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–+ servings
Wild Rice Soup
Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that highlights the nutty flavor of wild rice, paired with aromatic vegetables and finished with a touch of sherry and creamy milk. Originating from the Midwest, where wild rice is native and has been harvested for centuries, this soup is both rustic and elegant. It is perfect for cozy evenings or as a starter for a special meal. The blend of leeks, onions, celery, carrots, and red pepper creates a colorful base, while the wild rice adds unique texture and depth. The gentle creaminess from evaporated milk balances the earthy flavors, making it a beloved classic in American kitchens.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp margarine (or butter)
  • 1 cup leeks (finely diced )
  • 1 tsp onion (finely diced )
  • 1 cup celery (finely diced )
  • 1 cup carrots (finely diced )
  • 1 cup red pepper (finely diced )
  • 2 tsp flour
  • 3 cans chicken broth
  • ⅔ cup wild rice
  • 1 tbsp dry sherry
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup evaporated skim milk
  • 1 tbsp parsley (chopped )
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

  • Melt margarine in a Dutch oven. Add leeks, onion, celery, carrot, and red pepper. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add Flour

  • Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 3: Add Broth and Rice

  • Pour in chicken broth. Add wild rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

Step 4: Simmer

  • Cover and simmer 45–55 minutes until rice is tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 5: Add Sherry and Seasonings

  • Stir in sherry, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Finish with Milk

  • Gradually stir in evaporated skim milk. Heat thoroughly without boiling.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips

  • Use butter instead of margarine for richer flavor.
  • Substitute vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
  • Add diced cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
  • Stir in mushrooms for more umami flavor.
  • Add a splash of cream at the end for a creamier texture.
  • For lower sodium, choose low-sodium broth/consommé.
  • Wild rice blend may be used, but true wild rice gives the best texture.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs (parsley as written, or thyme).
  • Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
  • Soup thickens as it stands—add milk or broth to thin when reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2800IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 95mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword comfort food, cozy meals, homemade soup, one-pot, vegetable soup, vintage recipe, wild rice, winter soup
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