As the crisp autumn air dances through the trees and leaves paint the landscape in stunning shades of amber and gold, there’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a cozy bowl of soup. Picture this: a fragrant pot bubbling away on the stove, filling your kitchen with the earthy aromas of roasted mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and spices that seem to wrap around you like a soft blanket. Our Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup embodies the very essence of the season, blending delightful textures and flavors that beckon you to slow down and savor each spoonful.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

I still remember the first time I made this soup for my family on a chilly October afternoon. With each comforting bowl, we shared stories, laughter, and warmth. It became a cherished tradition, a reason to gather and enjoy the simple joys of home cooking. Whether it’s for a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this soup brings people together in a delightful way. So grab your pots, and let’s create some cozy memories with this easy recipe you’ll very much want to try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this heartwarming soup with ease.
Irresistible Flavor: The earthy wild rice, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes create a mouthwatering combination that’s creamy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the seasonal veggies make this soup as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the stomach.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or even as a delightful lunch the next day.
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is completely vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock): This forms the flavorful base of your soup. Choose low-sodium to control the saltiness.
1 cup uncooked wild rice: Wild rice gives a chewy texture and nutty flavor. Feel free to substitute with brown rice if needed, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced: These mushrooms offer rich umami flavor. You can replace them with cremini or even shiitake for a twist.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the soup with its aromatic punch. Use minced shallots for a different flavor profile.
2 medium carrots, diced: Sweetness from the carrots helps balance the savory elements. Opt for rainbow carrots for a colorful twist!
2 ribs celery, diced: Celery contributes a crunchy texture and subtle flavor. If unavailable, use fennel for a hint of sweetness.
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced: Sweet potatoes add creaminess and natural sweetness. You could substitute butternut squash if you prefer.
1 small white onion, peeled and diced: Onion forms the foundation of flavor. Yellow onions work in a pinch but are slightly sweeter.
1 bay leaf: Just one bay leaf infuses the soup with a wonderful depth of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
1 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: This classic blend adds a delightful, zesty kick. Try a homemade blend using paprika, thyme, and celery salt if you can’t find it.
1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk: This brings a creamy texture; choose unsweetened for balance. For a richer soup, use heavy cream as an alternative.
2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped: Kale adds nutrition and a pop of color. Spinach or Swiss chard can replace it easily if you prefer.
Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper: Always season to taste for optimal flavor!

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Combine Ingredients: Begin by selecting your method of cooking—Instant Pot or stovetop. For the Instant Pot, toss vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning into the pot. Stir briefly to mix everything together.

Cook in Instant Pot: Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to manual, cooking on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before you quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and discard that bay leaf—you’ll be left with a fragrant melody of flavors.

Stir in Coconut Milk and Kale: Pour in the coconut milk, and toss in your chopped kale. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Taste your soup and season it with salt, pepper, or a little more Old Bay if you’d like to kick up the flavor.

Sauté Aromatics (Stovetop Method): Heat an extra tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced onions for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for about 1-2 minutes until your kitchen is filled with its warm aroma.

Add Remaining Ingredients: Next, introduce vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir it all together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow it to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender and the sweet potatoes are creamy.

Finish with Coconut Milk and Kale: Just like in the Instant Pot method, mix in the coconut milk and kale. Stir gently, then taste and adjust the seasoning one last time to your liking. Your cozy soup should now be bubbling and ready to serve!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will last for about 3-5 days. Don’t forget, you can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months—just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. When reheating, warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat for about 10 minutes. Note that the texture may be slightly different after freezing, so a splash of water or vegetable stock can help refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the wild rice; keep an eye on it as it simmers. Tender yet slightly chewy is the goal.
For a more intense flavor, sauté the garlic and onion directly in the pot before adding the broth.
If you’re preparing this soup in advance, store the coconut milk separately and stir it in just before serving for optimal creaminess.
Want an herby kick? Toss in a bit of fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Consider topping your soup with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added crunch and visual interest.

As you embrace the cozy joys that autumn brings, you’ll find that this comforting Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup not only warms your body but also feeds your soul. Each spoonful bursts with flavors that reflect the season, inviting you to experiment and create your own variations. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with loved ones. Warm up a bowl, gather your friends or family, and let the essence of autumn envelop you in joyful conversation and laughter.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for wild rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Brown rice typically needs about 40-50 minutes to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly. Moreover, the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but it will still create a delicious soup.

Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. For an extra kick, you can mix in some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when sautéing the onions.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! This soup is incredibly flexible. Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just ensure you adjust your cooking time if the vegetables usually require different cooking levels.

How can I make this soup creamier?

If you’d like a creamier texture, consider adding another can of coconut milk or blending a portion of the soup and mixing it back in. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor if you’re looking to enhance the creaminess even further!