If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing meal that practically makes itself, Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup is your new best friend. This one-pot wonder brims with hearty wild rice, sweet carrots, and flavor-packed herbs, all swimming in a luxurious, creamy broth. Whether you’re cooking for family or need a simple meal-prep solution, this soup delivers amazing taste and satisfying texture, while letting the Instant Pot handle most of the heavy lifting. Once you master Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup, you’ll find yourself coming back to its warmth and ease, again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this soup brings something special to the table! With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies, you’ll unlock layers of flavor, color, and comforting texture that make Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup memorable—and so simple to prepare.
- Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies for a flavorful base—use whichever you like best.
- Onion: Sweet and aromatic, this forms the flavor foundation for your soup.
- Garlic: Brings a savory depth that infuses every bite.
- Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and gorgeous color, plus they become perfectly tender during cooking.
- Celery: Delivers gentle crunch and classic soup aroma.
- Wild rice blend (rinsed): Nutty, chewy, and hearty—this superstar grain gives the soup its signature texture and earthy flavor.
- Dried thyme: Lends a woodsy, herbal note that brightens the broth.
- Dried rosemary: Adds subtle piney warmth and a hint of depth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life; adjust to your taste.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and peppery balance.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: Forms the soulful base of the soup—choose whichever fits your diet!
- Full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream: For a creamy finish that ties everything together while keeping the soup rich without being heavy.
- Chopped kale or spinach (optional): Adds a pop of green, nutrients, and a bit of bite if you love your soup extra hearty.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash at the end lifts all the flavors and adds a fresh, bright finish.
How to Make Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, then add olive oil (or butter) once it warms up. Toss in your diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and release their enticing aroma. This step builds a deep flavor base for your Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup, making a big difference in the finished taste.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for just one more minute—enough to let the garlic mellow and the herbs become wonderfully fragrant, but not so long that anything burns. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this stage!
Step 3: Add Wild Rice and Broth
Pour in the rinsed wild rice blend and your choice of broth (vegetable for a vegan version, or chicken for a classic touch). Stir everything together and make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom to capture every ounce of flavor and avoid triggering the burn notice.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Cancel sauté mode, then secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select high pressure and cook for 35 minutes. This is when the magic happens: the wild rice absorbs all the herbal broth, and the veggies become perfectly tender, with almost zero hands-on time.
Step 5: Natural Release and Finish with Creaminess
Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes (a little patience pays off here!), then quick release any remaining steam. Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream to transform your soup into a creamy dream. Add the chopped kale or spinach and lemon juice if you’re using them—stir for 5 minutes to wilt the greens and blend all the flavors together.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Give your Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve piping hot with plenty of crusty bread for maximum comfort. The soup will thicken as it stands, so add a splash of broth if you like it thinner when reheating.
How to Serve Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
Garnishes
Take your bowl from comforting to irresistible by topping it with chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a swirl of extra coconut milk or cream. If you love crunch, a few crispy fried onions or homemade croutons on top are divine!
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup pairs beautifully with a warm slice of crusty bread, a rustic baguette, or any soft dinner roll. For an even heartier meal, add a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette—its brightness cuts through the creamy soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into mini bread bowls for a dinner party, or serve in wide, shallow soup plates topped with a sprinkle of microgreens. If you’re packing lunch, store it in individual jars for easy, portable, and pretty presentation—your coworkers will be jealous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind, the wild rice will continue to soak up liquid, so the soup gets even thicker over time. A splash of extra broth brings it right back to perfect consistency before enjoying again.
Freezing
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup freezes really well! Let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results, and give it a good stir once heated to reincorporate any separated liquids, especially if you used coconut milk.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until steaming hot. Add a little extra broth or water if the soup is thicker than you like. Give it a good stir to bring back the creamy consistency, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I use all wild rice instead of a blend?
Yes! All wild rice works beautifully, but it tends to be chewier and has a more pronounced earthy flavor. Cooking time remains the same, but using a blend gives more varied texture and color.
How can I make Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup higher in protein?
Stir in 1 to 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or some drained and rinsed white beans at the end of pressure cooking. This bulks up the soup and makes it a more filling main course.
What if I don’t have coconut milk or heavy cream?
You can use any neutral, unsweetened plant-based milk (like cashew or oat) for a lighter version, though the soup won’t be as rich. Or, simply skip the cream for a brothy but just-as-comforting bowl.
Can I make Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Sauté veggies and herbs in a large pot, add rice and broth, and simmer gently for about 45–50 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender. Finish by stirring in cream or coconut milk and greens at the end just as you would in the Instant Pot version.
Why do I need to rinse wild rice before cooking?
Rinsing removes bitterness and excess starch, helping the wild rice cook up fluffy and keeping your soup from becoming gummy or cloudy. It only takes a minute, and it makes a big difference!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a table with a steaming bowl of Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup, especially after a long day. It’s simple, nourishing, and oh-so-comforting—perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover just how magical and easy homemade wild rice soup can be!
PrintInstant Pot Wild Rice Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (including pressure build/release)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Instant Pot wild rice soup that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. This hearty soup is packed with vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a luscious coconut milk base, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice blend (rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk or 1 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 cups chopped kale or spinach (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook onion, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1 more minute.
- Add rinsed wild rice and broth. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits.
- Cancel sauté. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Stir in coconut milk or cream. Add greens and lemon juice, if using. Let sit for 5 minutes to wilt greens and warm through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use a wild rice blend for best texture and flavor.
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken or white beans after pressure cooking.
- Soup thickens as it sits — thin with broth if reheating leftovers.
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