Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Featured in Cozy Bowls of Comfort.

This wild rice and mushroom soup warms you right up on chilly days The wild rice brings this amazing nutty flavor and chewy texture that makes it super filling Mushrooms get cooked until golden and loaded with flavor before joining fresh vegetables in a rich creamy broth that just makes you feel good from the inside out Every spoonful is packed with different textures and tastes that keep you coming back for more Its hearty enough to be dinner especially with crusty bread on the side Perfect for those days when you want something cozy but still pretty fancy
A young woman with wavy hair is gazing down contemplatively in a warmly lit kitchen filled with plants.
Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:53:03 GMT
A bowl of creamy mushroom soup garnished with thyme and featuring carrots and rice. Pin it
A bowl of creamy mushroom soup garnished with thyme and featuring carrots and rice. | cookingkeys.com

This cozy soup came to life one rainy autumn day when I was craving something warming and nutritious! The combination of wild rice and mushrooms creates such earthy comfort, and that creamy broth just warms you from the inside out. Last week when the temperatures dropped, I made a big pot and my kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma even my teenager wandered in to see what was cooking!

What Makes This Soup Special

This isn't your ordinary mushroom soup! The wild rice adds this wonderful nutty flavor and chewy texture that makes it so satisfying. When my vegetarian friend tried it, she couldn't believe how rich and hearty it was without any meat. Those baby bella mushrooms create such a beautiful depth of flavor, and the way they nestle into that creamy broth is just perfect.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • The Base:
    • Wild rice blend
    • Fresh mushrooms
    • Sweet onions
    • Garden vegetables
    • Rich broth
  • The Finishing Touch:
    • Heavy cream
    • Fresh herbs
    • Good Parmesan
    • Sea salt
    • Cracked pepper

Creating Comfort

Building Flavors
Watching those vegetables soften and release their aromas is like conducting a delicious symphony! The mushrooms turn such a beautiful golden color as they cook down.
Rice Magic
Wild rice takes its time to cook, but that's when all the flavors really start to meld together. Each grain opens up like a tiny flower, creating these lovely dark ribbons through the soup.
Creamy Finish
When you stir in that cream at the end, the whole soup transforms into this velvety dream. The fresh thyme scattered on top adds such pretty little green speckles!
A creamy bowl of mushroom and vegetable soup with rice, garnished with fresh thyme. Pin it
A creamy bowl of mushroom and vegetable soup with rice, garnished with fresh thyme. | cookingkeys.com

My Soup Secrets

Want to know what makes this soup extra special? Let those mushrooms really brown they develop such amazing flavor. I love using a mix of mushroom varieties when I can find them each brings its own personality to the soup. And here's my favorite trick toss in a parmesan rind while it simmers it adds this incredible depth!

Serving Joy

Nothing beats ladling this soup into big bowls on a chilly evening! I love serving it with chunks of crusty bread for soaking up every last drop. Sometimes I'll set out extra fresh herbs and parmesan so everyone can add their own finishing touches. The way people's shoulders relax as they take that first warming spoonful pure comfort!

Make Ahead Magic

This soup actually gets better the next day! Once all those flavors have had time to mingle, it's even more delicious. I often make a double batch and freeze individual portions perfect for those busy days when you need a quick, comforting meal.

Make It Your Own

While this version is perfectly vegetarian, you can absolutely adapt it! Sometimes I'll add different vegetables like kale or sweet potatoes. For a vegan version, cashew cream works beautifully in place of the heavy cream. The joy of soup making is in the experimenting!

A bowl of creamy mushroom and wild rice soup garnished with fresh thyme and colorful vegetable chunks. Pin it
A bowl of creamy mushroom and wild rice soup garnished with fresh thyme and colorful vegetable chunks. | cookingkeys.com

Bowl of Comfort

This soup has become such a cherished recipe in my kitchen! From cozy family dinners to sharing with friends who need a pick-me-up, it never fails to bring comfort and smiles. There's something so special about a pot of soup simmering on the stove it just makes everything feel right with the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
→ Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You can make this soup dairy-free by using cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Simply soak cashews in boiling water and blend until smooth before adding to the soup.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
→ Can I use different mushrooms?
While the recipe calls for baby bella mushrooms, you can use other varieties like white button or shiitake mushrooms. Each type will bring its own unique flavor to the soup.
→ How do I know when the wild rice is done?
The wild rice should be tender but still slightly chewy when done, usually after 45-60 minutes of simmering. The grains will split open and curl when fully cooked.

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A warming bowl of wild rice soup loaded with mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs. This vegetarian comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (9 cups)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 Olive oil, 2 tablespoons.
02 Butter, 2 tablespoons.
03 1 whole yellow onion, chopped small.
04 3/4 cup carrots, diced.
05 1/2 cup celery, diced.
06 8 ounces fresh baby bella mushrooms, sliced.
07 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced.
08 1 cup wild rice blend.
09 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning.
10 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
11 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
12 4 cups vegetable broth, low sodium.
13 2/3 cup heavy cream.
14 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated.

Instructions

Step 01

Take cream out of fridge and let it warm up while cooking.

Step 02

Heat oil and butter in pot. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until soft, about 8 minutes.

Step 03

Add mushrooms and garlic, cook until golden, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 04

Mix in rice and cook 2 minutes to toast. Add seasonings.

Step 05

Pour in broth and water. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer 45-60 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 06

Stir in cream and cheese until smooth. Serve hot.

Notes

  1. Store in fridge up to 5 days.
  2. Can be frozen up to 3 months.
  3. Reheat slowly, stirring often.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven or large pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Mushrooms.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 8 g