Discover the Secret to Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup – Without Cream!
Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the earthy flavors of wild rice with the rich creaminess of mushrooms. With a hint of herbs and spices, this soup is perfect for any winter evening. But, have you ever wondered what makes this soup so creamy without using cream?
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If you’re looking for a nutritious and comforting soup that packs a punch of flavor, Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup is the way to go! This soup is a perfect mix of earthy and creamy notes, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds.
The origins of this soup are unknown, but it is believed to have been consumed by the Native Americans who have been using wild rice for centuries. Later, the soup was adapted by French and Italian chefs, who added their signature techniques and ingredients, thus creating a dish that is now among the most popular comfort foods.
Wild rice, the star of the soup, is a long-grain rice-like seed that grows in marshes and lakes. It is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium. The mushrooms used in the recipe, on the other hand, provide a meaty texture and umami flavor, along with great nutritional benefits.
The soup is easy to prepare, and the recipe can be modified to suit different taste preferences. It is served piping hot and is best enjoyed during chilly winter months or rainy days. It pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad.
Attracting history and food lovers, Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup is a staple in many restaurants and households during fall and winter. Satisfy your cravings with this delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make soup.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
Use Wild Rice
Wild rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that pairs well with the creamy mushroom soup. Don’t substitute it with white or brown rice.
Prep Your Veggies
The key to making this soup quickly is to have all your vegetables prepped and ready to go before you begin cooking. Ensure the garlic, onions, and mushrooms are chopped and ready.
Choose the Right Mushrooms
Button mushrooms work well for this dish, but you can mix it up with other mushroom varieties to add more flavor. Portobello, shiitake, or cremini mushrooms are all great choices.
Season Your Soup Properly
Don’t skimp on seasoning. The mushroom soup needs salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano to bring out the flavors. Be sure to adjust the salt accordingly to taste.
Thicken Your Soup with Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a great thickener for soups and stews. It’s important to mix your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and cold water) separately before adding it to the soup to prevent clumps.
Be Careful with Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to this soup. However, be sure not to let the soup come to a full boil when adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle.
Add Some Texture
The soup is creamy, so adding some fresh parsley at the end will add a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish. Alternatively, you can add croutons or crackers for some crunch.
Store Leftovers Properly
This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it slowly on medium-low heat to prevent the cream from curdling.
How Many Calories are in Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 6g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 10g
What Drinks Pair Best with Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup?
Wine pairing: A Pinot Noir would be a great wine pairing for this Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup. Its earthy and fruity notes complement the savory flavors of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the soup.
Beer pairing: A good beer pairing for Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup would be a Belgian saison with a fruity and spicy character, such as Dupont Saison or Saison Dupont. The dry and effervescent quality of the beer helps to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich and creamy soup, while the subtle fruitiness complements the earthy flavors of mushrooms and herbs.
Cocktail pairing: Pair this Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup with a classic Gin Martini with a twist. The aromatic herbs in the soup are well complemented with the dry herbal flavors of gin and vermouth.
How to Make Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Wild Rice
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 8 Oz Button Mushrooms, sliced
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 Cup Cold Water
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook wild rice according to package directions and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Saute onion and garlic until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in cooked wild rice and heavy cream.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the soup and stir until soup thickens.
- Let simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
