Name: Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken 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 (about 1 pound) sweet potato, peeled and diced; 1 small white onion, peeled and diced; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk (or cream sauce option if preferred); 2 large handfuls kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed; Fine sea salt, to taste; Freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re longing for a bowl of comfort that wraps you in warmth and fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of autumn, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an absolute celebration of seasonal produce paired with earthy wild rice and creamy coconut milk, bringing together hearty veggies and fragrant spices in one deeply satisfying pot. Whether you’re returning home after a crisp walk or simply craving something nourishing and uplifting, this soup promises a soulful experience that’s as colorful as the fall leaves outside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various fresh ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. In the center is a white bowl filled with dark black wild rice grains. Around it, from left to right, there are bright orange carrots, green celery stalks, leafy kale, four brown mushrooms with a firm texture, and two white onion halves. To the upper right, there is a small white bowl filled with a bright orange-red spice, a white dish holding white salt, black pepper, and a light brown dried bay leaf. Next to it is a white ceramic jug filled with a creamy liquid, and a white speckled jug with a small amount of honey inside. At the bottom right is a stick of yellow butter on a light plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about embracing simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the pot. Every item contributes essential layers of flavor, texture, or color to create a comforting and balanced soup that’s perfect for any cozy autumn day.

6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock): The flavorful base that infuses the soup with rich, savory goodness.
1 cup uncooked wild rice: Adds a nutty taste and delightful chewy texture that makes this soup truly unique.
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Earthy mushrooms deepen the flavor with their meaty texture.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for a fragrant kick that wakes up your taste buds.
2 medium carrots, diced: Sweet and tender, carrots brighten the bowl with their cheerful color.
2 ribs celery, diced: Adds subtle crunch and freshness.
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced: Brings natural sweetness and creaminess that melts in your mouth.
1 small white onion, peeled and diced: The classic base for sautéing, adding depth and aroma.
1 bay leaf: Infuses gentle herbal notes that perfect the broth.
1 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: A unique blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity.
1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk: Creates a luscious creamy texture and subtle tropical undertones.
2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped: Adds vibrant green color and nutrients, with a slight earthy bitterness.
Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper: To taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients

Start by gathering your liquid and main veggies together. Pour the vegetable stock into your Instant Pot or a large stockpot, add the wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, chopped onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Give everything a good stir to become acquainted before heat works its magic.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

If you’re using an Instant Pot, seal the lid and set it to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. When the cooking time finishes, let it rest with a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before releasing any leftover pressure manually. For stovetop lovers, bring your mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it slowly bubble away for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent anything sticking to the bottom, until the wild rice is tender and the sweet potatoes are perfectly soft.

Step 3: Add Creamy Goodness and Greens

Once the rice is just right, remove the bay leaf and gently fold in the coconut milk along with the chopped kale. This final addition brings a silky richness and a pop of color to the soup. Give it a taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a little more Old Bay seasoning if you love that depth of flavor.

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

The image shows a white pot with four stages of making soup. In the first stage, there is a layer of small, soft, pale yellow pieces being stirred with a dark wooden spoon. The second stage shows a layer of dark brown sliced mushrooms on the top left, black long grains of wild rice in the middle, orange cubes of carrots on the top right, light green chopped celery on the bottom right, and a light brown liquid with a yellow bay leaf in the middle. In the third stage, the soup has a new top layer of fresh dark green chopped kale spread unevenly with some red pieces visible under it. The broth is lighter and creamier with specks of pepper. The final stage displays a thick creamy soup with visible slices of brown mushrooms, small orange carrots, dark green kale, and some black rice grains scattered throughout, with a silver spoon resting in the soup. All the scenes are set on a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds an aromatic freshness that beautifully contrasts the earthy base. For a bit of crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts work wonderfully. A drizzle of extra coconut milk on top can also make it extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Serve your wild rice soup alongside warm crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creaminess perfectly and balances the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. This not only ups the cozy factor but makes an unforgettable presentation for dinner parties. You can also layer it in clear glass mugs for a charming autumn-themed lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavors. The kale will continue to soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a couple of days for maximum texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the texture of the sweet potatoes and kale might change slightly after thawing. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and remember to leave some room for expansion. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of vegetable stock or water if it feels too thick after refrigeration or freezing. Avoid boiling to keep the delicate textures and flavors intact.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While wild rice gives this soup its signature nutty flavor and chewy texture, you can substitute with brown rice or a wild rice blend for a similar experience. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since different rice types have varying cooking needs.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Yes, definitely. Using vegetable stock and coconut milk keeps this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe entirely plant-based and delicious. If you prefer, you can swap the vegetable stock for chicken stock, but it won’t be vegan anymore.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

You can easily replace Old Bay with a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. This will keep the warm, mildly spicy character of the soup intact.

Can I prepare this soup entirely on the stovetop?

Yes! This recipe works beautifully on the stovetop and yields the same rich, comforting flavors. Just follow the stovetop directions for simmering and cooking times, and you’ll have a heartwarming meal ready in under an hour.

Can I make this soup creamier?

For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dairy-free cream alternative besides the coconut milk. Blending part of the soup and then mixing it back in also creates a velvety texture without losing the rustic vibe.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or whenever you want to embrace the flavors of the season. It’s straightforward to make, packed with nutrition, and endlessly adaptable based on what you have on hand. Give it a try, share it with friends, and keep coming back to that wonderful sense of home-cooked comfort it brings.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need