Description
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup is a creamy, cozy bowl of comfort featuring hearty wild rice, tender mushrooms, carrots, and aromatic herbs. Whether made with heavy cream or a classic roux, this one-pot vegetarian soup is a nourishing and flavorful weeknight winner that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base (Instant Pot):
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 onion, chopped
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 cup uncooked wild rice
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 medium carrots, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped (optional)
Creamy Base – Choose One:
Option A (Simple):
1.5 cups heavy cream
Option B (Roux Method):
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1.5 cups milk (2% recommended)
Pinch of salt
Optional Finishing Touches:
1 teaspoon umami mushroom seasoning
1–2 tablespoons sherry
Instructions
Sauté Base: Turn on sauté function on Instant Pot. Melt butter, then add onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in wild rice, broth, salt, sage, and thyme. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
Add Veggies: Quick-release pressure. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Pressure cook on high for another 10 minutes. Quick-release when done.
Creamy Finish:
Option A: Stir heavy cream directly into the pot.
Option B: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Add to soup.
Finish & Serve: Stir in optional mushroom seasoning or sherry. Adjust with more broth if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Use real wild rice—not a rice blend—for proper texture.
Add vegetables after cooking rice to prevent mushiness.
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and coconut milk.
Skip cream if freezing; add it after reheating.
Shiitake or cremini mushrooms can add extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (includes pressurizing)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American