Paul Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Immersion blender (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse the wild rice in a fine mesh strainer and set aside.
2. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
5. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add the chicken broth, wild rice, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot.
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender.
8. Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
9. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.
10. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use turkey or pork instead of chicken.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms to the soup for extra flavor.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a tomato-based wild rice soup.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Tips and Tricks:
- Rinse the wild rice before cooking to remove any debris.
- Use an immersion blender for a smoother and creamier soup.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Storage Instructions:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the soup in bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese

Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Salad

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled cheese sandwich

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the soup.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food History:
Wild rice soup is a traditional dish of the Ojibwe people, who have been harvesting wild rice in the Great Lakes region for centuries.

Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, savory, earthy

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the soup hot with a side of bread or salad.

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Taste: Savory, Nutty, Earthy, Herbal, Aromatic, Comforting