Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Have you ever read the “My Most Embarrassing Story” page that some magazines feature? My grandma is a subscriber to the “Country Woman” magazine and I’ve noticed how so many of the embarrassing stories happened when a newlywed was cooking for her mother-in-law.

So understandably, I was a little nervous about serving this soup (not having made it before) when my mother-in-law came over for lunch recently.

I am happy to report that I didn’t make a single goof and was complimented by both my husband and mother-in-law. I hope you have equal success with this recipe!

P.S. I have a great relationship with my mother-in-law and have no fears that I will be disqualified as her son’s wife based upon my cooking abilities. :)

P.P.S This is a great recipe to use the meat and stock from a whole chicken from the Goosemobile. You can see how I cook up a whole chicken here.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 quart chicken stock (plus extra if necessary)
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 4 T butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup diced mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 4 cups milk
• 2 cups pre-cooked and chopped chicken

Note: I like to soak my rice in water (about 2 cups) for 6-24 hours ahead of time. This makes it easier to digest AND it reduces the cooking time. After soaking, I drain the water and proceed with the recipe. If you are not soaking the rice, then you will need to add an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth when cooking.

1. Place the soaked and drained wild rice, chicken stock, and carrots in a medium sauce pot. Simmer until rice is tender, about 30-45 minutes.
2. When the rice is nearly done cooking, in another large sauce pot, melt butter and add onions and mushrooms. Saute until onions are tender.
3. Add garlic, parsley, sage, and thyme and flour and saute briefly until fragrant and golden.
4. Add milk gradually, whisking out the clumps. Cook until thick.
5. Add salt, pepper, and chicken.
6. When the rice is done cooking, add it to the milk mixture. If you would like the soup thinner, you can add some more chicken stock.

Best served with grated cheese on top!

Makes 4-6 servings.

Recipe feedback:

"I made this recipe following the directions above. It turned out great! It was flavorful and delicious. The recipe also warmed up well for leftovers! Thanks for sharing this recipe." -Abby B.

"We followed the recipe exactly and found it to be very flavorful, rich and filling. Used wild rice from northern Minnesota blended with organic brown rice. We did pre-soak the rice but not long enough. So could have used a little more chicken stock. Love this recipe, especially if you want to impress your family or guests." - Tad A.