Cozy autumn wild rice soup: A warm embrace of fall, featuring earthy wild rice, roasted autumn veggies, and a creamy broth. With minimal effort and seasonal ingredients, enjoy the comforting flavors of the season in every spoonful.
You’ve got some leftover boiled rice and rotisserie chicken from last night’s dinner party? They’re staring at you from the fridge, wondering what their delicious destiny will be. Well, we will transform those humble ingredients into a bowl of creamy, soul-soothing goodness.
Warm your heart and soul with a steaming bowl of cozy wild rice soup. This comforting dish boasts rich, earthy flavors and hearty ingredients that make it the perfect addition to your menu.
Garnish it with fresh parsley for a burst of color and a touch of herbaceousness that will make your taste buds do a happy little jig.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect way to use up leftover cooked rice and chicken while warming your soul on a brisk autumn day, look no further. This delicious soup is your ticket to culinary bliss. Let’s get cooking!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- This soup is like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day. It’s the perfect way to chase away the autumn or winter chill and feel cozy and content.
- You get to transform humble leftover ingredients into a gourmet-worthy soup. It’s a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.
- You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or spices. Make it your own by adding mushrooms, spinach, or a dash of paprika – the possibilities are endless!
- This recipe is quick and easy, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. You’ll have a wholesome meal on the table in no time.
- It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste by repurposing leftover cooked rice and rotisserie chicken, turning them into a delicious meal instead of letting them go to waste.
- Kids and adults alike will adore this creamy and flavorful soup. It’s a family-friendly recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- With wild rice and shredded chicken, this soup is substantial enough to be a meal on its own. It’ll leave you feeling satisfied and full.
- The earthy, nutty flavors of wild rice and the hearty combination of autumn vegetables perfectly capture the essence of the season.
- Cream adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the soup, making it feel like an indulgent treat. It’s a delightful guilty pleasure without the guilt!
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Boiled Rice provides the soup with body and texture. Substituting with cooked quinoa or barley will offer a similar texture and a nutty flavor.
- Garlic adds a savory and aromatic quality to the soup. Using garlic powder or pre-minced garlic can be a convenient alternative if fresh garlic isn’t available.
- Onions provide a sweet and savory base flavor. Shallots or leeks can offer a similar flavor profile and depth to the soup.
- Carrots add natural sweetness and color to the soup. Sweet potatoes or butternut squash can provide the same sweetness and vibrant hue.
- Butter adds richness and a creamy texture. Olive oil or coconut oil can provide a different kind of richness and work well as alternatives.
- Flour is used to thicken the soup. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can serve the same purpose as effective thickening agents.
- Rotisserie chicken adds a meaty and flavorful element to the soup. Cooked turkey or roast chicken can bring the same savory goodness.
- Cream makes the soup rich and creamy. Half-and-half or whole milk can provide a similar creaminess with fewer calories.
- Parsley serves as a fresh herb garnish. Substituting with cilantro or chives can add a different herbaceous and aromatic element to the soup.
🍴 Tools Needed:
- Saucepan
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
To start, we need to prepare the vegetable base for the soup, which will impart flavor, color, and texture to the soup.
Chop the vegetables finely and place them in a pan along with butter. Cook the vegetables together with the butter over medium heat for about 4 minutes.
Then add the flour and cook the vegetables with the flour for another 2 minutes
Pro Tip: Pour the chicken broth gradually in several stages to prevent lumps from forming.
After that, we can start gradually to add the chicken broth.
After you’ve added all the chicken broth, stir in the cooked rice. Mix well.
Add the cream over the rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
After that, you can add the finely chopped chicken meat.
Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the carrots become tender.
When the soup has simmered sufficiently, add finely chopped herbs.
Mix well and our soup is ready to be served!
I recommend serving it hot alongside some croutons or a slice of bread.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Soup and a Crusty Baguette Picnic: Serve your steaming bowl of cozy autumn wild rice soup alongside a fresh, crusty baguette. Tear off warm chunks of bread, dip them into the creamy soup, and savor the harmonious combination of flavors and textures. It’s like a mini picnic for your taste buds, with nature’s beauty as your backdrop.
- Soup in a Bread Bowl Extravaganza: Let’s take soup presentation to the next level! Hollow out a rustic bread loaf to create an edible bowl. Ladle your velvety cozy autumn wild rice soup right into the bread bowl, and watch it nestle in snugly. As you enjoy each spoonful, you’ll get a bit of soup-soaked bread with every bite, adding a delightful chewy contrast to the creamy soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s an edible masterpiece.
- Soup Flight for Entertaining: Serve this soup as part of a fabulous soup flight! Present small bowls of cozy autumn wild rice soup alongside other seasonal soups like pumpkin or tomato bisque. Arrange them on a wooden board with colorful garnishes, inviting your guests to sample and savor. It’s a culinary journey that celebrates autumn’s bounty and your culinary prowess.
- Soup and a Salad Duo: Create a balanced and satisfying meal by pairing your soup with a vibrant autumn salad. Think mixed greens, roasted root vegetables, candied pecans, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the soup beautifully, making it a well-rounded and nutritious feast for your senses.
- Soup as a Sidekick to Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese game by serving it with a sidekick – cozy autumn wild rice soup! Prepare classic grilled cheese sandwiches with gooey cheese and crusty bread. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy dunking into your hot soup. The crispy, cheesy goodness of the sandwich harmonizes wonderfully with the creamy comfort of the soup. It’s a match made in culinary heaven.
😻 Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Vegetarian Beet Soup (Ukrainian Borscht)
- Easy 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Soup
- 4 Ingredient Chicken And Corn Soup
- Easy 3-Ingredient Potato Soup
- Romanian Meatball Soup
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Choose Quality Ingredients. When making this soup, start with the freshest ingredients you can find. Quality produce and good rotisserie chicken will make a world of difference in the flavor of your soup.
- Don’t Rush the Aromatics. When sautéing garlic, onions, and carrots in that glorious bath of butter, take your time. Let them soften and release their sweet aroma, but don’t let them brown. This is the flavorful foundation of your soup!
- Mind the Flour. When adding all-purpose flour to thicken the soup, sprinkle it evenly and whisk continuously to avoid lumps. A smooth base sets the stage for a creamy masterpiece.
- Wild Rice Timing is Key. Wild rice can take longer to cook than other rice varieties. Be patient and follow the package instructions carefully. You want it to be tender, not tooth-breakingly firm.
- Cream with Care. When adding cream, do it slowly while stirring gently. This prevents curdling and ensures that your soup maintains its luxurious, velvety texture.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually. Taste your soup as you go along and adjust the seasoning gradually. Remember that flavors can intensify as the soup simmers, so a light touch is key.
- Storage Savvy. If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine with this delicious soup!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Garnish with Finesse. When adding parsley or any garnish, do it just before serving. The vibrant green pop of color and fresh aroma will make your soup look and taste even more inviting.
- Enjoy the Process. Making this cozy autumn wild rice soup is a delightful journey. Enjoy the soothing aromas, the sound of bubbling soup, and the anticipation of a heartwarming meal. Cooking with love always makes the flavors shine brighter.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Wild Rice in This Soup?
Yes, you can certainly use brown rice as a substitute for wild rice in this recipe. However, be aware that brown rice typically has a longer cooking time than wild rice, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly. It will give your soup a slightly different texture and flavor but will still be delicious.
How Do I Store Leftover Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup?
To store leftover soup, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the soup within two hours of cooking. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain its creamy consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time for a Dinner Party?
Absolutely! Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving, and it will taste just as delicious as when it was freshly made.
What Can I Serve as a Side Dish With This Soup?
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with a crusty baguette for dipping, a fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or even a classic grilled cheese sandwich cut into bite-sized pieces for dunking. These options complement the soup’s creamy goodness.
What Other Herbs Can I Use for Garnish if I Don’t Have Parsley?
If you don’t have parsley, you can use fresh cilantro or chives as alternative garnishes. They’ll add a different but equally delightful herbaceous and aromatic element to your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup.
📋 Recipe Card:
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 Onion medium
- 1 Carrot medium
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tablespoon All-purpose Flour
- 2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Wild Rice Boiled
- 2 cup Cream
- 1 cup Rotisserie chicken
- 1 tablespoon Parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables together with the flour.1 clove Garlic, 1 Onion, 1 Carrot, 1 tablespoon Butter, 2 tablespoon All-purpose Flour
- Add the chicken broth and mix well until it becomes smooth.2 cup Chicken Broth
- Add the rice and cream.1 cup Wild Rice, 2 cup Cream
- Add the chicken meat and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.1 cup Rotisserie chicken
- Add the herbs and serve the soup while it's piping hot.1 tablespoon Parsley
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Wild Rice Varieties: Wild rice can vary in cooking times depending on the variety. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on the packaging of your wild rice, as cooking times can differ. Some wild rice varieties may take up to 45-50 minutes to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: While carrots are a classic choice, feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Add in seasonal favorites like diced butternut squash, celery, or even some sweet corn for a unique twist on the recipe.
- Creaminess Level: Adjust the amount of cream to suit your preference. If you like a creamier soup, add a bit more cream. For a lighter version, use less or substitute with milk.
- Chicken Broth Options: You can use either chicken broth or chicken stock in this recipe. If using store-bought, low-sodium options are available for better control of the soup’s saltiness. Homemade chicken broth is also a fantastic choice for a rich, homemade flavor.
- Reheating: When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Stirring continuously while reheating can help maintain the creamy consistency.
- Soup Thickness: If your soup becomes too thick upon reheating, you can thin it out with a little more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
- Herb Substitutions: If you’re out of parsley for garnish, consider using fresh basil, dill, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Freezing: While this soup can be frozen, be aware that the texture of the cream may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, and gently reheat it on the stovetop while stirring to help reincorporate any separated cream.
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