Cozy Minnesota Wild Rice Soup for Heartwarming Nights

why make this recipe

Cozy Minnesota Wild Rice Soup is the perfect dish for cold nights. It warms you up and fills you with comfort. This soup combines the earthy flavors of wild rice with fresh vegetables and hearty lentils. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a starter and it’s great for sharing with family and friends.

how to make Cozy Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Wild Rice (Provides texture and heartiness; do not substitute with white or brown rice.)
• 1 can Evaporated Milk (Creates a creamy broth; consider plant-based alternatives for a vegan option.)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (Adds richness; can be swapped for olive oil or dairy-free alternatives.)
• 2 stalks Celery (Finely diced for even cooking.)
• 1 medium Onion (Use a yellow or sweet onion for best results.)
• 2 medium Carrots (Finely diced for a uniform cook.)
• 4 cups Vegetable Broth (Homemade or low-sodium versions are best.)
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (Elevates flavor; can substitute with dried thyme.)
• 1 cup Sautéed Mushrooms (Any variety to enhance dish.)
• 1 cup Cooked Lentils or Chickpeas (Add protein and texture.)

Directions:

1. Begin by rinsing the wild rice under cold water.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the rinsed wild rice and sauté for a few more minutes.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils or chickpeas, and evaporated milk.
8. Heat through and season with salt and pepper to taste.

how to serve Cozy Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Serve the soup warm in bowls. You can top it with fresh herbs for extra flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad. This soup is great for a cozy dinner or as a comforting lunch.

how to store Cozy Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

tips to make Cozy Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

• Make sure to rinse the wild rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it before serving.

variation

You can add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Feel free to swap the lentils with beans for a different texture. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder for enhanced flavor.

FAQs

What can I substitute for wild rice?
You shouldn’t substitute wild rice with white or brown rice as it changes the texture and flavor. If wild rice is not available, consider using other hearty grains like quinoa but note that cooking times will differ.

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup in advance. It actually tastes better as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to enjoy it.

Is this soup vegan?
To make the soup vegan, use plant-based milk instead of evaporated milk and avoid butter. Use olive oil instead to keep the dish rich and flavorful.

Cozy Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

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• Author: jurgentukur
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting soup combining wild rice, fresh vegetables, and hearty lentils, perfect for cold nights.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup Wild Rice
• 1 can Evaporated Milk
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 stalks Celery, finely diced
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 2 medium Carrots, finely diced
• 4 cups Vegetable Broth
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 1 cup Sautéed Mushrooms
• 1 cup Cooked Lentils or Chickpeas

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Instructions

1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the rinsed wild rice and sauté for a few more minutes.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the fresh thyme.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
7. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils or chickpeas, and evaporated milk.
8. Heat through and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American