Warm up your kitchen and delight your taste buds with a bowl of Creamy Ham Wild Rice Soup! This comforting American classic is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. With tender wild rice soaking up the rich flavors of diced ham, aromatic onions, and a splash of heavy cream, this soup promises to be a family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to discover the secret to making this creamy, dreamy dish? Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your soup game and impress your loved ones!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb diced ham
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of diced ham, 1 cup of wild rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the diced ham to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic, allowing it to heat through for about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the wild rice into the mixture, stirring to coat the rice with the flavors from the ham and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.
- After the wild rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Mix well to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed based on your preference.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the creamy ham wild rice soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop the onion and mince the garlic in advance. You can also dice the ham beforehand and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Wild Rice Cooking: For best results, rinse the wild rice before adding it to the pot. This helps remove excess starch and can improve the texture of your soup.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme while the soup simmers for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Creamy Texture: For an even creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the heavy cream. This will give it a luscious consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Pair the soup with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
