There’s a delightful journey that often takes us from one culinary intention to an entirely new, yet equally satisfying, creation. What began as a simple craving for classic cream of mushroom soup, sparked by a recent batch of my popular mozzarella parmesan stuffed mushrooms, soon evolved into something even more special. The desire for that earthy mushroom goodness was strong, but then I remembered the chicken sausage patiently waiting in the freezer. This sparked a different vision: a hearty, golden mushroom soup that offered richness without being overly creamy. And while my initial recipe inspiration called for barley, my deep affection for wild rice led me to choose it as the perfect textural and nutritional counterpart for this nourishing dish.
Life has a wonderful way of reminding us to prioritize our well-being, and for me, that reminder came in the form of a FitBit Flex. It’s truly amazing how a small gadget can inspire significant changes. I’ve been wearing it for less than two weeks, but its impact on my activity levels has been immediate and profound. The default daily goal of 10,000 steps felt daunting at first, especially when my average day, spent mostly at my computer, barely registered 5,000 steps. Yet, with the FitBit, I’ve found myself instinctively seeking out opportunities to move more. Parking further from the grocery store entrance, opting to walk to nearby errands instead of driving, and even pacing around the house late at night just to hit that 10K target – these small, conscious choices add up. It’s a subtle but powerful shift in mindset, transforming sedentary habits into active ones.
My motivation extends beyond simply shedding a few pounds; it’s about embracing a holistic approach to health. Having just celebrated my 48th birthday at the beginning of May, I realized there was no better time than the present to get serious about my well-being. This meant not only incorporating more cardio, even in small increments, but also making more mindful dietary choices. The FitBit app has become an invaluable tool in this journey, allowing me to log my food intake and truly understand what I’m consuming. I’m genuinely proud of the progress I’ve made. It wasn’t uncommon for me to indulge in a candy bar every single day, and I consumed far more processed snacks, chips, cookies, and sweets than I had ever consciously realized. While I was already making good choices like fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese, and nuts, these hidden indulgences were holding me back.
By diligently tracking my food and increasing my activity, I’ve already seen positive results, shedding a few pounds. This delicious, wholesome mushroom soup is precisely the kind of nutritious and satisfying meal that helps me continue on this path. It demonstrates that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort. In fact, it can open doors to exciting new recipes and culinary adventures that nourish both body and soul.
Sausage Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup: A Wholesome & Flavorful Delight
Balancing a demanding craft business with personal health goals can be challenging, and lately, my time for cooking and baking has been particularly limited. With my 3rd, 4th, and 5th books all slated for release in August – including the incredibly exciting Star Wars Mania! – plus the ongoing development of branded craft kits for kids set to launch in 2016, my days have predominantly been spent at the craft table rather than by the mixer or saucepan. This busy schedule underscores the importance of having reliable, healthy, and relatively quick recipes that don’t compromise on taste or nutritional value. This Sausage Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup is a perfect example of such a dish, proving that even with a hectic lifestyle, wholesome homemade meals are entirely achievable.
Despite my packed schedule, I managed to dedicate time today to bring this mushroom soup recipe to life, and the result was truly outstanding. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something profoundly delicious and nourishing. This recipe yields three satisfying servings, making it ideal for a small household or for easy meal prepping. It’s incredibly simple to double or even triple the ingredients if you’re cooking for a larger group or wish to have more portions for the week ahead. I personally made three servings so I could enjoy one for lunch today and conveniently save the remaining two for quick, healthy lunches throughout my busy week. With only 195 calories per serving, this soup isn’t just a fulfilling meal; it also makes for a perfectly guilt-free and comforting afternoon snack when those inevitable cravings hit.
Ingredients Spotlight: Building Flavor & Nutrition
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. I used a chicken sausage I had readily available, which lends a lean protein and savory depth to the dish. However, feel free to choose your favorite type of sausage, whether it’s Italian pork sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian option, to customize the flavor profile to your liking. The star of the show, of course, are the mushrooms. Baby bella mushrooms offer a robust, earthy flavor and meaty texture, packed with B vitamins and antioxidants. Wild rice, chosen over barley for its superior texture and nutty flavor, is not only a fantastic source of fiber but also offers a richer, more complex taste. It’s a whole grain powerhouse, providing essential minerals and a satisfying chew.
The combination of shallots and celery forms an aromatic base, contributing delicate oniony notes and a crisp texture that softens beautifully into the soup. Fresh sage adds a quintessential autumnal aroma and taste, perfectly complementing the mushrooms and sausage. A touch of Chardonnay deglazes the pan, adding acidity and depth that elevates the overall flavor, while a hint of flour acts as a thickener, creating that luscious, golden broth. Finally, a small amount of heavy cream or half and half is stirred in at the end, providing a subtle richness that truly rounds out the soup without making it overly heavy.
Crafting Your Hearty Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. The process begins with preparing the wild rice separately, ensuring it cooks to perfection.
Combine the wild rice and chicken broth in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. Don’t worry if there’s still some liquid remaining in the pan; this flavorful broth will be added to the soup later, enhancing its depth.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add your chosen chicken sausage link and cook it until it’s beautifully browned on all sides, developing a rich, caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the sausage to a plate, slice it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside. The residual oil and butter in the pan are now infused with delicious sausage flavor. Add the finely chopped shallots to this fragrant pan and sauté them for about a minute until they become translucent and aromatic. Next, introduce the sliced baby bella mushrooms. Toss them with the shallots and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn a deep golden brown.
Once the mushrooms are tender and fragrant, return the sliced sausage to the pan. Stir in the finely chopped celery, minced fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour over the ingredients and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. This flour will help thicken the soup slightly. Pour in the Chardonnay (or other dry white wine) and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has reduced by half, which usually takes about 4 minutes. This step deglazes the pan, incorporating all the flavorful bits from the bottom and adding a wonderful complexity to the broth.
Finally, add the vegetable broth along with the cooked wild rice and any remaining chicken broth from its cooking pan. Stir all the ingredients together and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for another 12-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become fully tender. Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream or half and half and cook for another minute or two until the soup is heated through and luxuriously creamy. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful meal.
Tips for Success & Variations
- **Sausage Swap:** If you prefer a bolder flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken sausage and use a plant-based sausage alternative or add extra vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or even lentils.
- **Wine Alternative:** If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute the Chardonnay with an equal amount of vegetable broth. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
- **Creaminess Level:** Adjust the amount of heavy cream to your preference. For a lighter soup, use less or opt for milk; for a richer consistency, add a touch more.
- **Herbs:** While fresh sage is highly recommended for its distinct aroma, dried sage can be used in a pinch (use about half the amount). Fresh thyme or rosemary would also be lovely additions.
- **Make it a Meal:** Serve this soup with a side of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- **Storage & Freezing:** This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
You might also like these comforting soup recipes:
- Rustic Garlic Potato Soup
- Easy Cheddar Topped Potato Soup
- Chipotle Chicken Soup
- Creamy White Cheddar Corn Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
Sausage Mushroom & Wild Rice Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup wild rice
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 chicken sausage link
- ½ cup finely chopped shallot
- 8- ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 stalk celery finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup Chardonnay or other dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream or half and half
Instructions
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Combine wild rice and chicken broth in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. There will still be liquid left in the pan.
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Meanwhile, heat olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan and cook sausage, browning it on all sides. Remove sausage to a plate, slice and set aside. Add shallots to the oil/butter in the pan and saute for a minute or so, then add sliced mushrooms. Toss to combine and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in sliced sausage, celery, sage, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with flour and stir to combine. Add Chardonnay and cook until reduced by half, about 4 minutes or so. Add vegetable broth as well as the rice and its remaining broth, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and cook for another minute or two until heated through.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.