Wholesome Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe: Comforting Goodness

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty wild rice soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy textures blend with robust woodland flavors, creating an irresistible meal.

Tender vegetables and rich broth dance together in a symphony of warmth.

The instant pot works its magic, infusing each spoonful with deep, satisfying notes.

Earthy wild rice provides a nutty backdrop to this soul-warming dish.

Packed with nutrition and incredible depth, this soup stands ready to chase away winter chills.

You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, eager to savor every comforting bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Ingredients

• Onion: Builds a flavor foundation with sweet and aromatic notes, choose firm and glossy bulbs without soft spots.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, select smooth and bright orange roots without blemishes.
• Celery: Provides crisp texture and subtle earthy flavor, pick stalks that are firm and bright green.
• Garlic: Enhances deep savory undertones, look for compact, heavy bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
• Mushrooms: Contributes rich umami depth, select fresh fungi with smooth, intact caps and no dampness.

• Wild Rice: Introduces nutty complexity and hearty texture, choose packages with minimal broken grains.
• Thyme: Delivers subtle herbal warmth, opt for fresh sprigs with bright green leaves.
• Oregano: Brings Mediterranean zesty essence, select leaves that are richly green and fragrant.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle woodsy undertones, choose whole leaves without discoloration.
• Salt: Amplifies overall flavor profile, select fine-grain varieties for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle spicy kick, choose whole peppercorns to grind fresh.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates foundational liquid base, select low-sodium options for better control.
• Water: Helps adjust consistency and dilution, use filtered for cleanest taste.
• Coconut Milk: Provides creamy richness and slight tropical hint, choose full-fat versions for best texture.
• Spinach/Kale: Introduces nutritional green element, select crisp, deeply colored leaves.

Equipment for Wild Rice Soup

• Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking and sauteing all ingredients quickly.
• Large wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during sauteing.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Ladle: Useful for serving soup into individual bowls.

Cooking Steps for Wild Rice Soup

• Fire Up the Instant Pot

Activate the Instant Pot’s Saute mode and drizzle in olive oil. Toss in onions, carrots, and celery, letting them dance and soften for about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, stirring until they release their fragrant aroma.

• Build the Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle in wild rice, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth and water, creating a rich liquid base. Give everything a good stir to marry the ingredients.

• Pressure Cook with Confidence

Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

• Create Creamy Perfection

Swirl in coconut milk, fold in fresh spinach or kale, and brighten with a splash of lemon juice. Let the greens gently wilt into the soup, infusing it with vibrant color and nutrients.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, pairing with crusty bread or crispy crackers for a complete, comforting meal that warms from the inside out.

Tips to Elevate Wild Rice Soup

• Whisk coconut milk or cream thoroughly to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, velvety soup consistency.
• Prepare soup base in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh greens just before serving to maintain vibrant color and nutrients.
• Incorporate cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie meat, or plant-based protein like tofu for a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
• Confirm broth is gluten-free and replace bay leaf with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets. Serve with gluten-free crackers or bread alternatives.
• Swap mushrooms with zucchini, swap spinach with swiss chard, or add roasted butternut squash for different flavor profiles and nutritional variety. Experiment with seasonal vegetables to keep the recipe exciting and fresh.

Serving Ideas for Wild Rice Soup

• Bread Pairing Perfection: Grab a rustic sourdough or chewy ciabatta to soak up the rich, creamy soup and add delightful texture to each spoonful.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or roasted tofu cubes to create a more substantial and satisfying meal.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, green onions, or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for a burst of color, crunch, and extra nutritional boost that elevates the soup's presentation and flavor profile.
• Wine Companion: Pair this hearty wild rice soup with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay to complement its earthy and creamy undertones.

Storing and Planning Wild Rice Soup Meals

• Transfer leftover soup into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed containers keep soup fresh for 4-5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and textures.
• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop or microwave.
• When warming refrigerated soup, add splash of vegetable broth to restore original consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. Microwave in 30-second intervals or warm slowly on medium-low stovetop heat.
• Prepare soup in large batches during weekend. Divide into individual portions for quick weekday lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and enjoy convenient, nutritious meals throughout the week.

Hearty Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comforting Midwestern wild rice soup brings creamy Wisconsin flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Rich, hearty ingredients blend perfectly in this crowd-pleasing one-pot meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup uncooked wild rice (not a blend)
• 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream (or heavy cream for non-vegan)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Activate Instant Pot’s Sauté mode. Introduce olive oil, then gently caramelize onions, carrots, and celery until translucent. Incorporate garlic and mushrooms, continuing to develop deep flavor profile for an additional few moments.
2. Season and Hydrate: Integrate wild rice, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour broth and water, thoroughly blending ingredients to ensure even distribution.
3. Pressurize Cooking: Secure lid, position valve to Sealing, and execute high-pressure cooking for precise duration. Allow natural pressure dissipation initially, followed by swift pressure release to complete cooking process.
4. Final Refinement: Swirl in coconut milk, introduce vibrant spinach or kale, and brighten with subtle lemon juice. Permit greens to gently wilt and meld flavors. Calibrate seasoning according to personal preference.
5. Presentation: Elegantly transfer soup into serving vessels. Accompany with rustic bread or crisp crackers for complementary texture and enhanced dining experience.

Notes

• Avoid burning vegetables by stirring frequently and keeping heat at medium-low during initial sauteing stage.
• Wild rice requires longer cooking time compared to other rice varieties, so ensure sufficient liquid and precise cooking duration.
• Natural pressure release helps prevent rice from becoming mushy and maintains ideal texture for soup consistency.
• Swap coconut milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for different dietary preferences without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg