAQs
Can you freeze wild rice soup?
Yes, wild rice soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
What’s the best way to reheat wild rice soup?
Reheat over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup has thickened too much, add broth or milk gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make wild rice soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients except the milk and flour to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in milk and thickener during the last 30 minutes. You can find another slow-cooked option in my Cajun Potato Soup.
Is wild rice soup healthy?
Yes! Wild rice is rich in antioxidants and fiber, making it a nutritious base. Using low-fat milk or vegetable broth keeps the soup light yet filling.
Conclusion
This wild rice soup isn’t just food, it’s a memory in a bowl. It’s for the days when you crave something warm, nourishing, and simple. It’s the kind of meal that brings family to the table, sparks laughter, and fills the house with aromas that feel like home. Whether you pair it with a side of Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup for a soup night feast or enjoy it solo, you’ll find comfort in every bite.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
