🥣 Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
🌿 Ingredients:
- 
2 tbsp olive oil or butter 
- 
1 medium onion, chopped 
- 
2 garlic cloves, minced 
- 
2 carrots, diced 
- 
2 celery stalks, diced 
- 
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced 
- 
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme) 
- 
1/2 tsp dried rosemary 
- 
Salt & pepper to taste 
- 
3/4 cup uncooked wild rice 
- 
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) 
- 
2 cups water 
- 
1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk) 
- 
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for creaminess) 
- 
2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (to thicken) 
- 
Fresh parsley for garnish 
👩🍳 Instructions:
- 
Sauté veggies: 
 In a large pot, heat olive oil/butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- 
Add mushrooms: 
 Stir in mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook until mushrooms release water and begin to brown (about 7–8 minutes).
- 
Add rice and liquids: 
 Add wild rice, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes or until rice is tender.
- 
Make it creamy: 
 In a small bowl, whisk milk with flour (or cornstarch). Pour it into the soup and stir. Simmer another 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- 
Finish & serve: 
 Add cream (optional) and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
🍞 Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with:
- 
Garlic bread or crusty baguette 
- 
Side salad with lemon vinaigrette 
- 
Roasted vegetables 
❓ Q&A
Q1: Can I use white or brown rice instead of wild rice?
👉 You can, but cooking time will be shorter (about 20–25 minutes). Wild rice gives a nutty flavor and chewy texture that’s special.
Q2: How can I make it vegan?
👉 Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk or cashew cream instead of dairy cream/milk.
Q3: Can I add chicken or protein?
👉 Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked tofu works perfectly.
Q4: How do I thicken the soup naturally without flour?
👉 Blend 1 cup of the soup (including rice and veggies) and mix it back in — it’ll thicken naturally.
Q5: Can I store or freeze it?
👉 Yes! It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes up to 2 months. Just reheat slowly and add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
