Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

I never thought I’d find a soup recipe easier and more satisfying than this Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe. The moment you open the lid, the rich, earthy scent of cremini mushrooms mingles with the fragrant herbs, instantly warming your soul. Creamy, hearty, and dotted with vibrant green kale, every spoonful feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

• Rich, Comforting Flavor: Earthy cremini mushrooms combined with hearty wild rice and fresh kale create a deeply satisfying and savory broth that will keep you coming back for more.
• Simple Ingredients: Using everyday produce like carrots, celery, onion, and pantry staples such as broth and flour makes this recipe approachable and budget-friendly.
• Hands-Off Cooking: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of Instant Pot cooking, plus a short finishing touch, this soup offers convenience without sacrificing depth of flavor.
• Wholesome and Nourishing: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and protein, you get a wholesome meal with every bowl, ideal for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap out broth types or add more veggies, making it your own signature soul-soother throughout the year.

Why This Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe Works

This recipe brilliantly leverages the power of the Instant Pot to meld flavors quickly while ensuring the wild rice cooks perfectly tender without becoming mushy. The secret lies in the natural pressure release, which allows the ingredients to finish cooking gently and deepen their flavors. Adding kale after pressure cooking preserves its bright color and slight crunch, keeping the texture lively. Lastly, the stovetop step of sautéing flour with butter to make a smooth roux before whisking in milk gives the soup that luxurious, creamy body that everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Gather vibrant, fresh vegetables and simple pantry essentials that come together to create a rich and hearty soup you’ll crave.

• 1 cup Wild rice (uncooked): This grain adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
• 3 Carrots (a bit more than 1 cup, diced): Sweet and colorful, they bring natural sweetness and brightness to the broth.
• 3 stalks Celery: Adds subtle aromatic crunch that balances the earthiness of mushrooms.
• 1 cup Onion: Provides a savory base that’s essential for layering the soup’s rich flavor.
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced): Infuses a gentle pungency that wakes up the palate.
• 8 ounces Cremini Mushrooms (sliced): Earthy and meaty, they’re the heart of this mushroom wild rice soup.
• 4 cups Broth (vegetable or chicken): The womb of flavor that ties everything together seamlessly.
• 1/2 teaspoon Thyme (dried): Offers a subtle herbaceous note that complements the mushrooms brilliantly.
• 2 Bay leaf: Imparts a delicate background aroma that enriches the broth as it simmers.
• 1/2 teaspoon Rosemary (dried): Adds a faint piney fragrance to enhance the soup’s complexity.
• 2 large handfuls Kale leaves (roughly chopped with thick stems removed): Brings a splash of vibrant green color and earthiness to finish the soup fresh.
• 1.5 teaspoon Salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked): Adds just the right touch of heat and spice.
• 4 tablespoon Butter: Used to create a silky roux that gives the soup a rich creaminess.
• 1/4 cup All purpose flour: The thickening agent that makes this soup comfortingly thick without heaviness.
• 1.5 cups Milk (whole milk recommended): Adds creaminess and smoothness for a luscious broth.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Wild rice: Substitute with brown rice or a wild rice blend for a slightly different texture but still hearty.
• Broth: Use your favorite vegetable or chicken broth; low-sodium versions work well to control saltiness.
• Milk: Swap whole milk with 2% or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Kale: Substitute with spinach or swiss chard if you prefer a milder leafy green.

How to Make Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Load the Instant Pot

Let’s start strong by adding all ingredients except the kale into your Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir, making sure those mushrooms, rice, and aromatic veggies mingle well. Then seal the lid with the vent in sealing mode—it’s like tucking your soup in for a cozy, flavorful steam bath.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

Step 2: Pressure Cook Your Soup

Set your Instant Pot to soup mode on high and let it work its magic for 30 minutes. This hands-off step locks in flavor and tenderizes the wild rice to perfection, saving you from constant stirring and watching.

💡 Pro Tip: Resist the urge to quick-release; the natural pressure release boosts flavor and texture.

Step 3: Remove Bay Leaves

Once the pressure has naturally released, carefully open the lid. You’ll notice your kitchen filled with a savory, earthy aroma—so inviting! Scoop out the bay leaves and discard them. They’ve done their job and now make way for fresh ingredients.

💡 Pro Tip: Use tongs or a spoon—bay leaves can be tricky to spot!

Step 4: Add Kale

Now toss in those vibrant kale leaves and stir gently. The residual heat will wilt them just right, retaining their gorgeous green color and adding a fresh, slightly crisp texture to your comforting bowl.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure kale is well washed and stems removed for best texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Roux on the Stovetop

While the soup is settling, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the raw flour scent disappears and you notice a gentle nutty aroma. This step is essential to avoid any pasty flavor in your soup.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush this stage; slow and steady ensures smooth, rich thickening.

Step 6: Whisk in the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously so you build a silky, thick roux without any lumps. You’ll see the mixture transform into a creamy sauce—this adds body and richness to your soup.

💡 Pro Tip: Warm the milk slightly beforehand to reduce clumps.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Pour the luscious roux mixture back into the Instant Pot and stir thoroughly to combine. Your soup becomes irresistibly creamy now, with every ingredient harmonizing beautifully.

💡 Pro Tip: Give it a good stir to avoid any flour settling at the bottom.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle steaming bowls of this soul-warming Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe, savoring the medley of textures and flavors. It’s comforting, nourishing, and oh-so-delicious!

💡 Pro Tip: Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Skipping natural pressure release: This can lead to undercooked rice and flat flavors.
• Adding kale too early: Causes mushy greens and dull color.
• Not sautéing the flour: Leaves a raw, pasty flavor that dulls the soup.
• Using pre-ground pepper: Less vibrant and aromatic than freshly cracked.
• Forgetting to remove bay leaves: Bay leaves are tough and unpleasant if eaten.
• Pouring milk in too quickly: May cause lumps and uneven thickness.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic, here are some tasty twists to keep things exciting:

Herbed Chicken Boost

Add shredded cooked chicken and a pinch of fresh thyme for an even heartier meal that’s perfect on cold nights.

Spicy Kick

Stir in a touch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to give the comforting soup a bold, warming edge.

Cheesy Twist

Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan just before serving for a creamy, cheesy delight.

Vegan Version

Swap butter for olive oil, and milk for creamy coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk to keep this soup plant-based without sacrificing flavor.

Mixed Mushrooms

Use a mix of shiitake, portobello, and oyster mushrooms along with cremini for a richer, earthy mushroom profile.

For another comforting bowl to try later, you might enjoy our Creamy Vegetable Soup: Cozy & Delicious Comfort in Minutes, a veggie-packed alternative perfect for chilly evenings.

How to Serve Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Top with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, some chopped fresh parsley, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for an elevated touch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green side salad to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt swirled on top for creaminess and visual appeal. You can also hollow out a small sourdough loaf and ladle soup inside for an impressive presentation.

For a protein-rich green pairing, try serving it alongside our High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Cozy & Nutritious Delight which complements this mushroom wild rice soup beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the entire soup up to the point of adding kale and the roux. Refrigerate and simply add those fresh ingredients and finish on the stovetop just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors often deepen after a day, making it perfect for next-day lunches.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Expert Tips for Success

• Always use natural pressure release to avoid rice turning mushy or undercooked.
• Chop vegetables evenly so everything cooks at the same pace.
• Heat milk slightly before whisking for a smoother roux and no lumps.
• Don’t skip sautéing the flour and butter for a flavorful and silky texture.
• Add kale at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
• Feel free to adjust seasoning after cooking, especially salt and pepper, to your taste.
• Use homemade broth if possible for maximum depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, although wild rice lends a unique texture and nutty flavor, white rice will cook faster and give a softer texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this soup vegetarian?

Yes, if you use vegetable broth. Using chicken broth will make it non-vegetarian but still delicious.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken, and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage up to 3 months.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even some chopped bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

Why do I need to sauté the flour?

Sautéing the flour removes its raw taste and creates a smooth, creamy base that thickens the soup perfectly.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can adapt this recipe on the stovetop by simmering the soup longer until the rice is tender, though it won’t be quite as quick or hands-off.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Mushroom Wild Rice Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels luxurious but is incredibly easy to pull together. Every bowl brims with warm, comforting flavors, rich creaminess, and hearty textures that invite you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight comfort or hosting guests, this soup is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your pot, some fresh ingredients, and dive into this soul-satisfying meal—you won’t regret it!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love these delicious recipes:

• Easy Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup – A hearty and flavorful alternative that brings tender beef and wholesome barley together for a cozy meal.

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