Name: Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups kale, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. Meet this cozy autumn wild rice soup — the kind of bowl that hugs you back and pretends it made itself. It cooks mostly in one pot so you can sip wine or scroll social media while it works. Want to impress a friend or just win at dinner for yourself Either way you are covered.

I even tossed in a link to a rice bowl I love for when you want variety Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls FYI try it when you want something with beef vibes.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It tastes like fall in a bowl but does not require you to summon every seasonal spice you own.
It is forgiving and pretty much idiot proof even if you forget to dance while stirring.
You can make it vegetarian or swap in meat later if you get hungry in a wild way.
It stores like a dream so you get leftovers for days and feel like a culinary wizard.
The texture balance between chewy wild rice and tender sweet potato is chef kiss no, seriously.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup wild rice
2 tablespoons olive oil because boring is fine when it works
1 onion diced small enough to make you cry slightly then feel proud
2 carrots diced like you mean it
2 celery stalks diced bring that crunch
1 sweet potato peeled and diced for cozy vibes
8 ounces mushrooms sliced get the ones you actually like
4 cups vegetable broth because liquid equals magic
2 cups kale chopped tough leafy goodness
1 teaspoon dried thyme dried herbs for lazy cooks
1 teaspoon garlic powder because garlic rules
Salt and pepper to taste and then taste again

Step-by-Step Instructions

In the Instant Pot set to sauté mode heat olive oil and add onion carrots and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep stirring so nothing sticks.
Add mushrooms and sweet potato and cook for another 5 minutes. Let the mushrooms give off their juice and get a little color. Do not rush this step it builds flavor.
Stir in wild rice broth thyme garlic powder salt and pepper. Scrape the bottom of the pot so nothing is hiding there. This is where the soup starts to become awesome.
Close the lid and set to manual for 30 minutes. Walk away for a bit but do not forget you made this. Maybe do one quick thing that is not scrolling.
Once cooked release pressure and stir in kale until wilted. The heat will make it tender in a minute or two. Kale wilts fast so act accordingly.
Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot. Add a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of pepper if you feel fancy. Enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Undercooking the rice because impatient people exist. Wild rice likes time so follow the 30 minute setting.
Skipping the mushrooms or sweet potato and then wondering why it tastes flat. Texture matters.
Over-salting early in the cooking. Always taste at the end and then add more if needed.
Forgetting to deglaze the pot after sautéing so you end up with sad stuck bits. Scrape them up they hold flavor.
Using flimsy greens that disappear into nothingness. Kale or sturdy greens work best here.
Trying to rush the sauté step. Browning equals depth and depth equals yum.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No wild rice What then Try brown rice or farro for chew and nuttiness. They change cooking time so adjust accordingly.
No kale Swap in spinach baby greens or swiss chard. Spinach wilts faster so add it at the very end.
Vegetarian to more protein Want meat Add shredded rotisserie chicken or cubed cooked sausage when you stir in the kale. I like sausage for extra swagger.
No mushrooms Try roasted squash for body and sweetness. Or use canned artichokes if you are feeling eclectic.
No sweet potato Use regular potato or butternut squash both add starch and warmth. I think butternut gives autumn vibes the best.
No garlic powder Use 2 cloves fresh garlic minced added during the sauté step. Fresh is brighter but powder is lazy friendly and still good.

FAQ

Can I make this on the stove instead of an Instant Pot

Yes you can simmer it covered on the stove for about 45 to 60 minutes until the rice is tender Keep the pot partially covered and check liquid levels every 15 minutes

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth

Want more savory depth Go for chicken broth It still plays nicely and makes the soup heartier

Is wild rice gluten free

Yep wild rice is naturally gluten free but watch your broth labels if you need full gluten free status

How long does this soup keep in the fridge

It stays good for about 4 to 5 days Store in an airtight container Reheat gently on the stove so the texture stays nice

Can I freeze this soup

You can Freeze in portions but note that vegetables may soften a bit upon thawing That never stopped me though just expect a different texture after freezing

Can I add cream or coconut milk for richness

Totally Add a splash of cream at the end or coconut milk for a dairy free creamy vibe I recommend starting with a little and tasting

Do I need to rinse the wild rice first

Rinsing is optional but it can remove dust or small debris and makes you feel more in control of your life

Final Thoughts

This soup is cozy without being complicated and forgiving without being bland. It makes great leftovers fuels a lazy dinner and impresses guests who will ask what your secret is and you can smile mysteriously. Make it your own add herbs swap veggies or toss in protein as you like. Cooking is about joy not rules so have fun with it. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You earned it.

Conclusion

If you want another cozy take on this idea check out this version which inspired some of my tweaks Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup – Gimme Some Oven It makes a lovely companion to the approach above and might spark more ideas for your next soup night

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup