Ah, soup-the ultimate comfort food. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re craving something warm and hearty, there’s something about a creamy soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most beloved pantry staples: Uncle Ben’s Creamy Wild Rice Soup.
This isn’t just any soup. It’s a rich, creamy blend of tender wild rice, wholesome vegetables, and a savory base that balances flavor and comfort effortlessly. Perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or even a cozy dinner paired with crusty bread, this soup is versatile and satisfying. And the best part? With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality soup right at home.
Uncle Ben’s Creamy Wild Rice Soup Recipe
This recipe captures the essence of what makes creamy wild rice soup so irresistible-its velvety texture, earthy undertones from the wild rice, and subtle hints of aromatic vegetables and herbs. Imagine a bowl steaming with fragrant creaminess, dotted with tender grains of wild rice that give each spoonful a satisfying bite.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this recipe is straightforward yet indulgent. By the end of it, you’ll have a soup that tastes like it simmered for hours, even though it comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this soup to life:
- 1 cup Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice – the star of the show, nutty and chewy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – for a rich, creamy base
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – aromatic and sweet
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and warmth
- 2 medium carrots, diced – subtle sweetness and color
- 2 celery stalks, diced – classic flavor pairing with carrots
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth – for the savory foundation
- 2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream – makes it luxuriously creamy
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – thickens the soup without clumping
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – earthy and aromatic
- Salt and pepper to taste – the essential finishing touch
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish – brightens up the presentation
Cooking Instructions
Let’s break it down step by step:
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Prepare The Wild Rice
- Rinse 1 cup of Uncle Ben’s Wild Rice under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Make The Roux And Base
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth until smooth.
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Simmer The Soup
- Add the cooked wild rice to the pot.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Add Creaminess
- Stir in 2 cups of half-and-half or heavy cream. Heat gently, but do not boil, to avoid curdling.
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Season And Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Understanding your ingredients can elevate this soup from good to unforgettable:
- Wild Rice: Not technically rice, but a grass seed. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor contrast beautifully with the creamy broth.
- Butter & Flour (Roux): These are your thickening agents. Cooking the flour in butter first ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Half-and-Half vs. Heavy Cream: Half-and-half gives a lighter creamy taste, while heavy cream provides richness and decadence.
- Aromatics (Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery): These form the classic mirepoix that adds depth, subtle sweetness, and savory notes to the soup.
- Thyme: A simple herb that enhances the earthy flavor of wild rice without overpowering the soup.
Expert Tips
- Toast the rice: Before cooking, lightly toast the wild rice in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Low and slow: Simmer gently after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
- Vegetable upgrades: Add mushrooms or parsnips for extra earthiness.
- Batch cooking: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Texture play: For a silky consistency, blend half of the soup before adding the rice back in.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Wild Rice Soup: Add shredded cooked chicken for a protein boost.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, unsweetened oat cream, and vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for subtle heat.
- Cheesy Indulgence: Stir in 1/2 cup grated cheddar or Gruyère for a creamy, cheesy twist.
Final Words
Uncle Ben’s Creamy Wild Rice Soup is more than a recipe-it’s an experience. It’s about curling up with a bowl of warmth, letting the aromatic broth soothe your senses, and savoring each chewy grain of wild rice in that creamy embrace. The beauty of this soup lies in its adaptability, simplicity, and the way it transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.
FAQs
What Is Uncle Ben’s Creamy Wild Rice Soup Recipe?
Uncle Ben’s creamy wild rice soup is a comforting dish made with Uncle Ben’s wild rice mix, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, along with a creamy base often made from chicken broth, cream or milk, and a roux or condensed soup for thickness.
What Ingredients Are Typically Used In The Recipe?
Common ingredients include a box of Uncle Ben’s wild rice mix with its seasoning packet, butter, onion, carrots, celery, chicken or vegetable broth, milk or heavy cream, all-purpose flour, and sometimes shredded cooked chicken for added protein.
How Long Does It Take To Make Uncle Ben’s Creamy Wild Rice Soup?
The recipe usually takes 45-60 minutes from start to finish, including cooking the rice, sautéing vegetables, and preparing the creamy base.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, the soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, the rice may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add additional broth or cream when reheating.
What Protein Options Can I Add To The Soup?
Shredded chicken, turkey, or even cooked ham are popular additions. The recipe can also be made vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable broth.
Can I Freeze Uncle Ben’s Creamy Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, but freezing may slightly change the texture of the cream base. To minimize separation, cool the soup completely before freezing and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Is It Possible To Make This Recipe Gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour used in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. Be sure to check the Uncle Ben’s rice mix ingredients for gluten content, as some variations may differ.
How Can I Make The Soup Healthier?
To make a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of cream, reduce the amount of butter, and add extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrients.
Can I Make This Recipe In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, many variations adapt well to a slow cooker. Add the rice, broth, vegetables, and seasoning, then cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cream or milk during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes To Serve With Creamy Wild Rice Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, dinner rolls, a fresh garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.