Harvest Rice Soup

Harvest Rice Soup Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Harvest Rice Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the fall season. This hearty soup is made with sweet potatoes, rice, and a blend of warm spices that will warm you up from the inside out. The addition of yogurt and brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the soup, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal.

History

Harvest Rice Soup is a modern twist on traditional sweet potato soup recipes. Sweet potatoes have been a staple in many cuisines around the world for centuries, and this recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the nutty flavor of rice to create a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion
1 tbsp margarine
0.75 lb (340 g) sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and diced
2 10-0.5 oz (14 g) cans low-sodium chicken broth, undiluted
2 cup water, divided
2 cup cooked rice
2 tbsp sherry
0.25 tsp nutmeg
0.25 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 tbsp brown sugar
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Cook the onion in margarine in a Dutch oven.
Stir in the sweet potatoes, broth, and 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Transfer the sweet potato mixture and the remaining 1 cup of water to a blender; process it until smooth. Then return it to the Dutch oven.
Stir in the rice, sherry, and nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes or until heated through.
Ladle the soup into soup bowls.
Combine the yogurt and brown sugar; dollop it by tablespoon on each serving of soup.
Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
Substitute brown rice for white rice for added fiber.
Use coconut milk instead of yogurt for a dairy-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to blend the sweet potato mixture until smooth for a creamy texture.

- Adjust the amount of sherry and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Harvest Rice Soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing drink.

Cooking Techniques

Blend the sweet potato mixture until smooth for a creamy texture.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Harvest Rice Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Harvest Rice Soup with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a beautiful presentation. Serve in individual soup bowls with a side of crusty bread for a cozy meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Harvest Rice Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Serve with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Harvest Rice Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 2g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 150% DV

Vitamin C: 20% DV

Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt)

Summary

Harvest Rice Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a comforting meal.

Summary

Harvest Rice Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the fall season. This hearty soup is made with sweet potatoes, rice, and warm spices for a comforting and flavorful meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a cold, blustery day in the middle of autumn, and my dear friend Martha had invited me over for a cozy lunch. As I stepped into her warm, inviting kitchen, the scent of simmering vegetables and spices enveloped me in a comforting hug. Martha was bustling about, stirring a pot on the stove with a look of concentration on her face.

"What are you making, Martha?" I asked, peering over her shoulder at the bubbling concoction.

"Oh, this is just a little something I whipped up last week," she replied with a smile. "It's my Harvest Rice Soup – perfect for this time of year when the harvest is plentiful and the days are getting colder."

I watched as she added some diced carrots, celery, and onions to the pot, along with a generous helping of long-grain rice and a handful of fragrant herbs. The steam rising from the pot carried the delicious aroma of roasted vegetables and spices, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As Martha stirred the soup, she told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The soup was a family favorite, enjoyed during the fall months when the garden was bursting with fresh produce.

"You should try making it yourself sometime," Martha suggested, handing me a handwritten copy of the recipe. "It's really quite simple, but the flavors are so rich and comforting. I think you'll love it."

I tucked the recipe into my purse, thanking Martha for her hospitality and the delicious meal. As I drove home, I couldn't stop thinking about the Harvest Rice Soup. I was eager to recreate it in my own kitchen, to savor the warmth and comfort it brought to my soul.

The following weekend, I gathered the ingredients for the soup – carrots, celery, onions, rice, and a medley of herbs and spices. As I chopped and diced, the kitchen filled with the earthy scents of autumn – the sharp tang of onions, the sweet crunch of carrots, the fresh green aroma of celery.

I followed Martha's recipe to the letter, simmering the vegetables and rice in a flavorful broth until they were tender and fragrant. The soup bubbled gently on the stove, releasing a cloud of steam that carried the essence of the harvest season into every corner of my home.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative sip. The flavors burst on my tongue – the sweetness of the carrots, the mellow earthiness of the rice, the warmth of the herbs and spices. It was like a hug in a bowl, a taste of home and hearth that wrapped me in a blanket of comfort and love.

I savored every spoonful of the Harvest Rice Soup, feeling grateful for Martha's generosity in sharing her family recipe with me. As I sat at the table, enjoying the delicious meal I had created, I knew that this soup would become a staple in my own kitchen – a reminder of the beauty and bounty of the autumn harvest, and the warm embrace of friendship and tradition.

And so, the recipe for Harvest Rice Soup became a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and nourish both body and soul. I shared it with friends and family, passing on the story of how I came to learn this delicious dish from my dear friend Martha.

As the years passed, the soup became a beloved tradition in my own family, a symbol of love and connection that transcended generations. And every time I make it, I think of Martha and the cozy autumn day when I first tasted the magic of Harvest Rice Soup.