Wild Rice Soup Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Nothing quite warms the soul like a bowl of hearty soup on a chilly day. Wild rice soup, with its nutty flavor and delightful chewy texture, is a comforting classic that can easily be transformed into a wholesome vegetarian meal.

This vegetarian wild rice soup recipe is packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and creamy plant-based goodness, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy a rich blend of flavors and textures that highlight wild rice’s unique character. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — you can customize it with your favorite veggies or add a touch of spice for extra warmth.

If you’re after a filling, healthy, and delicious soup that’s easy to make, this vegetarian wild rice soup will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Wild rice offers a wonderful chewy bite and earthy flavor that sets this soup apart from other rice-based soups. This vegetarian version brings together fresh vegetables and herbs in a creamy broth that doesn’t rely on dairy, making it suitable for vegans as well.

The recipe is easy to make and uses accessible ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, wild rice is a whole grain with a good amount of protein and fiber, making this soup both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Beyond taste and nutrition, this soup is quite flexible. You can add mushrooms, swap in different root vegetables, or use homemade vegetable broth for an extra flavor boost.

It also freezes beautifully, so you can prepare a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing wild rice)
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse and cook the wild rice: Place the rinsed wild rice in a pot with 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender but still chewy. Drain any excess liquid if necessary and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add carrots, celery, mushrooms, and potatoes: Stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. This step builds the base flavor.
4. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This will help thicken the soup later.
5. Add remaining broth and cauliflower: Gradually pour in the remaining 3 cups of vegetable broth while stirring. Add the cauliflower florets, dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in cooked wild rice and kale/spinach: Add the cooked wild rice and greens to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Add plant-based milk: Pour in the almond milk and stir gently. Heat through but do not boil to keep the milk from curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a light salad.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, blend 1/3 of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the plant-based milk.

You can swap wild rice with brown rice or quinoa for different textures. Adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables adds a lovely depth of flavor.

For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Try incorporating other seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or green beans. If you prefer a nutty flavor, toast the wild rice lightly before cooking.

For a protein boost, add cooked lentils or chickpeas near the end of cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This wild rice soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty whole grain bread or warm garlic rolls.

A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans complements the earthy flavors of the soup.

For a special occasion or batch cooking, garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or a drizzle of truffle oil to elevate the flavors. If you’re looking for more creamy and comforting vegetarian dishes, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or try the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

This vegetarian wild rice soup recipe is a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and comfort. The chewy wild rice, combined with fresh vegetables and a creamy broth, offers a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and delicious.

It’s an ideal recipe for those seeking a meatless option that doesn’t compromise on taste or heartiness.

Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this soup fits seamlessly into any meal plan—whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests. Don’t forget to save leftovers as the flavors only improve after a day or two.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other vegetarian delights like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for effortless weeknight dinners.

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