If you are searching for the ultimate heartwarming bowl to savor on chilly days, look no further than this Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe. Bursting with earthy mushrooms, tender sweet potatoes, and hearty wild rice, this soup is a beautiful symphony of flavors and textures guaranteed to make you feel wrapped in a cozy kitchen hug. The blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh kale adds both depth and vibrancy, turning a simple soup into a comforting winter ritual you will want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously together to deliver rich, layered flavors and diverse textures. Each component, from the aromatic vegetables to the silky coconut milk, plays a pivotal role in bringing this comforting soup to life.
- 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock): The flavorful base that infuses the soup with depth and warmth.
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice: Adds a nutty flavor and satisfying chew to each spoonful.
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Bring an earthy, meaty richness essential for heartiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides fragrant pungency that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Add natural sweetness and a tender bite.
- 2 ribs celery, diced: Offer subtle aromatic undertones and texture contrast.
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and diced: Creamy and sweet, it balances savory flavors beautifully.
- 1 small white onion, diced: Builds a savory backbone for the soup’s flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: Imparts a delicate herbal note that lingers pleasantly.
- 1½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning: Adds a unique spice blend for warmth and complexity.
- 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk: Brings a luscious creaminess without heaviness.
- 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed: Bursts with color, nutrition, and a slight earthiness.
- Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that brighten and balance every ingredient.
How to Make Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your fresh and wholesome ingredients to ensure everything is ready for a smooth cooking process. In the bowl of an Instant Pot, combine the vegetable stock, wild rice, sliced baby bella mushrooms, minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Give everything a good stir to mix evenly—this step sets a solid foundation for even cooking and flavor melding.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to manual on high pressure for 25 minutes. This method does the magic of transforming the wild rice and vegetables into tender, flavor-soaked ingredients while preserving vibrant colors and nutrients. Plus, it frees you up from constant stirring or watching the pot.
Step 3: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time finishes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This gradual pressure drop lets the soup settle and deepens the flavors further. Afterward, carefully vent any remaining pressure and open the lid. Don’t forget to remove and discard the bay leaf, as its job is done but its texture is not pleasant to bite into.
Step 4: Finish the Soup
Add the creamy coconut milk and chopped kale into the piping hot soup. Stir them in thoroughly, allowing the kale to slightly wilt while maintaining a nice bite and the coconut milk to impart velvety richness. This transforms the soup into a luscious, visually inviting dish ready for final seasoning tweaks.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give everything a careful taste test. Sprinkle in more fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or a touch more Old Bay seasoning to enhance the hearty, warm elements. This last adjustment ensures your Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe perfectly suits your palate.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the finished soup into bowls while still steaming hot and invite everyone to enjoy this nourishing masterpiece. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or your favorite soup accompaniments for an all-around satisfying winter meal.
How to Serve Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a few crunchy pumpkin seeds. Each adds a delightful burst of freshness or texture, making every spoonful even more exciting and colorful.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve this soup alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the flavorful broth. A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich creaminess of the soup perfectly, balancing indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in rustic mugs or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a charming winter touch. Layer a spoonful of crispy fried shallots on top or swirl in a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creamy texture and a gorgeous visual appeal. These little extra touches make serving the Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, offering even more comfort in each reheated bowl. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the wild rice may soak up some liquid.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup if you want to save it for later. Make sure it has cooled completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its delicious taste and texture for up to 3 months. Label your containers so you know you have a winter warmer waiting anytime.
Reheating
Warm leftover or thawed soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of vegetable stock or water if it thickens too much. Avoid boiling to keep the kale tender and coconut milk smooth, preserving the luscious mouthfeel you loved in the first serving.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in this soup?
Absolutely! Brown rice will work well and provide a similar chewy texture, although the flavor will be slightly different and a bit milder than wild rice. Adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe is naturally vegan when made with vegetable stock and coconut milk, making it a perfect plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or creaminess.
Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can stovetop cook this soup by simmering the combined ingredients for about 45-50 minutes until the rice and vegetables are tender. Just keep the pot covered and stir occasionally.
How spicy is the Old Bay seasoning in this recipe?
Old Bay has a mild warmth with a blend of herbs and spices rather than intense heat, so it adds cozy warmth without overwhelming spice. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I substitute kale with another green?
Definitely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens all make great alternatives, though their cooking times and textures will vary slightly. Add more delicate greens later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a bowl of hot soup that brings comfort and nourishment in equal measure. This Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a deliciously memorable meal, perfect for cold days or whenever you need a little extra warmth. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might find it quickly becomes your go-to for cozy nights in with family and friends.
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Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Made with nutrient-dense wild rice, a medley of fresh vegetables, earthy baby bella mushrooms, and infused with warming Old Bay seasoning, this soup is finished with creamy coconut milk and fresh kale for added richness and nutrition. Prepared effortlessly in an Instant Pot, it delivers deep flavors with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and diced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Combine the vegetable stock, wild rice, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, peeled and diced sweet potato, diced onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning in the bowl of an Instant Pot. Stir the ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual (high pressure) for 25 minutes to cook the rice and vegetables perfectly.
- Natural Pressure Release: After the cooking cycle ends, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then carefully vent to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk and the roughly chopped kale until everything is fully incorporated, allowing the kale to wilt slightly in the warm soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and additional Old Bay seasoning as desired to suit your palate.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread or your favorite soup toppings for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a non-vegetarian version, use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock.
- Ensure the kale stems are removed to avoid tough bites.
- Old Bay seasoning adds a unique flavor but can be substituted with your preferred spice blend if necessary.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- The natural pressure release helps prevent splattering and ensures the rice finishes cooking thoroughly.
