Sausage Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Okay, picture this: a chilly autumn evening, the leaves are crunching underfoot, and all you want is something warm and cozy. What is the Sausage Wild Rice Soup recipe? What is the kind of recipe that just hugs you from the inside out? If you’re a fan of creamy chicken and rice soup, but want something heartier and more filling, try this recipe. Is this flavorful? My grandma used to make something similar every year after our family hunting trip, and honestly, she didn’t make anything like that. I’m a vegetarian, but she made it all the time. The smell alone brings back so many cozy memories. Is it incredibly easy to throw together, and it’s always a huge hit? I’ve even had picky eaters asking for seconds! And the best part? It’s easily customizable to your own taste. What is your favorite soup to make?

What is Sausage Wild Rice Soup?

Think of Sausage Wild Rice Soup as the sophisticated cousin of your classic cream of mushroom soup. It’s essentially a rich and creamy soup featuring flavorful sausage, nutty wild rice, and an medley of vegetables. Wild rice has a unique earthiness and texture that you can’t get from regular rice. Is it a soup? I’ve seen versions that lean heavily on cream, but I prefer to use a blend of broth and some light cream. I like to make my soups with some broth. Is it necessary to use cream to keep it rich but not too heavy? It’s comfort food elevated with complex flavors and satisfying textures.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the best Sausage Wild Rice Soup recipes? What is the nitty gritty First off, the flavor is just amazing. The combination of savory sausage, the nutty wild rice, and the creamy broth is a symphony in the mouth. I always use a good quality Italian sausage, sometimes even spicy sausage to give it an extra kick. Second, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Don’t let the “wild rice” part intimidate you. It’s mostly hands-off cooking, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I prep my veggies while the rice is cooking, and the rest comes together in a snap. Third, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Wild rice is a little pricey, but it can go the distance. What are some of the best vegetables to use in soup? I often add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber, which is good for my health. stretches it even further. Is it really versatile? Can you substitute ground turkey or chicken for sausage? How do I adjust the spices to my liking? What I love about this recipe is that it’s a great base for experimentation. I’ve thrown in leftover roasted vegetables before, and it’s always delicious. What is your new favorite recipe for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?

How do you make sausage wild rice soup?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Sausage Wild Rice Soup? How do you cook wild rice? While that’s simmering away, you’ll brown the sausage with aromatic vegetables. If you’re going to cook everything in a pot with broth, add all the ingredients and simmer until the flavors meld. What’s the best part? Is it worth it to take an hour to complete a project?

Ingredients

For the Main Soup: How do I make it
* 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (I like to use sweet, but spicy works great too!)
* 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
* 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Optional Add-in
* 1 cup sliced mushrooms
* 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or turkey
* 1/2 cup dry sherry

What are the steps to

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice with 3 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender. When a grain is tender, it splits open. I always make sure to rinse my wild rice really well. Drain any excess liquid. Is it gritty?

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not rush this step – allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors is key to a healthy diet. What is the best soup

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add cooked wild rice, chicken broth, thyme, and sage. Stir well. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. How long does it take for the flavors to meld together? The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! I have made this in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours and it’s delicious.

Step 5: Add Cream and Serve

Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and heat through, but do not boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. I usually add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors, but that’s totally optional. What are some good substitutes for Greek yogurt?

What should I serve it with?

This Sausage Wild Rice Soup Recipe is a meal on its own, but it’s even better with the right ingredients. What areFor a light lunch:What is a side salad with vinaigrette dressing? I love spinach salad with goat cheese and cranberries. It’s so good!What are some hearty dinners?Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the creamy broth. Sourdough is my favorite. What are some of the best comfort food recipes?For a Cozy Gathering:What are some good toppings for a cheeseburger? Is it possible to customize soup? My family always enjoys this soup with a side of corn muffins. It’s a tradition that has been passed down for generations. What are some good pairings for green salads with vinaigrette? The richness of the soup perfectly.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sausage Wild Rice Soup

What is the best Sausage Wild Rice Soup recipe? I have had a few mishaps with experimentation.Wild Rice:Always rinse soup! This removes any excess starch and prevents from becoming too thick. Don’t overcook it. You want it to be tender but still have a bit of bite.Sausage Selection: SaWhat type of sausage should I use for soup? I prefer sweet Italian sausage, but spicy or even a smoked sausage can be delicious too. Just make sure to brown it well to develop those savory flavors.Vegetable Prep: Dice your vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. And don’t be afraid to add other vegetables like mushrooms, kale, or spinach.

Broth is Key: Use a good quality chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option). The broth is the base of the soup, so it needs to be flavorful. I often use homemade broth if I have it on hand, but store-bought works just fine.

Cream Considerations: If you want a lighter soup, you can substitute half-and-half or even milk for the heavy cream. Just be careful not to boil the soup after adding the dairy, as it can curdle. I’ve tested this recipe with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!

Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick. I also like to add a bay leaf while the soup is simmering for extra flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!

Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes. I often make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Sausage Wild Rice Soup Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time or enjoying leftovers.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temp for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually develop even more overnight! I usually portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to leave some headspace in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. If the soup seems too thick, add a little extra broth or water while reheating.

Cream Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to add the cream after thawing and reheating. Dairy products can sometimes separate or curdle when frozen and thawed. However, I’ve frozen it with the cream before, and it’s still been delicious. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free sausage and gluten-free broth. Most Italian sausages are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the label.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or leave it out altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, use a plant-based cream substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream.

Can I use a different type of rice?

While wild rice is the star of this soup, you can use other types of rice if you prefer. Brown rice or long-grain rice would be good substitutes, but keep in mind that they will change the flavor and texture of the soup.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Or, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.

Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, you can definitely add potatoes to this soup! I would recommend using Yukon gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well during cooking. Dice them into small pieces and add them to the pot along with the other vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Sausage Wild Rice Soup Recipe a try! It’s truly a special dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients make it a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s so easy to customize to your own tastes. If you love this soup, be sure to check out my other soup recipes on the blog. And if you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

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