Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup 🍂🍲

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to embrace the season. This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is both hearty and comforting, featuring earthy mushrooms, sweet squash, and a hint of sage. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it's sure to become a staple as the temperatures drop!

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced (about 1 small squash)
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup kale or spinach, roughly chopped

For garnish

• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
• A drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the wild rice, 4 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 40-50 minutes, until tender and split. Drain excess water and set aside.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

🥄 Making sure not to burn the garlic is key, as it can turn bitter quickly! Keep an eye on it and stir frequently.

3. Add the diced butternut squash, sliced mushrooms, and carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Stir in the cooked wild rice and the chopped kale or spinach. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of sour cream before serving!

🌱 Feel free to play around with the greens! Swiss chard or collard greens also work beautifully in this soup.

Variations

• Creamy version: Add 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a richer and creamier soup.
• Protein-packed: Incorporate cooked chicken, turkey, or even a can of beans (like navy or cannellini) to boost protein content.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat!
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions!

Get cozy, grab a warm blanket, and enjoy this heartwarming soup—perfect for those chilly autumn evenings! 🍁🥣