Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe

I absolutely love the cozy, comforting feeling I get when I make this Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe. It’s got this wonderful blend of earthy wild rice, creamy broth, and fresh veggies that come together in a way that just feels like a big warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly fall night or a quiet weekend lunch, this soup hits the spot every single time.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to make something so hearty and delicious. The creamy texture mixed with the chewy bite of wild rice makes it a unique soup that you’ll find yourself craving again. Trust me, once you make this Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe, you’re going to want to keep it in your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture. I recommend using fresh veggies and quality broth for the best outcome, but I’ve also learned how you can personalize it based on what you have on hand.

• Wild rice: Choose high-quality wild rice for that trademark nutty crunch—it elevates the soup wonderfully.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies while sautéing; don’t skip this step!
• Celery: Provides subtle aromatic crunch and pairs beautifully with the carrots and onion.
• Yellow onion: I love how this adds a mild sweetness when softened.
• Carrots: They bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor that awakens the whole dish.
• Fresh thyme: This herb adds an earthy note that you’ll find enchanting with the soup’s other flavors.
• Vegetable broth: Use a good-quality broth to ensure every spoonful tastes rich and savory.
• Evaporated milk: Gives the soup that creamy texture without the heaviness of cream.
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together; adjust to your taste.
• Water: Only if using the Instant Pot method to balance cooking liquids.

Variations

I’ve had so much fun tweaking this Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe to fit different moods and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients or adjust the creaminess and seasoning to your liking—you might discover a new favorite version!

• Adding cooked chicken or turkey: This turns the soup into a hearty meal perfect for post-holiday dinners — my family goes crazy for this twist!
• Using coconut milk instead of evaporated milk: Ideal for a dairy-free version, and it adds a subtle sweetness I really enjoy.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage: Swapping or adding these herbs introduces new layers of flavor; I once tried sage and it gave the soup an amazing warmth.
• Mushrooms or potatoes: Throwing in sautéed mushrooms or diced potatoes bulks up the soup and changes up the textures for variety.

How to Make Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Wild Rice

The first thing you want to do is cook the wild rice following the package directions. I find that rinsing the rice briefly before cooking helps remove any husk and keeps the grains from getting gooey. Wild rice can take a bit of time to cook, usually about 40-50 minutes stovetop, so plan accordingly. If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot method is a game-changer and significantly speeds things up.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the rice is cooking, melt your butter in a large pot over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Then add the chopped celery, onions, and carrots. Cooking these together for around 5 minutes softens them nicely, releasing their natural sweetness. Stir often to avoid sticking or burning—you want them tender but not brown. After that, toss in the garlic and fresh thyme; cook just about a minute until fragrant. This step is where the soup’s cozy aroma starts to build!

Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Vegetables

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and softens the veggies even more. Don’t forget to fish out the thyme stems before moving on—it’s a simple step to save your soup from any tough bites.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once your wild rice is cooked and the broth mixture is ready, add the rice, evaporated milk, and salt directly to the pot. Gently heat everything through over low-medium heat. Here’s something I learned the hard way: if you let the soup sit before serving, the rice will soak up the broth and the soup thickens. When that happens, just stir in a bit of water—about ½ cup at a time—to loosen it back up without diluting the flavor.

Instant Pot Method: Streamlined and Simple

If you’re using an Instant Pot, start by melting butter in sauté mode, then toss in onions, celery, and carrots to soften, stirring frequently for about 4 minutes. Add garlic and thyme, sauté another minute, then add uncooked wild rice, vegetable broth, and 2 cups of water. Seal the lid and cook on manual for 35 minutes. Once done, carefully release the pressure right away—this part is key because some models keep warming, which can make your rice mushy.

After releasing the pressure, let the soup cool slightly before stirring in the evaporated milk and adding salt. This method is perfect when you want dinner on the table faster without losing that homemade feel.

How to Serve Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves for a fresh burst of color and brightness. Sometimes, I add a little cracked black pepper or a swirl of sour cream to add contrast. These small touches make the dish feel extra homemade and inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or cheddar biscuits for dipping. If I’m serving a bigger meal, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness nicely. My go-to is rye bread toasted with a bit of butter—so satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or acorn squashes—it adds that autumnal vibe that’s perfect for fall dinners. Also, offering garnishes in little bowls lets guests customize their bowls, making it interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I go to store it, I let it cool completely before sealing and refrigerating to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible but a little tricky—wild rice can sometimes get a bit mushy after thawing. To avoid this, I usually freeze the soup without the evaporated milk, then stir it in fresh when reheating for better texture and creaminess.

Reheating

I reheat leftover soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, I add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Minnesota Wild Rice Soup Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes I love keeping in my recipe box. It’s simple, wholesome, and feels so nurturing—perfect for when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something comforting without a fuss. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Once you do, it might just become your family’s new cozy classic!

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