There’s simply nothing like a steaming bowl of Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup when the chill sets in and you crave warmth from the inside out! This hearty, creamy soup is a celebration of winter flavors—lovely wild rice, colorful veggies, fresh herbs, and just the right touch of creaminess. Whether you stick with the classic version or opt for a dairy-free or vegan twist, every spoonful feels nourishing and soul-soothing. It’s a dish I find myself returning to week after week, and once you’ve tried it, I know it’ll earn a regular place at your table, too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup comes from how a handful of humble, easy-to-find ingredients blend into something spectacular. Each one does more than just fill the pot—these essentials bring depth, heartiness, color, and comforting flavor to the mix.

Olive oil or butter: The base for sautéing veggies, adding flavor and a touch of richness.
Onion: Diced onion brings aromatic sweetness to every spoonful.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a gentle, savory depth—don’t skip it!
Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color brighten the pot beautifully.
Celery: Sliced celery layers in that subtle, classic soup flavor and texture.
Dried thyme: Earthy and comforting, thyme is the soul of wintery soups.
Dried rosemary: Just a pinch of rosemary provides an aromatic, piney note.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—taste and adjust as you like.
Black pepper: A hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
Wild rice: The star ingredient! Wild rice gives the soup its signature texture and nutty taste.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Choose your favorite; broth is key for depth and savoriness.
Cooked, shredded chicken (optional): Add for extra heartiness, or skip for a plant-based pot.
Full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream: This is where the creamy magic happens.
All-purpose or gluten-free flour (optional): For a thicker, richer finish—totally optional but lovely.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end lifts everything and adds freshness.

How to Make Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Stir often as you sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes—let the onions turn soft and just a bit translucent, and coax out the aromatics until your whole kitchen smells inviting. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to toast the herbs and coat the veggies with flavor.

Step 2: Add Wild Rice and Broth

Next up, pour in your rinsed wild rice and the broth of your choice. Give the pot a gentle stir, bring it all up to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let your Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup gently bubble away for 45 to 50 minutes—just enough time for the rice to become tender and start to “blossom” while the flavors deepen and meld.

Step 3: Stir in Chicken (Optional)

If you’re going for extra heartiness, stir in your cooked, shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will heat it through without overcooking. Veggie version? Just skip this step—your soup will still be wonderfully rich and satisfying!

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Now for that signature creamy touch: In a small bowl, whisk your coconut milk (or heavy cream) with the flour until silky smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup, stir well, and let the pot simmer uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. This thickens the soup just enough and makes it irresistibly luscious.

Step 5: Taste & Finish

Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. When you’re happy with the flavor, ladle the soup into bowls and shower with a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a bright, herby flourish. Serve hot and dig into all that wintry comfort.

How to Serve Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch to your Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup, sprinkle each bowl with plenty of chopped fresh parsley. The green pop isn’t just pretty—it adds freshness and balances the richness. A little extra black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens everything up, too!

Side Dishes

While this soup is certainly a star solo, it pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a slice of sourdough that’s perfect for dipping. You can also serve it with a crisp winter salad or simple roasted vegetables for a complete, soul-soothing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your soup into wide, shallow bowls and arranging the carrots and chicken on top for a rustic, bistro vibe. Or serve it in insulated mugs for a casual, cozy gathering around the fire. A few homemade croutons or a swirl of extra cream on top make it dinner-party worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup is wonderful for meal prep because the wild rice holds up well and the flavors deepen overnight. Cool leftovers completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The soup gets even tastier as it sits!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this soup! Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, pour soup into a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s thickened, just splash in some broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling if you’ve added dairy, to keep it smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I make Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use coconut milk for creaminess. The result is every bit as satisfying and 100 percent plant-based.

What kind of wild rice should I use?

Go for true wild rice if you can find it—it’s long, dark, and nutty. However, mixed wild rice blends work just fine, though they may cook a little faster and offer a slightly different texture.

Can I use leftover roasted chicken or turkey?

Yes! Leftover roast chicken or even turkey is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred it and add during the last 10 minutes so it warms without drying out.

How can I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?

Mix a spoonful of flour or gluten-free flour into your cream or coconut milk before stirring it in. Simmer uncovered until it reaches your desired thickness. Alternatively, you can mash a few veggies directly in the pot.

Will the soup taste coconutty if I use coconut milk?

Not at all! Full-fat coconut milk simply brings a creamy body without dominating the flavor. It’s subtle and pairs perfectly with the earthy wild rice and herbs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a bowl of genuine comfort this season, Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup should top your list. It’s simple, it’s flexible, and every batch brings that delightful, warming hug we crave during the colder months. Try it soon, and savor all the little moments it brings to your winter table!

Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cozy Winter Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Loaded with vegetables, wild rice, and a creamy coconut milk base, this soup is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Mixture:

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Soup Base:

3/4 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
Add Seasonings: Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cook Wild Rice: Add rinsed wild rice and broth, simmer until tender.
Optional Chicken: Add shredded chicken if using.
Add Creamy Base: Whisk coconut milk with flour, stir into soup and simmer until thickened.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

To make this vegan, omit chicken and use coconut milk. For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American