Cozy Autumn Wild Rice has become my absolute go-to for those crisp fall evenings when all I want is something warm and comforting. I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma of herbs and earthy mushrooms filling my kitchen instantly transported me. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a truly warm and cozy wild rice recipe that brings a smile to my face and comfort to my soul. The nutty texture of the wild rice, combined with the creamy broth and seasonal vegetables, is pure autumn magic. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice
- Incredible taste: A perfect blend of nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and savory herbs creates a delicious experience.
- Quick prep: Ready in just 10 minutes of prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and healthy: Packed with fiber and nutrients, this soup is a wholesome choice.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting and flavorful Autumn Harvest Wild Rice Soup.
- One-pot wonder: Made easily in the Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup.
- Versatile: This Autumn Harvest Wild Rice Soup is perfect for a light lunch or a substantial dinner.
- Pure comfort: It truly embodies the feeling of a warm and cozy wild rice recipe.
Ingredients for Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create the perfect bowl of autumn goodness. This recipe focuses on bringing out the best Wild Rice Soup Autumn Flavors with a balance of textures and tastes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced – forms the savory base
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – essential for depth of flavor
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced – adds a touch of sweetness and color
- 3 celery stalks, chopped – contributes a subtle savory note
- 1 pound baby Bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced – these earthy mushrooms are key to that cozy, comforting taste
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice (not a blend) – the star, providing a nutty chewiness
- 6 cups vegetable broth – the liquid gold that brings it all together
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – enhances all the other flavors
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – for a gentle kick
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – if you like a little warmth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried) – brings classic autumnal herbal notes
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk – for that luxurious, dairy-free creaminess
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach – adds a boost of green nutrients
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice – brightens everything up at the end
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish – for a fresh, final touch
How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Whipping up this comforting bowl is a breeze, especially with the Instant Pot! This recipe is designed to be an easy cozy wild rice soup that even beginners can master.
- Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced 1 medium yellow onion, minced 3 garlic cloves, sliced 3 carrots, and chopped 3 celery stalks. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in the sliced 1 pound baby Bella (cremini) mushrooms. Add the 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and optional ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release some of their moisture and develop a deeper flavor. Deglazing the pot here is a good idea to prevent a burn warning later on.
- Step 3: Now, add the 1 cup uncooked wild rice (make sure it’s pure wild rice, not a blend!) and the 6 cups vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Step 4: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot. Set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “High Pressure” or “Manual” setting and cook for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully performing a quick release for any remaining steam. This slow release helps the wild rice cook perfectly.
- Step 5: Carefully open the lid. Stir in the creamy 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, the chopped 2 cups kale or spinach, and the bright 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Let the soup simmer gently on the “Keep Warm” setting for about 5-10 minutes, just until the greens are wilted and tender. This is a key step for an easy cozy wild rice soup.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you like. Enjoy your delicious, homemade cozy autumn wild rice soup!
Tips for the Best Cozy Autumn Wild Rice
I’ve learned a few tricks to make this soup absolutely perfect every time. Follow these tips for guaranteed deliciousness!
- Always use pure wild rice, not a blend. Blends often contain white rice which cooks faster and can make the soup mushy.
- Deglaze your Instant Pot after sautéing the vegetables. A little scrape of the bottom with a wooden spoon before adding liquid prevents the dreaded “burn” notice.
- Add the greens like kale or spinach at the very end. This keeps them vibrant and tender, preventing them from overcooking.
- A splash of lemon juice right before serving truly brightens all the flavors and balances the richness.
What’s the secret to perfect Cozy Autumn Wild Rice?
The real magic lies in using pure wild rice and letting it cook undisturbed under pressure. The tips for cozy autumn wild rice I shared, like deglazing and adding lemon juice at the end, also elevate the flavor significantly. For more tips on cooking grains, check out this guide on the science of cooking rice.
Can I make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prep all the ingredients, including chopping the veggies, up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. You can even cook the soup completely and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just wait to add the greens and lemon juice until you reheat it.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cozy Autumn Wild Rice?
The most common mistake is using a wild rice blend, which changes the texture. Also, be sure to deglaze your Instant Pot to prevent a burn notice, and avoid overcooking the greens.
Best Ways to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice
This delightful soup is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple things to make it even more of a meal. It’s perfect for creating a truly satisfying hearty fall wild rice bowl.
- Serve it with crusty bread for dipping. A good sourdough or a hearty whole-wheat loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth.
- For a more substantial meal, enjoy it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. This adds a fresh contrast to the rich soup.
- You can also top it with toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of dairy-free sour cream for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts for Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
This hearty soup is not only delicious but also packed with goodness. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, making it a healthy choice for your fall meals.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Cozy Autumn Wild Rice
This comforting soup is wonderful for meal prep, and proper storage-related secondary keyword like Comforting Fall Wild Rice Casserole storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness. Once the soup has cooled slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave a little headspace for expansion.
When you’re ready to enjoy your cozy meal again, reheating is simple. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Autumn Wild Rice
What is cozy autumn wild rice?
Cozy autumn wild rice refers to dishes, like this soup, that feature wild rice and incorporate flavors and ingredients commonly associated with the fall season. Think earthy mushrooms, warming herbs, root vegetables, and a creamy texture that makes you feel snug. It’s all about capturing that comforting, seasonal essence.
Why is wild rice good for fall?
Wild rice is fantastic for fall because its nutty, earthy flavor profile naturally complements seasonal ingredients like squash, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s also a whole grain, providing hearty sustenance that feels grounding and satisfying as the weather gets cooler. Plus, its chewy texture is wonderfully comforting. For more information on whole grains, you can check out resources from the Oldways Whole Grains Council.
Can I make this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup vegetarian?
This recipe is already a delicious Vegetarian Cozy Autumn Wild Rice dish! We use vegetable broth and coconut milk, making it entirely plant-based and perfect for anyone looking for hearty meat-free meals. It’s a fantastic example of how satisfying vegetarian cooking can be.
What are some other seasonal wild rice recipes for autumn?
Beyond this soup, you can explore other seasonal wild rice recipes autumn has to offer! Consider a wild rice pilaf with roasted Brussels sprouts and cranberries, or a comforting fall wild rice casserole with butternut squash and sage. A hearty fall wild rice bowl topped with roasted root vegetables is also a wonderful option.
Variations of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice You Can Try
While this soup is a star on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to create your own seasonal wild rice recipes autumn will love. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make it even heartier: For a truly filling meal, consider adding a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas or white beans along with the coconut milk. This boosts the protein and fiber, making it a robust option.
- Swap your greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, feel free to use spinach, Swiss chard, or even chopped collard greens. Just add them at the same stage as the kale and cook until tender.
- Creamy cashew alternative: For a different dairy-free creaminess, try soaking ½ cup of raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then blending them with 1 cup of water until smooth. Stir this cashew cream into the soup along with the coconut milk.
- Roast your veggies: For deeper flavor, try roasting the carrots, celery, and mushrooms before adding them to the pot. This caramelizes their natural sugars, adding another layer of complexity to your already delicious Vegetarian Cozy Autumn Wild Rice.
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice: 1 Hug in a Bowl
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a creamy, hearty, and wholesome vegetarian dish perfect for chilly fall evenings. It’s a one-pot wonder made in the Instant Pot, combining nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, aromatic herbs, and dairy-free creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound baby Bella (cremini) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice (not a blend)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in mushrooms, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook 3 more minutes.
- Stir in wild rice and vegetable broth.
- Seal lid, set to High Pressure for 35 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Stir in coconut milk, kale or spinach, and lemon juice. Warm through for 5–10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use pure wild rice, not blends, for best texture.
- Deglaze pot after sautéing to prevent burn warning.
- Add greens last to keep them vibrant and tender.
- Finish with lemon juice for brightness and balance.
- Soup thickens as it sits—add broth if reheating.
- Meal prep: store 5 days in fridge or freeze 3 months (without greens).
- Variations: add beans for protein, swap greens, use cashew cream instead of coconut milk, or add sweet potatoes for extra fall flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl