Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe

If you’re longing for a hearty, nourishing bowl that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day, this Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with earthy wild rice, tender sweet potatoes, savory mushrooms, and crisp kale, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that develop beautifully during the cooking process. The creamy coconut milk adds a subtle, comforting richness, making each spoonful deeply satisfying and utterly soul-warming. Whether you’re gathered around the table with family or seeking a solo comfort food moment, this soup will quickly become your go-to for the colder months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating a soup that’s both vibrant and cozy. The simple yet carefully chosen components contribute layers of flavor, texture, and color, making this a wholesome dish you’ll look forward to serving again and again.

• 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock): The flavorful base that brings all ingredients together with a rich, savory foundation.
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice: Adds a chewy texture and nutty taste that’s essential for that hearty winter feel.
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Infuse the soup with deep umami and earthiness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Introduce aromatic warmth and a subtle spicy kick.
• 2 medium carrots, diced: Sweetness and vibrant color brighten the dish.
• 2 ribs celery, diced: Provide a fresh, crisp bite and balance.
• 1 large sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and diced: Brings natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• 1 small white onion, diced: Lays a flavorful, tender foundation when cooked down.
• 1 bay leaf: Offers subtle herbal notes that enhance depth.
• 1½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning: Adds warmth and complexity with a hint of spice.
• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk: Creamifies the broth without overpowering the natural flavors.
• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed: Adds color, nutrients, and a pleasant bite of greens.
• Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.

How to Make Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by combining the vegetable stock, wild rice, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning in the bowl of your Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the flavors before cooking. This prep ensures each ingredient can mingle as the soup cooks, building a harmonious taste.

Step 2: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. This step locks in the warmth and will transform those hardy ingredients into tender, soul-soothing comfort. The magic of pressure cooking helps the wild rice open up perfectly and allows the vegetables to soften while intensifying their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Natural Pressure Release

Once the cooking cycle finishes, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. This gentle cooldown helps maintain the soup’s textures without sudden disruption. Afterward, carefully vent to release any remaining pressure, then open the lid and remove the bay leaf. This simple step ensures you don’t get any bitter bits from the leaf in your finished soup.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

Now, stir in the creamy coconut milk and freshly chopped kale. The coconut milk adds a rich silkiness that balances the earthy flavors, while the kale gives a pop of vibrant green and a fresh crunch. Allow the kale to wilt slightly in the warm broth, infusing the soup with a beautiful color and hearty nutrients.

Step 5: Season to Taste

This is your moment to adjust the seasoning with fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and more Old Bay seasoning if you love that warmth and complexity. Tasting as you go lets you create the exact flavor profile you crave, whether you prefer a delicate touch or a bit more seasoning punch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle this comforting soup into bowls and prepare to indulge. Pair it with warm crusty bread or your favorite toppings to make every spoonful even more memorable. This Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe shines best when enjoyed fresh and warm on a crisp day.

How to Serve Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika can elevate the soup’s presentation and taste. For some added richness, a drizzle of extra coconut milk or a few crispy fried shallots bring wonderful texture contrast and layers of flavor to each bite.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a crispy green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, or a slice of crusty artisan bread to soak up the luscious broth. If you want to stay cozy, a warm grilled cheese sandwich with melting cheddar is a timeless companion to the rich, wild rice soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or rustic bread bowls. This adds a festive touch that’s perfect for winter gatherings or holiday dinners, turning every serving into an eye-catching centerpiece that invites smiles and compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight, making the soup even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute ingredients evenly.

Freezing

If you want to save this cozy goodness for longer, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When planning a busy week, having this wild rice soup ready to thaw is like a warm hug waiting for you.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the kale tender and the coconut milk creamy. You can add a splash of vegetable stock or water if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great alternative if wild rice is unavailable, though the texture will be a bit softer and the cooking time might need adjustment. Brown rice has a milder flavor but will still complement the soup nicely.

Is this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Using vegetable stock and coconut milk keeps this Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Definitely. Simply combine all the ingredients except kale and coconut milk in a large pot, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 45-50 minutes until the rice and vegetables are tender. Stir in the coconut milk and kale at the end just like the Instant Pot version.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

If you’re out of Old Bay, substitute with a blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic its warm, savory profile. This will still give your soup a balanced depth of flavor.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes! For some extra heartiness, stir in cooked shredded chicken or cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas. These additions turn the soup into a complete meal without overpowering the original cozy flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s simple to make yet packed with layers of flavor, nutrition, and texture that keep you coming back for more. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s a beautiful way to welcome the season with a bowl of comfort you won’t soon forget.

Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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3.9 from 55 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup is a hearty, comforting bowl packed with wild rice, baby bella mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and nutrient-rich kale simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and enriched with creamy coconut milk. Perfect for chilly days, this wholesome soup brings warmth and nourishment with a subtle hint of Old Bay seasoning for a unique twist.

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Ingredients

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Soup Base

• 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 sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and diced
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

Finishing Ingredients

• 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Combine the vegetable stock, wild rice, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, peeled and diced sweet potato, diced onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning into the bowl of an Instant Pot. Stir gently to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
2. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to manual mode on high pressure for 25 minutes. This method will cook the wild rice and vegetables tenderly while infusing flavors.
3. Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes to prevent splatter and ensure everything settles. Then carefully vent the remaining pressure and open the lid. Discard the bay leaf at this point.
4. Finish the Soup: Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk and the roughly chopped kale until well incorporated. The warmth of the soup will gently wilt the kale and add creaminess from the coconut milk.
5. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and additional Old Bay seasoning if desired for enhanced flavor.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or your preferred soup toppings for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Using vegetable stock keeps the soup vegetarian; substitute chicken stock if preferred.
• Old Bay seasoning provides a unique savory depth; you can adjust quantity to taste or substitute with other seasoning blends.
• For a creamier texture, you can add more coconut milk or use full-fat coconut milk.
• Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid an overpowering bitter taste.
• This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Adjust kale quantity or substitute with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (plus 10 minutes natural pressure release)
• Category: Soup
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American