Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies

Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of wild rice with the savory goodness of ham and vegetables, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Wild rice has been a staple food for Native American tribes for centuries, and it is still widely enjoyed today for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. This recipe takes traditional wild rice and elevates it with the addition of ham and vegetables, creating a soup that is both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

0.25 cup of butter
0.5 cup of chopped onion
1.5 cups of sliced mushrooms
0.5 cup of flour
3 cups of chicken broth
0.5 cup of sherry cooking wine
2 cups of cooked wild rice
1 cup of cubed cooked ham
0.5 cup of shredded carrots
1 cup of half and half

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a saucepan and cook the onion and mushrooms until they become tender.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add the broth and wine, and cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
Stir in the rice, ham, and carrots, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the half and half, and cook until it is thoroughly heated. Be careful not to boil.

Variations

Add in some diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
Use cooked chicken or turkey instead of ham for a different flavor.
Add in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion and mushrooms until they are tender to bring out their flavors.

- When adding the flour, be sure to cook it for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.

- Stir the soup constantly when adding the broth and wine to prevent lumps from forming.

- Be careful not to boil the soup once you add the half and half, as it can curdle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the soup frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

- Use coconut milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer like a pilsner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and half and half) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had picked up at a yard sale. The pages were yellowed and stained, but the recipes within were like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

As I flipped through the pages, a recipe for Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies caught my eye. The combination of hearty wild rice, savory ham, and colorful vegetables sounded like the perfect comfort food for a cold day. I knew I had to try it.

I had never made a soup quite like this before, but I was excited to give it a go. I gathered all the ingredients I would need and got to work in the kitchen. The smell of the ham cooking in the pot filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down from my own mother, while others had been shared with me by friends and neighbors. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a connection to the past that brought me comfort and joy.

I thought about the first time I had learned to cook, standing on a stool in my mother's kitchen, watching her hands move deftly as she chopped vegetables and stirred pots on the stove. I had been fascinated by the alchemy of cooking, how simple ingredients could be transformed into something delicious and nourishing.

Over the years, I had honed my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavors and techniques, always eager to learn something new. And now, as I stirred the pot of Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies, I felt a sense of pride in my ability to create something delicious from scratch.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took a tentative sip, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The earthy wild rice, the smoky ham, the vibrant vegetables – it was a symphony of tastes and textures that warmed me from the inside out.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but think about all the people who had contributed to my culinary journey. From my mother to my friends to the authors of the old cookbooks on my shelves, each one had played a part in shaping my love of cooking.

And as I savored each spoonful of soup, I knew that this recipe for Wild Rice 'n' Ham Soup with Veggies would become a new favorite in my repertoire. It was a dish that brought together all the flavors and memories of my past, reminding me of the joy and comfort that a good meal can bring.

So, as I finished my bowl of soup, I made a mental note to share the recipe with my own grandchildren someday, passing on the tradition of good food and good company that had been such an important part of my life. And as I sat back in my chair, sated and content, I knew that cooking would always be my greatest passion, a source of joy and inspiration that would never fade.