If you are looking for a heartwarming bowl to embrace the flavors of the season, this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is nothing short of a culinary hug in a bowl. It’s packed with earthy wild rice, vibrant veggies like sweet potatoes and kale, and a creamy coconut milk finish that makes every spoonful feel like a warm blanket on a crisp, cool day. Whether you want to impress at a casual dinner or simply treat yourself on a quiet night in, this soup brings together simple ingredients that combine into something truly special and deeply satisfying.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this soup lies in its straightforward but thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the chewy wild rice that adds texture to the sweet potato that brings a hint of natural sweetness and the Old Bay seasoning that lends a subtle twist of warmth and spice. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started:

Vegetable stock (6 cups): A flavorful, liquid base that infuses every bite with savory goodness.

Uncooked wild rice (1 cup): Adds a hearty, nutty flavor and a wonderful chewy texture to the soup.
Baby bella mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): Bring earthiness and richness to the mix.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A fragrant boost that brightens the soup.
Carrots (2 medium, diced): Sweet and tender, they add beautiful color and subtle sweetness.

Celery (2 ribs, diced): Provides a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
Sweet potato (1 large, peeled and diced): Creamy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory notes.
White onion (1 small, diced): Base flavor builder, softening and enriching the broth as it cooks.

Bay leaf (1): Imparts a gentle herbal aroma to the soup.
Old Bay seasoning (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds a unique blend of spices that lift the whole dish.
Unsweetened coconut milk (14-ounce can): Creamy and dairy-free, it rounds out the soup with silky texture and subtle sweetness.

Kale (2 large handfuls, chopped): Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring it all together.

How to Make Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by gathering your vegetables, wild rice, and spices. Whether you are using an Instant Pot or stovetop, combine the vegetable stock, wild rice, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, carrots, celery, diced sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning all together. This is where your soup’s character begins to form with every ingredient ready to mingle and release their flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Soup Thoroughly

If you’re using an Instant Pot, set it to manual high pressure for 25 minutes, then allow it to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before your quick release. For stovetop cooking, bring everything to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and let it gently simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step softens all the veggies and cooks the wild rice to tender perfection, creating a comforting, flavorful base for your soup.

Step 3: Finish with Coconut Milk and Kale

Once the rice and veggies are tender, it’s time to add the final lovely touches: the unsweetened coconut milk and fresh kale. Stir these in gently, allowing the kale to soften just a bit but keep its beautiful green color and the coconut milk to create a creamy mouthfeel. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Old Bay seasoning for your perfect balance before serving.

How to Serve Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Garnishes

To keep things simple yet stunning, a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives works beautifully to enhance freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few toasted pumpkin seeds can add an inviting finishing touch with extra flavor and delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread for dipping or a crisp, lightly dressed autumn salad to keep the meal feeling light yet balanced. Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread can elevate the cozy vibe for a complete and satisfying feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup in charming ceramic bowls that keep the soup warm longer and create an inviting table setting. For a special touch, garnish with toasted nuts or a sprinkle of sharp cheese, if you enjoy dairy, to add depth. Consider serving it in mini pumpkin bowls for a festive autumnal feast that will surely impress any guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the kale and prevent the flavors from mingling too intensely over time. Before reheating, give it a good stir to reincorporate the coconut milk and kale evenly.

Freezing

If you want to save this lovely soup for later, freezing is a great option. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Wild rice and hearty vegetables freeze remarkably well, though the kale may soften further after thawing—perfect if you prefer a softer texture in your reheated soup.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching and ensure even heat distribution. Add a splash of extra vegetable stock or coconut milk if it feels too thick. Microwaving is fine too, but stirring halfway through is key to keeping the soup creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?

Absolutely! Chicken stock will add a richer, more savory depth to the Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup, making it great for non-vegetarians looking for an extra layer of flavor.

Is wild rice essential or can I substitute it?

Wild rice is a star ingredient here because of its nutty flavor and chewy texture. If you can’t find it, a mix of wild and brown rice or even farro can work as substitutes, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Using vegetable stock and coconut milk keeps this soup fully vegan without sacrificing richness or warmth. Make sure any sides or garnishes you add are vegan-friendly as well.

What’s the best way to get a thicker soup?

If you prefer a heartier, thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce some of the liquid. Alternatively, blend a scoop of the soup and stir it back in to add creaminess naturally.

How can I add more protein to this soup?

Adding cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or even cubes of firm tofu will boost the protein content nicely without overwhelming the cozy autumn flavors that make this soup so special.

Final Thoughts

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup has become one of my absolute fall favorites, a bowl that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. With its perfect balance of textures, rich flavors, and nourishing ingredients, it’s a dish I always look forward to making and sharing. Give it a try—you might just find your own special comfort food for the season.

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 40 minutes (Instant Pot) or 55 minutes (Stovetop)

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with nutrient-rich wild rice, sweet potatoes, kale, and earthy mushrooms, it features a flavorful broth enhanced with Old Bay seasoning and creamy coconut milk. Suitable for vegetarians and made easily in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop, this soup balances wholesome vegetables with warm, aromatic spices for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Combine base ingredients: In your Instant Pot or a large stockpot, add vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, garlic, carrots, celery, sweet potato, onion, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir everything briefly to combine the flavors.
Pressure cook (Instant Pot method): Close the lid and set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf.
Sauté veggies (Stovetop method): In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter or heat olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add base ingredients (Stovetop method): Pour in vegetable stock, add wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, celery, sweet potato, bay leaf, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir to combine thoroughly.
Simmer (Stovetop method): Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the wild rice is tender.
Add final ingredients: Stir in the unsweetened coconut milk and kale gently. Mix until kale is evenly distributed and just wilted. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Old Bay seasoning as desired.

Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a cozy autumn meal.

Notes

Wild rice can be substituted with a mix of wild and brown rice if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding coconut milk.

If you do not have Old Bay seasoning, a blend of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne can be used as a substitute.
Make sure to remove the bay leaf before serving as it can be tough and sharp.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

For added protein, consider stirring in cooked shredded chicken or canned beans if not strictly vegetarian.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (Instant Pot) or 40 minutes (Stovetop)

Category: Soup
Method: Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) or Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 5 g

Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g

Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g

Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: wild rice soup, autumn soup, vegetarian soup, cozy soup, healthy soup, kale soup, coconut milk soup, mushroom soup