North Woods Wild Rice Soup
Warm, hearty North Woods Wild Rice Soup combines earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and nutty wild rice in a creamy broth, perfect for cozy gatherings and cold days.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped very fine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 12 oz. can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked wild rice ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, chopped carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until carrots are soft.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Add chicken broth all at once.
- Cook and stir until bubbly. Stir in evaporated milk, cooked wild rice, and cubed cream cheese.
- Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If wild rice is unavailable, brown rice can be a suitable substitute, though it will alter the texture. Using fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the soup's aroma. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with additional mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the North Woods Wild Rice Soup with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cream Of Asparagus Soup(Makes 6 Cups Of Soup) for a comforting lunch or dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of North Woods Wild Rice Soup contains roughly 1185 calories, with 19g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (329% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2198mg per serving (96% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the evaporated milk with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Omit the cream cheese or use a dairy-free cream cheese to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup during the cooking process. Allow it to simmer until it thickens. Alternatively, you can add more flour in the initial steps for a heartier consistency.
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).