As the temperature drops, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of rice soup to cozy up on a chilly evening. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s no wonder why rice soup has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. From classic chicken and rice soups to more exotic options featuring coconut milk and lemongrass, there’s a recipe out there to satisfy any craving.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 hearty rice soup recipes that are sure to become new favorites. Whether you’re looking for a comforting, homey dish or something with a little extra zing, we’ve got you covered. So grab a spoon and let’s dive into the world of rice soups!
Classic Chicken and Rice Soup
Classic Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe
This comforting soup is a staple of many cuisines around the world. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a hint of vegetables, it’s a perfect remedy for a cold winter day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little chicken broth until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the rice, remaining chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Rice Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of earthy mushrooms, creamy coconut milk, and nutty rice. A warm and cozy meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the rice and vegetable broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
4. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spicy Thai Coconut Rice Soup
This creamy and flavorful soup is a perfect blend of spicy and savory, with the warmth of coconut milk and the comfort of cooked rice. A delicious and nourishing meal for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the coconut milk and vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the grated ginger, Thai red curry paste, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the mixed vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are tender.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Herb Rice Soup
Brighten up your mealtime with this refreshing and flavorful soup that combines the warmth of rice with the brightness of lemon and herbs. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Vegetable and Brown Rice Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with nutritious vegetables and fiber-rich brown rice. It’s an ideal meal for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 cup brown rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the brown rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Tomato Basil Rice Soup
This soup is a perfect blend of summer’s sweetness and warmth, made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy rice. It’s an easy and comforting meal that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the mixed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried basil. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Beef and Wild Rice Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender beef, nutty wild rice, and savory vegetables, all simmered together in a rich broth. Serve with a swirl of cream or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 2 cups mixed wild rice
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat. Remove from pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add wild rice, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45-50 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
5. Return beef to pot and stir to combine.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Curried Rice and Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is a flavorful blend of aromatic spices, tender lentils, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (preferably leftover)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in a little water until softened.
2. Add lentils, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in cooked rice and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mexican Rice and Bean Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that combines the creaminess of beans with the zest of Mexican spices. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine rice, water or broth, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender.
3. Add beans, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the flavors meld together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Garlic Ginger Rice Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful rice soup infused with the aromas of garlic and ginger. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a soothing remedy when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine rice, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic.
2. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
3. Add soy sauce (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with scallions or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Carrot and Rice Soup with Turmeric
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Carrot and Rice Soup with Turmeric, a flavorful and nutritious treat that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the carrots, rice, broth, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
4. Purée the soup with an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender in batches.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Rice Soup with Parmesan
This creamy soup is a comforting blend of spinach, rice, and the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
2. Stir in the butter until melted. Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot, add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Heat through over low heat.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Shrimp and Rice Soup with Lemongrass
This flavorful and aromatic soup combines succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and the bright citrus notes of lemongrass. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the lemongrass and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until softened.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice and shrimp to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Rice Soup
This sweet potato and rice soup is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional creamy soups. With the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the comforting warmth of cooked rice, this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: heavy cream or coconut cream for added richness
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes, chicken broth, rice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or allow it to cool and blend in a blender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add heavy cream or coconut cream for added richness.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Rice Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of broccoli with the richness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy rice base. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a warm-up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional broccoli florets if desired.
Cooking Time: 22-25 minutes
Kimchi and Rice Soup
Warm up with this comforting and spicy Kimchi and Rice Soup recipe, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This soup combines the bold flavors of kimchi with the simplicity of rice, making it a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup kimchi (store-bought or homemade), chopped
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and/or crispy garlic for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium pot, combine broth, cooked rice, and kimchi.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and add soy sauce and sesame oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Corn and Rice Chowder
A comforting and flavorful soup perfect for a chilly day, this creamy corn and rice chowder is a delicious blend of sweet and savory ingredients. With its smooth texture and abundance of fresh corn, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the frozen corn kernels and cook until thawed and tender.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, chicken broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pea and Rice Soup with Mint
This refreshing soup is a perfect blend of springtime flavors, combining the sweetness of peas with the cooling essence of mint. This simple recipe makes for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the peas, vegetable broth, cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Stir in the chopped mint leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Cozy up on a chilly evening with one of these 18 hearty rice soup recipes. From classic comfort foods to international flavors, there’s something for everyone. Try the creamy mushroom and rice soup, spicy Thai coconut rice soup, or the comforting chicken and rice soup. For a veggie option, choose from vegetable and brown rice soup, carrot and rice soup with turmeric, or broccoli cheddar rice soup. There are even options for seafood lovers and those looking for a little spice. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and rich or light and refreshing, these recipes are sure to hit the spot.
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