Lund’s Wild Rice Soup is a comforting classic, often heralded as the epitome of hearty, flavorful, and nourishing dishes. Originating from the rich culinary traditions of the Midwest, where wild rice is a staple ingredient, this soup has become a beloved favorite for many. With its creamy base, tender wild rice, and a blend of vegetables and herbs, it’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to your heart and soul, especially on chilly days. Whether served as a cozy dinner or a savory starter, this soup is perfect for any occasion.
What makes Lund’s version so special is the perfect balance of flavors-earthy wild rice, savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and the rich, velvety creaminess. It’s a complete meal that can easily become a family favorite. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, with ingredients that are easy to find and steps that are beginner-friendly.
Ready to dive in and recreate this comfort dish in your own kitchen? Let’s go through the recipe, step by step.
Lunds Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Here’s how to make a hearty pot of Lund’s Wild Rice Soup from scratch. Follow this recipe for a rich and creamy soup, packed with vegetables and topped off with tender wild rice.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, gather these essential ingredients for your soup. Each one plays a pivotal role in developing that rich, comforting flavor that makes this soup so special.
For The Soup Base
- Wild rice (1 cup): The star of the show! Wild rice gives the soup a unique texture and earthy flavor. It’s more than just a filler; it’s the backbone of this dish.
- Chicken (1 lb, cooked and shredded): Chicken adds protein and a savory depth, balancing out the creamy richness. You can use rotisserie chicken or poach your own for a fresher flavor.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced): Carrots add a slight sweetness and color to the soup. They also contribute to the overall heartiness.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Celery gives the soup a refreshing crunch and a mild, herbal flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Onion is essential for adding a savory base to the soup.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic brings a rich, aromatic depth to the soup that enhances every other ingredient.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Chicken broth forms the foundation of the soup. You can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter taste.
- Half-and-half (2 cups): This gives the soup its creamy, smooth texture. You can substitute with heavy cream if you want a richer result.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Butter adds a subtle richness and helps to sauté the vegetables.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): Thyme is the perfect herb to pair with wild rice, bringing a warm, earthy, and aromatic note.
- Bay leaf (1): A bay leaf adds a complex, herbal flavor that melds perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): These basic seasonings help to elevate and balance all the flavors.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Grated parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top gives the soup a salty, umami-rich finish.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to cook! The process is straightforward, but the results are extraordinary.
-
Cook The Wild Rice
Start by cooking the wild rice according to package instructions. Typically, wild rice requires about 40-45 minutes of simmering in water or broth. Once cooked, set it aside. You want it tender but still slightly chewy.
-
Sauté The Vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and aromatic. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
-
Build The Soup Base
Add the chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed veggies. Bring the broth to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
-
Combine The Rice And Chicken
Stir in the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken, allowing them to heat through in the broth.
-
Add Creaminess
Slowly pour in the half-and-half, stirring gently to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme as needed.
-
Finish & Serve
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to mastering this recipe. Let’s break down some of the standout ingredients:
- Wild Rice: Not actually rice, wild rice is a semi-aquatic grass seed native to North America. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture, which makes it perfect for soups and stews. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Chicken Broth vs. Vegetable Broth: The rich, savory depth of chicken broth is what makes this soup so comforting. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a lighter, vegetarian version, but it won’t have the same robust flavor.
- Half-and-Half: This dairy mixture of equal parts milk and cream gives the soup a velvety texture without the heaviness of full cream. If you prefer a richer soup, feel free to use heavy cream instead.
- Thyme: An essential herb for wild rice dishes, thyme offers a subtle earthy flavor that works wonders with chicken and rice, making it a perfect fit for this soup.
Expert Tips
For the best possible outcome, here are a few expert tips to consider:
- Don’t Overcook the Wild Rice: Wild rice should be tender but still have a bit of a bite. Overcooking it will result in a mushy texture that doesn’t hold up well in the soup.
- Use Homemade Broth if Possible: Homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor of the soup significantly. It’s richer, and the homemade version contains no preservatives.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can use milk instead of half-and-half. On the flip side, for an ultra-creamy texture, go ahead and use heavy cream.
- Flavor Build-up: Allow the soup to simmer for a little longer than suggested. The longer the flavors have to meld together, the better the taste.
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually improves in flavor after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, as the ingredients have time to really come together.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is a classic in its own right, there are plenty of ways to customize it:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and opt for vegetable broth, adding in some extra vegetables like mushrooms, parsnips, or potatoes.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to bring in some heat.
- Additional Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage if you’re looking for a different herbal profile. Each one brings its own distinct flavor.
- Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup: Throw in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy boost that complements the wild rice perfectly.
Final Words
Lund’s Wild Rice Soup is the type of dish you’ll come back to time and time again. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a family favorite, and the perfect thing to serve on a cool autumn evening or at a holiday gathering. With its balanced flavors and creamy texture, it’s both filling and incredibly satisfying.
FAQs
What Is Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
Lunds Wild Rice Soup is a rich, creamy soup made with wild rice, vegetables, chicken or turkey, and a blend of seasonings. It’s often served as a hearty meal, especially during colder months, and is a popular recipe from Lunds & Byerlys, a grocery store chain known for its high-quality ingredients.
What Ingredients Do I Need For Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
For the basic version of Lunds Wild Rice Soup, you will need wild rice, chicken or turkey (optional), carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, butter, flour (for thickening), salt, and pepper. Some variations include adding herbs like thyme or parsley.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
The cooking time for Lunds Wild Rice Soup can vary. Typically, it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook the rice, and an additional 20-30 minutes to simmer the soup, allowing all flavors to meld together. The total time will be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I Make Lunds Wild Rice Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make Lunds Wild Rice Soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except for the cream and flour for thickening) and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Towards the end, whisk in the cream and flour mixture to thicken the soup. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
Can I Make Lunds Wild Rice Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Lunds Wild Rice Soup by substituting the chicken or turkey with vegetable broth and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or potatoes for heartiness. You can also add tofu or tempeh as a protein substitute.
What Type Of Wild Rice Should I Use For Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
For the best results, it is recommended to use wild rice blend (such as a mixture of wild rice and white rice), which is commonly available in stores. However, pure wild rice can be used for a more authentic flavor. Wild rice has a distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture that contributes to the soup’s richness.
Can I Freeze Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, Lunds Wild Rice Soup can be frozen. However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the cream or dairy added, as it may separate upon reheating. Once you’re ready to serve, heat the soup, and then stir in the cream or half-and-half for a fresh, creamy finish.
How Can I Thicken Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
To thicken Lunds Wild Rice Soup, you can use a flour roux (butter and flour mixture) or cornstarch slurry. Add the roux to the soup and simmer until it reaches the desired thickness. Another method is to use a blender to puree some of the soup base and then stir it back in for a thicker texture.
Can I Add Meat To Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, you can add meat to Lunds Wild Rice Soup, with chicken and turkey being the most common choices. You can use leftover roasted chicken, shredded chicken, or even ground turkey. Adding smoked sausage or bacon can also give the soup a delicious, savory twist.
What Should I Serve With Lunds Wild Rice Soup?
Lunds Wild Rice Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including fresh bread (like sourdough or baguette), a light salad, or crackers. You can also serve it with a slice of cheese for an extra indulgence, or a simple side of roasted vegetables for balance.