I’m excited to share my Ham and Wild Rice Soup recipe with you! This cozy soup is a fantastic way to use up any leftover holiday ham. It’s rich, creamy, and full of yummy flavors that’ll warm you right up on a chilly day.
This soup solves weeknight dinner stress, reduces leftovers and waste, and provides a hearty, protein-rich option that freezes well and pleases picky eaters.
Sometimes I get stuck with leftover ham after the holidays, and using it all in sandwiches gets old quick. This soup solves that problem beautifully. It’s hearty enough to serve as a meal and packed with vegetables that make it feel wholesome and comforting.
This recipe is super easy! You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and then let it simmer away for an hour. The wild rice adds a nutty taste and chewy texture, while the ham and veggies blend together to create something truly satisfying.
If you need another quick recipe idea, try this Chicken Orzo Salad. It’s just as simple and delicious, perfect for those busy nights!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: This soup stands out with its creamy consistency, making each spoonful feel comforting and hearty while satisfying your craving for something warm.
- Nutty Flavor: The wild rice adds a unique earthy quality that pairs beautifully with the savory ham and vegetables, creating a satisfying depth of flavor.
- Easy Preparation: With just a bit of chopping and stirring, you can whip this soup together without fuss, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Convenient Storage: Leftovers can be stored easily, and if they thicken up in the fridge, a splash of broth brings it back to its soupy goodness.
Easy Ham and Wild Rice Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: None
Description
This Ham and Wild Rice Soup marries rich flavors with a comforting, creamy texture. Perfect for using up leftover ham while providing a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter or oil or combination
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 6 ounces (170 g) mushrooms, brushed clean and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
- 6 cups (1.42 L) quality chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
- 11/2 teaspoon chicken broth base or granules (e.g., Better Than Bouillon)
- 1/21/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- 1/21/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/41/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup (200 g) uncooked wild rice
- 1 1/21/2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme
- 2 cups (300 g) leftover diced smoked ham or diced cooked chicken, turkey, or thick cut bacon
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating the butter or oil in a large pot until it shimmers. Toss in the onions, carrots, and celery, stirring to soften them while enjoying their sweet aroma. Avoid browning the vegetables too much.
- Add the Rice: Once the veggies are tender, stir in the wild rice and allow it to toast for about 1 minute until it gives off a slightly nutty smell.
- Pour in Broth: Add in the chicken broth, ensuring it covers the ingredients. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a bubbling simmer, which will help meld the flavors together.
- Mix in the Ham: Stir in the diced ham, letting it mingle with the broth and rice, infusing the soup with its savory juices. Make sure you have a good amount of ham for a hearty soup.
- Simmer Away: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, occasionally stirring. Maintain this for at least an hour until the rice is tender, and the soup is steaming hot.
- Season & Taste: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adding any favorite spices while tasting as you go. Adjust as necessary, remembering to start with a smaller amount of salt due to the salty nature of the ham.
- Finish with Herbs: If available, sprinkle in some fresh parsley or thyme for extra flavor and aroma. This step enhances the inviting quality of the soup.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Leftover soup will thicken as the rice expands; dilute with broth if it becomes too thick. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, place in a suitable container but keep in mind that the texture may change upon thawing.
- Expert Tips: Use quality chicken broth for better flavor; for a richer taste, consider using homemade chicken broth. If the soup seems bland, sprinkle in a bit more salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the overall flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding broth as necessary if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping or pair with a simple green salad. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for freshness.
- Recipe Variations: Add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter version. Include different vegetables like zucchini or green beans for variety.
- Ingredient Notes: Select fresh vegetables for best flavor and quality. Substitute the ham with chicken, turkey, or thick cut bacon if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Recipe Tips
- If the soup becomes too thick after chilling, just stir in a little more broth when you’re ready to heat it up again.
- When cooking the rice, taste it after the initial cook time; if it’s still firm, add a splash of broth and simmer longer.
- If the soup seems bland, try sprinkling in a bit more salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the overall flavor.
- For a richer taste, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought; it can significantly improve the soup’s profile.
- If you’re looking for extra nutrition, mixing in some greens like spinach or kale can lift both flavor and health benefits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham and wild rice soup with crusty bread for dipping and a simple green salad alongside. Garnish each bowl with extra parsley to add freshness and enhance presentation.
This soup can be repurposed for other meals, such as a warm ham and wild rice casserole or a filling vegetable chowder. It also works well in a pot pie or as a filling in blankets of gluten-free wrap.
Consider drizzling a touch of olive oil or a sprinkle of black pepper over the soup for added flavor. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can also provide a nice kick.
Recipe variations
- You can use quinoa instead of wild rice for a different texture and flavor in your ham and wild rice soup.
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to bring a deeper flavor to your soup.
- Either swap out the ham for shredded rotisserie chicken or use diced smoked turkey for a tasty variation.
- If you want a bigger batch, simply double the ingredients listed, resulting in 12 cups of soup that’s perfect for meal prep.
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How to Store?
To keep your ham and wild rice soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Dilute with broth if it thickens.
Freezing: Transfer soup to a freezer bag or container, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat soup on the stove over medium heat, adding more broth if necessary to reach desired consistency.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Shrimp Orzo Salad
- Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo Salad with Feta and Lemon
- Roasted Vegetable Orzo Salad
- Lemon Orzo Salad with Veggies and Chicken
If you enjoyed this Ham and Wild Rice Soup or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
