Byerly'S Wild Rice Soup
Wild Rice Soup offers a hearty, creamy blend of wild rice, tender ham, carrots, and almonds, infused with rich butter and a hint of sherry. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting family meal, it combines savory flavors and a velvety texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Saute minced onion until tender.
- Blend in flour.
- Gradually stir in chicken broth.
- Cook, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil and stir for 1 minute.
- Stir in cooked wild rice, salt, minced ham, shredded carrots, and slivered almonds.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Blend in half and half and dry sherry.
- Heat to serving temperature.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ham. You can also add other vegetables like celery or mushrooms for extra flavor. To enhance the nutty flavor, toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, such as a Waldorf Turkey Salad, to complement its richness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green vegetable or a side of Chicken And Gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat to prevent separation of the cream. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Byerly'S Wild Rice Soup contains roughly 741 calories, with 17g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (304% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and potassium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2264mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Byerly's Wild Rice Soup?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, the cream may separate upon thawing, altering the texture. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the half and half and adding it when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What type of wild rice should I use?
Use a good quality wild rice blend for the best flavor. You can find various types at grocery stores or online. If you prefer a quicker option, precooked wild rice is available and can save you some time in preparation.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Byerly's Wild Rice Soup can be made ahead of time. Just prepare it without the half and half and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and stir in the half and half before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).