Creamy Butternut Squash and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
A creamy, comforting vegan soup featuring tender butternut squash, earthy wild rice, kale, and mushrooms, blended with a rich cashew cream for smooth texture and full flavor. Perfect for cozy fall or winter days, this wholesome soup is nourishing, gluten-free, and packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing, Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
- Diet: Vegan
Soup Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 lb.)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2/3 cup wild rice, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups lacinato kale, rough chopped, stems removed
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
Cashew Cream Ingredients
- 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked (see notes)
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. tamari
- 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp. white miso
- 2 tsp. cornstarch (optional, for extra thickness)
- Prepare veggies: Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, slice the mushrooms, and peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté the diced onion with 3 tablespoons of vegetable broth or water for a no-oil preparation, stirring occasionally for 7-8 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano, stir well, and cook for an additional 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Add main ingredients: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms, cubed butternut squash, 4 cups vegetable broth, and rinsed wild rice into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes until the wild rice is tender and the squash is soft.
- Prep greens and herbs: While the soup simmers, roughly chop the kale removing large stems, and finely chop the fresh rosemary. Set these aside. Also, quick-soak the cashews by placing them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse and drain.
- Make cashew cream: Near the end of the simmering time, add the soaked cashews, water, tamari, apple cider vinegar, white miso, and optional cornstarch to a high-speed blender. Blend for 20-30 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine and finish: When the wild rice is tender, stir the cashew cream, chopped kale, and rosemary into the soup. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste prior to serving. Serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Butternut squash: 4 cups cubed equals roughly 1 pound. Fresh or frozen can be used.
- Soaking cashews: Quick-soak by covering cashews with boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and rinse before blending. Alternatively, soak in room temperature water for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Nut-free option: Replace cashews in the cream with 1 cup cooked white beans such as navy, cannellini, or great northern beans for a similar creamy texture.
- For oil-free sautéing, use vegetable broth or water as needed to prevent sticking when cooking onions and garlic.
- The soup freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 282
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: Variable depending on broth and tamari, approx. 200-300mg estimated
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butternut squash soup, wild rice soup, vegan soup, creamy soup, dairy-free soup, autumn recipe, gluten-free soup, plant-based, healthy soup