Creamy Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Creamy Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup on a chilly day. This soup is rich, hearty, and packed with earthy flavors from mushrooms, nutty wild rice, and fragrant Italian herbs. The creamy texture comes from a luscious coconut milk roux, making this dish not only delicious but also dairy-free.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a wholesome lunch, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping things nourishing. Grab a spoon and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Easy to make – Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a steaming pot of deliciousness
• One-pot meal – Fewer dishes, more enjoyment
• Make-ahead friendly – This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day
• Dairy-free & vegan – The coconut milk gives it a rich, creamy texture without any dairy
• Nutrient-packed – Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fresh vegetables and wild rice

Taste & Texture

• Creamy and hearty with a thick, velvety broth
• Earthy and savory from the mushrooms and Italian herbs
• Slightly nutty and chewy thanks to the wild rice

Dietary Attributes

• Naturally vegan and dairy-free
• Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend
• High in fiber and plant-based protein

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 small white onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 3 medium carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
• 16 oz button mushrooms, chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced/crushed
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Generous pinch of salt & pepper
• ¾ cup wild rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• ⅓ cup flour (grain-based or gluten-free option)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
• Juice of ½ a lemon

Notes on Quality

For the best flavor, use fresh mushrooms rather than canned. If you have access to wild mushrooms like cremini or shiitake, they will add even more depth to the soup. Choose organic wild rice if possible, as it has the best texture and nutty taste.

Possible Substitutions

• Wild rice: Can be swapped with brown rice, but cooking time may vary
• Coconut milk: Can be replaced with cashew cream or dairy-free heavy cream alternatives
• Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option
• Vegetable broth: Substitute with mushroom broth for extra umami flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onions start to brown and turn translucent.

1. Add the mushrooms, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté another 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
2. Stir in the wild rice and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes.
3. With 5 minutes left in the cooking process, heat the remaining olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, whisk in the flour until combined.
4. Slowly pour in the coconut milk, whisking continuously until a thick, sauce-like consistency forms.
5. When the soup timer goes off, stir the coconut milk mixture into the soup. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot with fresh herbs and crusty bread.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Toast the wild rice in a dry pan before adding it to the soup for extra nuttiness
• Use a mix of mushrooms for more complexity in flavor
• Let the soup sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the roux step – This is key for thickening the soup without dairy
• Not simmering long enough – Wild rice takes time to cook properly
• Adding too much lemon juice – A little goes a long way to brighten the flavor

Time-Saving Tips

• Chop all your veggies ahead of time for quicker prep
• Use pre-sliced mushrooms to save time
• Make a double batch and freeze half for later

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a side of crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast
• Pair with a light arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley
• Drizzle a little extra coconut milk on top for a swirled effect

Beverage Pairings

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• A cozy chai tea for non-alcoholic pairing

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months

Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Heat over medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally
• Microwave: Heat on 80% power in 20-second increments, stirring between intervals

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make this without coconut milk? Yes, use cashew cream or another dairy-free alternative
Can I use white rice instead of wild rice? White rice cooks much faster and will change the texture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly

Troubleshooting

Soup too thick? Add more broth to thin it out
Too bland? Add extra herbs, lemon juice, or a dash of soy sauce for umami

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux
• Low-fat: Use light coconut milk instead of full-fat

Flavor Twists

• Add a splash of white wine for depth
• Mix in kale or spinach for extra greens

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• For a fall twist, add roasted butternut squash cubes
• In winter, add chopped chestnuts for extra heartiness

Conclusion

This Creamy Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup is the perfect combination of comforting, nourishing, and flavorful. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and ideal for meal prep. Whether you enjoy it as a light dinner or a cozy lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it out and let me know how it turns out in the comments

Looking for more cozy soups? Check out these favorites:

• Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
• Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Cozy Minestrone Soup

For more delicious recipes, follow along on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

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