Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup: Easy, Nutritious Recipe Guide

When the weather turns chilly and you need something that warms you right up, slow cooker wild rice soup is just the ticket. Its got that nutty bite from wild rice mixed with veggies and herbs, making it both yummy and filling. You could say its kinda like a hug in a bowl and its packed with nutrients so your body gets a boost along with tasty flavors.

What makes this recipe easy is you basically just dump all the stuff in the slow cooker, set it and walk away. While your at work or doing chores, the soup cooks itself. Then you come home to a pot of steaming goodness that smells amazing. No fuss, no stress, just a cozy meal waiting for ya.

What is Wild Rice?

Wild rice isn’t really rice. It’s actually a grain from a water plant that grows in lakes and rivers in North America. That’s why it tastes kinda earthy and chewy. People like it cause it’s a whole grain and loaded with good stuff.

Wild rice has a good amount of protein, fiber, and minerals like magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. It’s lower in calories and carbs than regular rice, so it’s a good pick if you’re watching what you eat or just wanna eat healthier.

Unlike white or brown rice, wild rice has a dark color and a stronger taste. When you add it to a soup, it really gives it more depth and makes the veggies and herbs pop.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Soup

Using a slow cooker helps flavors get cozy together. Cooking stuff slow and low makes everything taste richer, cause the herbs and spices really soak in.

Another plus is that slow cooking keeps more nutrients in your food. Since the heat isn’t super high, you don’t lose as many vitamins.

And honestly, the best part is you don’t gotta stand over the stove. You just prep, set the timer, and go do whatever. Come back later and dinner's done. It’s like a magic trick for busy days.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your slow cooker wild rice soup taste awesome. You can tweak it if you want.

Basic Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for dairy-free
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs for garnish

Optional Ingredients

Add any of these if you feel like it:

• Mushrooms, sliced
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Cooked chicken or turkey
• Extra spices like curry powder or paprika

Dietary Modifications

• Vegan: Use vegetable broth and coconut milk.
• Gluten-Free: All these ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Detailed Recipe Section: Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs

Directions

1. Prep: Rinse the wild rice under cold water to get rid of any dirt and starch.
2. Combine: Put all ingredients except the cream into the slow cooker. Give it a good stir.
3. Cook: Set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The rice should be tender and veggies done.
4. Finish: 30 mins before serving, stir in the cream or coconut milk so it gets nice and creamy.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls. Top with fresh herbs if you want. Dig in!

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup

• Use fresh ingredients: Good veggies and broth make a big difference.
• Try new add-ins: Mushrooms, spinach, or leftover chicken are great.
• Storage: Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on low so it dont separate.
• Make it thicker: Mix a spoon of cornstarch with water and stir in at the end.
• Spice it up: Change the herbs or use your fav spices.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping.
• Salad: A simple green salad adds a fresh bite.
• Wine: A light white or crisp rosé works nice.
• Cheese or crackers: Snack on some cheese or crackers alongside.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: about 300 per serving
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fats: 10g

The wild rice gives you fiber and the veggies add vitamins and minerals. Change up the recipe to fit your diet.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup

• Can you cook wild rice in a slow cooker?
  Yes you can. Just follow the time and it turns out tender.
• What can I add to slow cooker wild rice soup?
  You can throw in cooked chicken, beans, peas, bell peppers, whatever you like.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm it up slow so it dont separate.
• Can I freeze wild rice soup?
  For sure. Let it cool then put in a freezer-safe container. It lasts about 3 months.
• What is the cooking time for wild rice?
  On the stove it takes 45-60 minutes, but in a slow cooker it gets tender in 6-8 hours.

slow cooker wild rice soup

This hearty and comforting wild rice soup is packed with vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it perfect for chilly evenings. The slow cooker does the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 1 slow cooker
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 large spoon for stirring

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup wild rice Rinsed and drained.
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) coconut milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 lemon juice

Instructions

 

• In the slow cooker, combine the wild rice, diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery.
• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir well to combine.
• Add the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper; stir again.
• Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, add the coconut milk or heavy cream and chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
• Before serving, add the lemon juice and taste; adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and coconut milk.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and coconut milk.

You can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.