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
Scale
- 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