Byerlys Wild Rice Soup With Ham Recipe

Wild rice soup is one of those cozy, heartwarming dishes that manages to feel both comforting and indulgent. When paired with ham, it elevates the flavor profile, adding richness and depth. One of the standout versions of this classic dish comes from Byerly’s, a well-known grocery store in Minnesota famous for its high-quality ingredients and delicious prepared foods. The Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup with Ham is a beloved recipe that’s been passed down through generations, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What makes this soup extra special is the wild rice itself-nutty, chewy, and uniquely earthy-paired with hearty chunks of ham, vegetables, and a creamy broth that ties everything together. Whether it’s a cold winter day or you’re just craving something savory and satisfying, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

In this guide, we’ll break down Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup with Ham recipe step-by-step, from gathering your ingredients to expert tips for the perfect bowl. Plus, we’ll dive into some creative variations you can try to make this recipe your own. Let’s get started!

Byerlys Wild Rice Soup With Ham Recipe

This iconic soup combines the earthy taste of wild rice with savory ham in a creamy base, making it a hearty meal that can stand alone or pair beautifully with a simple side salad or fresh bread. The secret is in the balance: the rice must remain tender but not mushy, the ham flavorful but not overwhelming, and the cream base must be rich without being too heavy. Below is the original recipe that you can recreate right in your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

Before you dive into cooking, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Wild Rice: 1 cup (the star of the show! Choose high-quality wild rice for the best texture and flavor)
• Ham: 2 cups (preferably cooked, cubed ham, or you can use leftover ham from a previous meal)
• Butter: 1/4 cup (for sautéing and creating the base)
• Onion: 1 small, diced (adds sweetness and depth)
• Carrot: 1 large, diced (adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness)
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced (provides freshness and crunch)
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for a different flavor)
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (this gives the soup its luxurious texture and richness)
• Flour: 2 tablespoons (for thickening)
• Salt & Pepper: To taste (seasoning is key to balancing out all the flavors)
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (for that extra punch of flavor)
• Bay Leaf: 1 (adds a subtle aromatic note)
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon (optional, but it enhances the overall fragrance and flavor of the soup)

Cooking Instructions

Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions. Don’t worry-this recipe is simple and manageable, even for beginners.

1. Cook The Wild Rice

   • Start by rinsing the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
   • In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice and reduce the heat to low.
   • Cover the pot and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still slightly chewy. Drain any excess water, and set the cooked rice aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Make The Soup Base

   • Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Combine And Simmer

   • Add the cooked wild rice and ham to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
   • Add the bay leaf and thyme (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Let the soup simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Finish The Soup

   • Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.

6. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or cracked black pepper on top. Pair with a slice of crusty bread for an extra treat!

Ingredient Insights

Wild Rice

Wild rice isn’t actually rice-it’s a grass that grows in North America, typically in the wild, hence its name. It’s darker, thicker, and has a chewier texture compared to regular rice, making it ideal for soups. The earthy, slightly nutty flavor complements the richness of the ham and the cream in this soup perfectly.

Ham

Opt for leftover cooked ham or a smoked ham for a more intense flavor. Smoked ham adds a lovely depth and a slight smokiness that pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of the vegetables and the creaminess of the soup. If you’re using pre-packaged diced ham, be sure to check the seasoning, as some pre-cut varieties can be overly salty.

Heavy Cream

While it’s tempting to use milk as a lighter option, heavy cream is what gives this soup its creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. It helps balance out the savory flavors and creates a velvety base that coats the ingredients.

Thyme And Bay Leaf

These herbs are essential in adding depth and fragrance to the soup. Bay leaves provide a subtle earthy, almost minty flavor, while thyme adds a woody, slightly lemony touch that complements the ham and wild rice beautifully.

Expert Tips

• Sauté your vegetables well: The base flavors of your soup are built in the sautéing process. Don’t rush it-allowing the vegetables to caramelize a little adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor.
• Cook the wild rice separately: This ensures that the rice cooks evenly without absorbing too much liquid from the soup. It also prevents the soup from becoming too thick or mushy.
• Don’t overdo the cream: It’s tempting to add more, but a little goes a long way. You want the soup to be creamy without becoming too heavy or greasy.
• Use a quality broth: The broth is the foundation of your soup’s flavor. Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth for a more vibrant taste.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are a few ideas for customization:

• Add greens: Stir in some spinach, kale, or Swiss chard towards the end of cooking for an added burst of color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables.
• Mushroom wild rice soup: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms to deepen the earthy flavor profile of the soup.
• Slow Cooker Version: Throw everything in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours for an easy, hands-off method.
• Vegetarian: Skip the ham and use a vegetable broth base for a lighter, vegetarian version. Add roasted squash or extra root vegetables for hearty flavor.

Final Words

Byerly’s Wild Rice Soup with Ham isn’t just any soup-it’s a soul-warming dish that carries a bit of nostalgia and comfort in every spoonful. The combination of wild rice, tender ham, and a creamy broth is simple but oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or simply as a way to use up leftover ham, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser.