Harvest Hearth Wild Rice Soup – A cozy, autumn-inspired bowl of creamy rice and vegetables

Harvest Hearth Wild Rice Soup – A cozy, autumn-inspired bowl of creamy rice and vegetables

Harvest Hearth Wild Rice Soup captures everything we love about autumn: warmth, comfort, earthiness, and nourishing ingredients that feel like a seasonal hug. This creamy, rustic soup blends hearty wild rice, tender vegetables, savory chicken (or a plant-based option), and aromatic herbs into a beautifully balanced bowl perfect for crisp fall days. With its nutty rice, rich broth, and velvety finish, this soup is both deeply satisfying and surprisingly wholesome. Whether you enjoy it fireside, serve it for a cozy family dinner, or meal-prep it for the week, this autumn-inspired recipe delivers delicious warmth in every spoonful.

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Prep Time 10

Servings: 6 Servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Base & Vegetables

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 carrots diced
2 celery stalks diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms optional but recommended

Wild Rice & Broth

1 cup uncooked wild rice blend
6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Finish
1 cup milk half-and-half, or coconut milk
3 tablespoons flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
1 tablespoon butter
1 –1½ cups cooked shredded chicken optional

Optional Add-Ins

Fresh spinach
Parsley for garnish
Extra rosemary or thyme

Equipment

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board & knife
Measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Whisk
Ladle

Method

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and mushrooms, cook another 2–3 minutes.

Step 2: Add rice and seasonings

Stir in the wild rice, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has burst open.

Step 4: Add chicken (if using)

Stir in shredded cooked chicken. Let simmer 5 minutes.

Step 5: Make the creamy roux

In a separate small saucepan:
Melt 1 tablespoon butter.
Whisk in flour until it forms a thick paste, 1 minute.
Slowly pour in milk or coconut milk while whisking until smooth.

Step 6: Add creaminess to the soup

Pour the creamy mixture into the soup, stirring well.
Let simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Stir in fresh spinach if desired.
Ladle into bowls and top with parsley.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

The rice will absorb liquid as it chills — add extra broth when reheating.

Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring often.

Soup can be frozen before adding the cream mixture; add it fresh after reheating.

🥄 Variations

Vegetarian Harvest Soup
Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth; add more mushrooms for richness.

Butternut Bliss Version
Add 1½ cups diced butternut squash in Step 3.

Lemon Herb Lift
Add a splash of lemon juice and extra thyme at the end for brightness.

Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Replace chicken with leftover turkey for a perfect post-holiday meal.

Ultra Creamy Version
Use half-and-half or add a small handful of parmesan cheese.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked wild rice?
Yes — reduce broth to 4 cups and simmer 20 minutes.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, if you replace flour with cornstarch.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and skip butter or use dairy-free alternatives.

Can I add potatoes?
Absolutely — dice 1–2 potatoes and simmer with the rice.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook on low 6–7 hours, add the creamy mixture at the end.

Can I make it without mushrooms?
Yes — they’re optional but add great flavor.

Why does my soup thicken a lot after chilling?
Wild rice absorbs liquid; add more broth when reheating.

Do I need to rinse the rice?
Rinsing is optional, but it can help remove dust.

Can I freeze the soup?
Freeze before adding cream; dairy-free versions freeze better.

What herbs pair best with wild rice?
Thyme, sage, rosemary, and parsley are ideal.

🏁 Conclusion

Harvest Hearth Wild Rice Soup is the ultimate cozy autumn comfort meal — hearty, creamy, rustic, and deeply flavorful. Its combination of tender vegetables, aromatic herbs, and nutty wild rice creates a soothing, nourishing bowl perfect for crisp fall days. Whether enjoyed as a family dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a seasonal treat, this soup brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful.