Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy broth with a touch of thyme. Perfect for chilly days, it combines rich flavors and creamy textures topped with cheddar cheese and fresh herbs for a warming meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 7 minutes until the sausage is browned and cooked through, then drain excess grease.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add 1 medium diced onion to the pot, cooking for 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Pour in 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes followed by 4 cups chicken broth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half and stir gently. If desired, add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To reduce fat, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Potatoes can be substituted with sweet potatoes for a slight sweetness and variation.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding wild rice to the soup enhances texture and makes it more filling; add ½ cup cooked wild rice when adding potatoes.
Find it online: https://cravedishes.com/cozy-autumn-wild-rice-soup-recipe/
