Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

 

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup wild rice (or a blend including wild rice)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
   • Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquids and the liquid has evaporated, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In the same pot, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
   • Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Stir in chopped garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Simmer the Soup:

   • Pour in chicken broth, wild rice, cooked chicken, and the cooked mushrooms (reserve some for garnish if desired).
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender, about 20-30 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice used.

5. Add Milk and Cheese:

   • Stir in milk (or cream) and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the soup.

6. Season and Serve:

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Optional Enhancements:

   • For an intensified mushroom flavor, soak 1 ounce of dried mushrooms in 1 cup of just boiled water for 20 minutes. Chop the soaked mushrooms and add them along with the garlic. Use the mushroom soaking water along with the chicken broth.
   • For added depth, stir in 2 tablespoons of white miso paste in step 5 before seasoning with salt and pepper.

8. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with reserved cooked mushrooms (if any) and additional grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

• This hearty Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup is comforting and flavorful, perfect for colder days.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or milk as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!