Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

This delicious Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this soup is an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of pumpkin and wild rice creates a unique flavor that will delight your taste buds. Plus, it’s simple to make, whether on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and wholesome – Packed with vegetables, chickpeas, and nutritious wild rice, this soup is both filling and healthy.
• Easy to prepare – With a straightforward recipe, you can whip up this soup in just about an hour.
• Perfect for leftovers – This soup stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
• Rich in flavor – The combination of pumpkin puree and coconut milk creates a creamy depth that is both comforting and satisfying.
• Customizable – Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make this soup uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot – Essential for cooking large batches of soup evenly without overflowing.
• Cutting board – Provides a safe surface to chop your veggies efficiently.
• Sharp knife – Ensures quick and precise cutting of ingredients for even cooking.
• Wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.

Ingredients

This delicious pumpkin wild rice soup recipe is loaded up with feel-good ingredients and easy to make on the stovetop or Instant Pot.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 large carrots, diced
– 2 ribs celery, diced
– 1 medium white onion, diced
– 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup pumpkin purée
– 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained
– 1 sprig fresh sage
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk
– 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
– 2 large handfuls fresh kale, finely chopped with tough stems removed
– fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

How to Make Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
• Add the carrots, celery, and onion; sauté while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
• Incorporate the mushrooms and garlic; continue sautéing for an additional 4 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Key Ingredients

• Pour in the vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, wild rice, sage sprig, bay leaf, and stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 30 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Finish the Soup

• Remove the bay leaf and sage from the pot.
• Add coconut milk, chickpeas, kale, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
• Taste your soup and season with fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper as needed. You may also add more pumpkin purée if desired.

Step 4: Serve Up!

• Serve warm in bowls. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup!

How to Serve Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

This comforting Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup is perfect for any occasion. You can elevate your serving experience by pairing it with delicious accompaniments that enhance its flavors.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and flavor.

Topped with Greens

• Fresh Parsley: Chop some fresh parsley to sprinkle on top for a burst of color.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds add a nutty crunch and make the dish visually appealing.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crisp romaine create a nice contrast.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

Perfecting your Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup will enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide the best flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout cooking.
• Add Spice: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika for warmth and depth.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

Pairing your Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with seasonal greens balances the soup’s heartiness.
2. Cornbread Muffins: Soft, sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and flavor.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and beans complement the soup perfectly.
5. Savory Scones: Cheddar or herb scones bring a flaky texture that pairs nicely.
6. Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the best Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté the vegetables properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté your onions, carrots, and celery until they are soft before adding other ingredients.
• Not rinsing wild rice: Rinsing wild rice removes excess starch and debris. Make sure to rinse and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the soup for the best texture.
• Ignoring seasoning: Underseasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavors.
• Overcooking the rice: Cooking wild rice too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it during cooking and test for tenderness at the 30-minute mark.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a base flavor in this recipe. Opt for high-quality vegetable broth for a richer taste that elevates your Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It’s best consumed within 3 months of freezing for optimal flavor.

Reheating Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Cover with a microwave-safe lid.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup.

Can I make Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator and can be made a day in advance for better flavor development.

What can I add to my Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup?

You can customize your Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup by adding different vegetables like spinach or sweet potatoes, or even spices such as cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Is Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally plant-based, using coconut milk for creaminess without any animal products.

How do I thicken my Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or add more pumpkin purée.

How long does it take to cook wild rice in this soup?

The wild rice typically takes about 30 minutes to become tender when simmered in the soup.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. Try adding your favorite veggies or spices for a unique twist!

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Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of this Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup, a delightful blend of rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. This creamy soup combines velvety pumpkin puree with hearty wild rice, providing a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 sprig fresh sage
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 large handfuls fresh kale, finely chopped with tough stems removed
• fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced carrots, celery, and onion for 5 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic; continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
3. Stir in vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, wild rice, sage sprig, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cover the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 30 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Remove bay leaf and sage; stir in coconut milk, chickpeas, and kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm in bowls and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg