As the wind howls outside and the leaves dance in a whirlwind of autumn colors, there’s nothing quite like the embrace of a warm bowl of soup. My Creamy Vegan Wild Rice Soup has become my go-to for those chilly days, combining hearty wild rice with tender vegetables like mushrooms and kale. Completely dairy-free and gluten-free, this comforting dish not only delivers a satisfying texture but also bursts with flavors that can only be described as soul-soothing. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring comforting goodness is just a reheating away. Are you ready to discover a simple recipe that transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven? Let’s dive in!
Why Will You Love This Soup?
Rich, Creamy Texture: This soup’s base, made from almond milk and cashews, creates an indulgent creaminess that feels luxurious yet remains completely dairy-free.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutritional gems like kale, carrots, and mushrooms, this Wild Rice Soup is not just comforting but also nourishing for your body.
Flavorful Depth: With a splash of lemon juice and hints of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, every spoonful offers a delightful explosion of flavor that warms the soul.
Versatile and Easy: Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste. Plus, it comes together in just a little over half an hour!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Ideal for busy weeknights, this soup can be made in advance and stored for quick reheating. Whether paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad, it's a meal that satisfies.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Delight: A dish everyone can enjoy, catering to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste or heartiness. Whether you’re sharing with friends or simply indulging in some self-care, this soup is bound to win hearts!
Wild Rice Soup Ingredients
For the Creamy Base
• Unsweetened Almond Milk – A perfect base that provides creaminess; can substitute with oat or soy milk.
• Raw Cashews – These add richness and a velvety texture; substitute with silken tofu for a nut-free option.
For the Protein
• Cooked Cannellini Beans – They lend a creamy texture and protein boost; you can swap with white navy beans if preferred.
For Flavor
• White Miso Paste – Adds a depth of umami flavor; can be adjusted with extra salt if desired.
• Dijon Mustard – Enhances the flavor profile beautifully and adds a tangy twist.
For Sautéing
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing vegetables to deepen their flavors.
• Scallions (chopped) – Infuse a mild onion flavor and freshness into the soup.
• Celery (chopped) – Adds to the base flavor, bringing a crunch and aroma.
• Carrot (chopped) – Naturally sweet, it also contributes vibrant color.
For Earthy Notes
• Cremini Mushrooms (sliced) – Provide a lovely earthiness and texture to the soup.
• Garlic Cloves (minced) – Undoubtedly aromatic, they create a fragrant foundation for the dish.
• Fresh Rosemary (minced) – Adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates the soup's freshness.
• Fresh Thyme (in a bundle) – Infuses robust flavor; remove after cooking.
For Seasoning
• Sea Salt – Essential for perfectly seasoning your soup.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds just the right amount of spice and warmth.
For the Heartiness
• Cooked Wild Rice – Provides a chewy texture and nutty taste, making this Wild Rice Soup truly satisfying.
• Kale (chopped) – Boosts nutritional value and adds a pop of color.
For Brightness
• Fresh Lemon Juice – A wonderful addition at the end, brightening all the flavors harmoniously.
Optional Garnish
• Chopped Parsley or Red Pepper Flakes – For an enticing touch and a bit of flair on serving!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Wild Rice Soup
Step 1: Blend Base
In a high-speed blender, combine the unsweetened almond milk, raw cashews, ¼ cup of cooked cannellini beans, white miso paste, and Dijon mustard. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Once blended, set the creamy base aside while you prepare the vegetables for your Warm and Cozy Wild Rice Soup.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped scallions, celery, carrots, and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This process deepens the flavors, creating a robust foundation for your Wild Rice Soup.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, freshly minced rosemary, and thyme bundle, along with the remaining cooked cannellini beans and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté briefly for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes aromatic, infusing the pot with a delightful fragrance that perfectly complements the sautéed vegetables.
Step 4: Simmer
Pour in about 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a simmer, cover the pot and let it cook for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting base for your creamy Wild Rice Soup.
Step 5: Finish Soup
After 20 minutes, remove the thyme bundle and stir in the blended creamy base, cooked wild rice, fresh lemon juice, and chopped kale. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the kale wilts and the soup is heated through. This final step results in a beautifully wholesome and hearty wild rice soup.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, taste the Wild Rice Soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional sea salt, black pepper, or a splash more lemon juice. This customization ensures the flavors are just right and tailored to your preference, enhancing this delightful soup's comforting goodness.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with optional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, paired with crusty bread or a light salad, and relish the cozy embrace of this creamy Wild Rice Soup, perfect for any chilly day.
Expert Tips for Wild Rice Soup
Smooth Consistency: Use a high-speed blender for blending your creamy base to achieve a velvety texture; soaking cashews beforehand helps if you have a standard blender.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with vegetable additions like zucchini or sweet potatoes for an extra nutritional boost. Bold spices like red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick!
Storage Solutions: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, do so gently on medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Herb Choices: While fresh rosemary and thyme add depth, you can easily substitute them with dried herbs if unavailable. Just remember to use less, as dried herbs are more potent!
Meal Prep Friendly: This Wild Rice Soup is ideal for making ahead of time. The flavors will deepen over time, offering an even more satisfying meal when reheated.
Serving Suggestions: For extra heartiness, serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to create a complete and comforting meal experience.
What to Serve with Creamy Vegan Wild Rice Soup
Nothing pairs better with a comforting bowl of warm soup than a selection of delightful sides to complete your meal experience.
- Crusty Whole Grain Bread: The perfect dipper for your soup, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing blend of leafy greens tossed with a tangy vinaigrette brightens the palate before each spoonful.
- Roasted Vegetables: Warm, caramelized veggies like zucchini and bell peppers complement the earthiness of the wild rice beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Crackers: Light and crunchy, these snacks provide a lovely contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.
- Herbed Quinoa: A protein-packed side that adds a light, nutty flavor to your meal while enhancing its wholesome appeal.
- Apple and Walnut Salad: Sweet-tart apples and crunchy walnuts add a delightful taste contrast, making for a robust sidekick.
- Lemon-Thyme Infused Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon and thyme harmonizes perfectly with the soup's flavors, enriching every bite.
- Crisp Pickles or Fermented Veggies: The tangy zing enhances the comfort of the soup, providing an uplifting flavor burst.
- Chilled White Wine: A light and refreshing beverage that enhances your meal, making each sip an experience to savor.
- Dark Chocolate Squares: For a sweet ending, a small piece of dark chocolate provides a satisfying, rich contrast to the soup.
How to Store and Freeze Wild Rice Soup
Fridge: Store leftover Wild Rice Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Remember to leave some space in the container for expansion as the soup freezes.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Make-Ahead Tips: This soup can be made ahead, and its flavors will deepen over time. You’ll find that each reheating brings even more soul-soothing warmth!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Vegan Wild Rice Soup preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the creamy base—blending almond milk, cashews, cannellini beans, miso, and Dijon mustard—up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge for easy access. Additionally, chop all your vegetables (scallions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms) ahead of time, and keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy the soup, simply sauté the prepped vegetables, add water to create your broth, and stir in the cream base along with wild rice, kale, and lemon juice. This ensures you'll have a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort, just as delicious as when freshly made!
Wild Rice Soup Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore exciting twists and substitutions to make this Wild Rice Soup your own, creating delightful flavors that match your cravings!
- Greens Switch: Use spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale for a different leafy taste that still packs a nutritional punch.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked lentils or chickpeas for an extra protein punch—pefect for heartier food lovers!
- Creamy Nut-Free Option: Swap raw cashews with silken tofu to maintain that creamy texture without the nuts.
- Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat and invigorate your palate!
- Umami Upgrade: Toss in some dried mushrooms or a splash of soy sauce for an added layer of savory depth.
- Veggie Adventure: Incorporate zucchini or sweet potatoes for additional nutrition and earthiness. The more, the merrier in your soup!
- Herb Play: Instead of fresh rosemary or thyme, use dried herbs—just remember to lessen the amount since their flavors are more concentrated.
- Liquid Flexibility: Replace water with vegetable broth for an extra boost of flavor, enhancing the overall soup experience.
Don’t hesitate to get creative—this soup is a canvas for your culinary imagination!
Wild Rice Soup Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting wild rice?
Absolutely! When selecting wild rice, look for grains that are long, dark, and intact. Avoid any rice with dark spots all over, which can indicate spoilage or low quality. A good quality wild rice will have a nutty aroma and a firm texture, making it perfect for your Wild Rice Soup!
How should I store leftover Wild Rice Soup?
Very! Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing, and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed for consistency.
Can I freeze Wild Rice Soup?
Absolutely! You can freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave about an inch of space in the container for the soup to expand as it freezes. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove.
What if my soup is too thick after reheating?
No worries! If your Wild Rice Soup thickens upon reheating, simply stir in a bit of water or vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. It’s completely normal for soups to thicken as they cool, so this adjustment will bring back that creamy texture you love!
Is this Wild Rice Soup suitable for people with nut allergies?
Sure thing! If nut allergies are a concern, replace the raw cashews in the creamy base with silken tofu to maintain that rich texture without the nuts. Always double-check other ingredients for allergens, but this soup can still cater to various dietary needs.
Can I make this soup in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Wild Rice Soup is perfect for meal prep. It can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time, offering an even more delicious meal when you reheat it on a busy weeknight. Enjoy the convenience and goodness!
Hearty Wild Rice Soup That's Comfort in a Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a high-speed blender, combine the unsweetened almond milk, raw cashews, ¼ cup of cooked cannellini beans, white miso paste, and Dijon mustard. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped scallions, celery, carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, thyme bundle, remaining cannellini beans, and pepper. Sauté briefly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in about 4 cups of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove thyme bundle and stir in the blended creamy base, cooked wild rice, lemon juice, and kale. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Leave a Reply