Hand-Harvested Wild Rice & Ham Soup
Experience the rich and hearty flavors of Minnesota in every spoonful of this Hand-Harvested Wild Rice & Ham Soup. This delightful recipe not only highlights the nutty flavor of wild rice—sustainably sourced from Native American harvesters in Northern Minnesota—but also offers a creamy and comforting base enriched with tender ham, fresh vegetables, and toasted almonds. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a warm meal on a chilly day, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it garnished with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
N/A
Servings
215
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
minced onion
1 tablespoon (fresh)
flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose)
chicken broth
3 cups (low-sodium)
cooked wild rice
2 cups (prepared according to package instructions)
cooked ham
1/3 cup (diced)
carrot
1/2 cup (finely shredded)
slivered almonds
3 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
half-and-half
1 cup (lightly stirred)
dry sherry
2 tablespoons (optional)
parsley or chives
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the minced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously to create a roux, and gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps.
4
Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for an additional minute.
5
Stir in the cooked wild rice, diced ham, finely shredded carrots, slivered almonds, and salt; simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
Pour in the half-and-half and dry sherry, gently stirring to combine, and heat just until warmed through.
7
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a delightful finish.
Nutrition Information
14.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
7.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hand-Harvested Wild Rice & Ham Soup?
It is a creamy, hearty soup featuring nutty wild rice from Minnesota, diced ham, fresh vegetables, and toasted almonds.
Where does the wild rice used in this recipe originate?
The recipe highlights wild rice sustainably sourced from Native American harvesters in Northern Minnesota.
What ingredients do I need for the base of the soup?
The base consists of butter, minced onion, flour, and chicken broth.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by melting 6 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the minced onion until it is softened and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened by stirring flour into the melted butter and onions to create a roux before adding broth.
What type of broth should be used?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
Should the wild rice be cooked beforehand?
Yes, you should use 2 cups of cooked wild rice, prepared according to the package instructions.
How much ham is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of cooked ham, diced into small pieces.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes minced onion and 1/2 cup of finely shredded carrots.
Why are slivered almonds used in the soup?
Slivered almonds are added to provide a subtle crunch and toasted flavor that complements the wild rice.
When do I add the cooked ingredients and vegetables?
Stir in the cooked wild rice, diced ham, shredded carrots, almonds, and salt after the broth has come to a boil and simmered for a minute.
How long should the mixture simmer with the rice and ham?
Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
What provides the creaminess in this soup?
The creaminess comes from the addition of 1 cup of half-and-half.
Is dry sherry a necessary ingredient?
Dry sherry is optional but can be added (2 tablespoons) for extra depth of flavor.
How should the soup be heated after adding the half-and-half?
Heat it gently just until warmed through, being careful not to let it reach a vigorous boil which could curdle the dairy.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 215 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are about 14.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
The soup contains 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 7.8 grams of protein.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and nutritious, especially given the inclusion of nutrient-dense wild rice and carrots.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ham or use a smoky plant-based alternative.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, it contains all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including seasonings and garnishes.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for thickening.
How much salt is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What is the best way to shred the carrots?
Carrots should be finely shredded to ensure they cook quickly and blend well with the texture of the soup.
Can I use fresh onion?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh minced onion for the best flavor.
What makes the wild rice unique in this recipe?
It uses hand-harvested wild rice, which offers a distinct nutty flavor and is traditionally sourced from Minnesota.