Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is my go-to comfort meal when the weather starts to turn crisp and the leaves begin to fall. It’s packed with hearty wild rice, tender veggies, and just the right touch of warming spices that make it feel like a big, warm hug in a bowl. I love how the earthy mushrooms and sweet potatoes mingle with the creamy coconut milk to bring out so many delightful flavors.

You’ll find that this soup works beautifully for weeknight dinners or as a make-ahead meal for busy weekends. It’s nourishing, filling, and surprisingly simple to pull together whether you’re using an Instant Pot or cooking stovetop. Plus, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is flexible enough to fit into your routine, so once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a seasonal favorite too!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe plays a part in layering flavors and textures that feel just right. I always aim for veggies that hold their shape after simmering and spice blends that bring warmth without overpowering.

• Vegetable stock (or chicken stock): Use a good-quality stock for depth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought work great.
• Wild rice: I used 100% wild rice for the best chewiness, but blends can work too—just watch your cooking time.
• Baby bella mushrooms: Their earthiness enhances the overall savoriness, adding a lovely umami touch.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and a touch of bite that balances the sweetness.
• Carrots: These add natural sweetness and a nice pop of color.
• Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and classic savory backbone to the broth.
• Sweet potato: I love how this gives creaminess and a hint of natural sugar that balances the spices.
• White onion: Makes the base broth richer and softer in flavor.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle earthy notes—don’t forget to remove it before serving!
• Old Bay seasoning: This is my secret weapon for a unique warmth and complexity—trust me on this one.
• Unsweetened coconut milk: Creates a silky, dairy-free creaminess that I absolutely adore here.
• Kale: A lovely green that keeps its texture and brightens the whole dish.
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: To taste, because seasoning makes all the difference in this soup.

Variations

I love to tweak this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. It’s very forgiving, so make it your own with these ideas!

• Protein Boost: I sometimes add shredded cooked chicken or crispy tofu cubes to turn it into a hearty main dish.
• Dairy Lover’s Twist: Swapping coconut milk for half and half or making a homemade cream sauce creates a rich, velvety texture.
• Veggie Variations: Feel free to add parsnips or turnips along with the sweet potato for even more fall flavor complexity.
• Spice Level: For a little kick, adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika really amps up the warmth.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine Everything for the Base

Start by adding your vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, diced onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning into your Instant Pot or a large stockpot on the stovetop. I like giving everything a quick stir to mix the spices evenly before cooking. This is such an easy step but crucial because it sets the stage for the soup’s flavors to come together perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Soup Until the Rice is Tender

If you’re using an Instant Pot, seal it and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10 minutes—this resting time helps everything finish gently and keeps the rice from getting mushy. For stovetop, simply bring your soup to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low; let it cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the wild rice is tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 3: Finish with Coconut Milk and Kale

Once your rice and veggies are perfectly tender, stir in the coconut milk and kale. The milk adds creaminess without heaviness, and the kale brings a fresh pop of color and texture. Give everything a gentle stir until the kale wilts beautifully. Now’s the time to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch more Old Bay if you want that extra comfort boost.

Step 4: Serve Up Your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Ladle your soup into bowls, grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy! It’s truly satisfying as-is, but I’ll share some serving tips later that make it a next-level experience.

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish the soup with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan to add brightness and a touch of saltiness. Sometimes I drizzle a bit of olive oil or toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch—these simple touches make it feel extra special without much effort.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing is crusty artisan bread—perfect for dipping into that creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully. On chillier nights, I’ll add warm roasted root vegetables or even a small cheese board on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or cozy dinner parties, I’ve served this soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins—talk about an autumn vibe! Garnishing with microgreens and edible flowers can also elevate presentation if you want to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup stores beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. After it cools to room temperature, I divide it into single or family-size portions so grabbing a comforting bowl later is easy and quick.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well too — just make sure to remove or not include the kale before freezing because it can get mushy. I freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers and add fresh kale when reheating for best texture. It thawed and reheated perfectly for me without losing its cozy flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of water or stock to loosen it. I add fresh kale at this stage if it wasn’t frozen with the soup to keep it vibrant and not overcooked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen each fall because it’s just so reliable and comforting. Whether you’re cozying up solo or feeding the whole family, it’s an easy, hearty soup that warms you from the inside out. Give it a try — I promise you’ll love the creamy texture, the wholesome ingredients, and how it fills your home with the essence of fall. Happy cooking!

Print