Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. This recipe utilizes the convenience of the Instant Pot to cook tender wild rice along with vegetables and creamy broth, resulting in a delicious soup that’s packed with flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to warm you up, this Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup is sure to be a hit with its earthy wild rice and creamy broth.
Recipe: Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice blend (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup half and half (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Heat olive oil in the pot.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Wild Rice and Broth:
- Rinse the wild rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Add the rinsed wild rice to the Instant Pot along with vegetable broth or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Add a bay leaf for additional flavor.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Cancel the “Sauté” function and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Natural Release:
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the venting position.
- Finish the Soup:
- Open the Instant Pot and discard the bay leaf.
- Stir in half and half (or heavy cream) into the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips:
- Use a wild rice blend that includes different varieties of rice for added texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. For a non-vegetarian version, use chicken broth.
- Customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add diced potatoes or spinach for additional nutrients and flavor.
Variations:
- Add cooked shredded chicken or turkey for extra protein.
- Stir in a splash of white wine or lemon juice for a hint of acidity.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the half and half.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare using the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this soup as a nourishing meal for any occasion!