Cozy autumn wild rice soup has become my go-to for those crisp fall evenings when I crave something truly comforting. I remember the first time I made this, the kitchen filled with the scent of earthy mushrooms and that distinct, aromatic Old Bay. It felt like a warm hug in a bowl, making it a truly hearty wild rice dish fall favorite. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a comforting wild rice soup autumn experience that’s surprisingly an easy cozy wild rice recipe to whip up. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice

The taste is incredibly comforting, with earthy mushrooms and sweet potato creating a perfect fall flavor profile.
It’s a wonderfully cozy autumn wild rice recipe that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Preparation is a breeze, especially with the Instant Pot, making it a quick weeknight meal.
It’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for your family.
This soup is surprisingly budget-friendly, using simple, wholesome ingredients.
It’s a fantastic vegetarian wild rice autumn option that even meat-eaters will adore.
The textures are delightful, from the tender wild rice to the soft sweet potato and hearty kale.

Ingredients for Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a truly comforting bowl. You’ll find that using a good quality wild rice is key, and this recipe truly shines with wild rice with seasonal vegetables fall inspired additions. The baby bella mushrooms lend a wonderful earthiness, while the sweet potato adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory broth. I love how simple chopping these fresh ingredients is!

6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock for a non-vegetarian option)
1 cup uncooked wild rice – the star of our dish!
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced – for that deep, earthy flavor
4 cloves garlic, minced – essential for aromatic depth
2 medium carrots, diced – adding a touch of sweetness and color
2 ribs celery, diced – for that classic soup base flavor
1 large (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and diced – brings a lovely sweetness and creamy texture
1 small white onion, peeled and diced – a foundational aromatic
1 bay leaf – for a subtle herbal note
1 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning – my secret for that signature cozy flavor
1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk – for extra creaminess and richness
2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed – for a boost of greens
Fine sea salt, to taste
Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

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How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Getting this comforting soup on your table is easier than you think, whether you’re using an Instant Pot or prefer the stovetop. This method ensures all those wonderful fall flavors meld together beautifully, making it a perfect simple wild rice side for autumn or a meal in itself.

Step 1: Let’s start by combining the base ingredients in your Instant Pot. Add the 6 cups vegetable 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, peeled and diced, 1 small white onion, peeled and diced, 1 bay leaf, and the 1 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This is where the magic begins for how to make cozy autumn wild rice!
Step 2: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for a full 10 minutes before carefully quick-releasing any remaining steam. Once it’s safe, remove the lid and find that bay leaf to discard it.
Step 3: Now for the final touches! Gently stir in the 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk and the 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped until everything is nicely combined. Taste your creation and season generously with fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper. If you want an extra kick of that signature flavor, add more Old Bay seasoning.
Step 4: Ladle this delicious soup into bowls and serve it up warm. The aroma alone is enough to make you feel cozy! Enjoy this hearty dish.

Stovetop Method Note: If you’re not using an Instant Pot, start by sautéing the diced onion and minced garlic in a large pot with a tablespoon of butter or olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant. Then, add the vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45-55 minutes, or until the wild rice and vegetables are tender. Stir in the coconut milk and kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

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Pro Tips for the Best Cozy Autumn Wild Rice

To elevate your soup from good to absolutely amazing, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. These little tips make a big difference in flavor and texture!

For an extra depth of flavor, try lightly toasting the dry wild rice in the pot for a minute or two before adding the liquid. It really brings out its nutty notes.
Don’t be shy with the Old Bay seasoning! It’s the magic ingredient that gives this soup its signature cozy, slightly spicy kick. Taste and adjust as you go.
Make sure your sweet potato is diced into relatively uniform, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly with the other vegetables.
If you don’t have kale, spinach is a great substitute, though it will cook down more quickly.

What’s the secret to perfect Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup?

The secret lies in building layers of flavor. Lightly toasting the wild rice before cooking and using a good quality vegetable stock are key. I also find the Old Bay seasoning, when balanced just right, makes all the difference for the best wild rice for fall.

Can I make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the kale, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just add the kale when you reheat.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup?

A common pitfall in the Instant Pot is not allowing enough natural pressure release time, which can make the rice gummy. Also, be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should be tender but not mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end – it’s crucial!

Best Ways to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

This hearty soup is wonderful on its own, but I love to pair it with a few things to make it a complete meal. It’s so versatile that you can even turn it into a satisfying grain bowl autumn wild rice creation!

For a classic comforting experience, serve this soup with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping. I love a good sourdough or a rustic whole wheat.
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of the soup.
For a heartier meal, consider topping the soup with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts for Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from a serving of this delicious soup. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make it both satisfying and nourishing. This is a great option if you’re looking for a healthy autumn meal.

Calories: 220
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 550mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

This hearty soup stores like a dream, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep and enjoying later. It’s one of those wonderful seasonal wild rice dishes autumn that just keeps on giving!

Once your delicious Cozy Autumn Wild Rice soup has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, it will keep wonderfully for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag.

To reheat, you have a couple of easy options. On the stovetop, gently warm it in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit thick after chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

What is cozy autumn wild rice?

Cozy autumn wild rice refers to a comforting and hearty soup or dish that features wild rice as its base, specifically prepared with ingredients and flavors that evoke the feeling of fall. Think earthy vegetables, warming spices, and a rich, satisfying broth or base, making it perfect for cooler weather.

Why choose wild rice for fall?

Wild rice is an excellent choice for fall because of its robust, nutty flavor and satisfying chewy texture, which perfectly complements seasonal ingredients like squash, mushrooms, and root vegetables. It’s also incredibly nutritious, providing fiber and essential minerals, making it a wholesome component of any fall meal. It truly embodies the spirit of a hearty wild rice dish fall.

Can I use other types of rice instead of wild rice?

While the texture and flavor of wild rice are unique and ideal for this dish, you can substitute it with other grains like brown rice, quinoa, or a wild rice blend. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary, so always check package instructions. For a truly authentic experience, though, I highly recommend sticking with traditional wild rice.

How do I make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup spicier?

To add a bit of heat to your cozy autumn wild rice soup, you can incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Old Bay seasoning. Alternatively, a dash of red pepper flakes stirred in at the end, or even a swirl of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce when serving, can provide that extra kick you’re looking for.

Variations of Cozy Autumn Wild Rice You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic cozy autumn wild rice soup, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to adapt this recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. Think of these as starting points for your own culinary adventures.

Slow Cooker Magic: For an even more hands-off approach, adapt this to your slow cooker. Sauté the aromatics first, then add everything except the kale and coconut milk to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the kale and coconut milk during the last 30 minutes.
Smoky Paprika Twist: For a deeper, smokier flavor profile reminiscent of an autumnal wild rice pilaf, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the Old Bay seasoning. It adds a lovely warmth that’s perfect for fall.
Heartier Casserole Style: Want to transform this into a baked dish? Think of it like a wild rice stuffing autumn recipe! After cooking, transfer the soup to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly.
Gluten-Free Goodness: This recipe is already naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities. Just ensure your vegetable or chicken stock is certified gluten-free.