Try This Tasty Recipe for Creamy Wild Rice Soup

Gather the ingredients. The Spruce / Diana Chistruga Bring 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the wild rice and salt. Cook until the wild rice is tender to the bite, about 30 minutes. Drain and set the rice aside. The Spruce / Diana Chistruga Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the ham, bacon, or pancetta to the pot if using. Cook, stirring now and again until the meat is sizzling, some of its fat has rendered, and it is just barely starting to darken on the edges, about 2 minutes. The Spruce / Diana Chistruga Add the leeks or onions, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, about 3 minutes. The Spruce / Diana Chistruga Add the broth, pre-cooked chicken, and thyme sprigs if using and reserved wild rice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook to allow flavors to blend about 10 minutes. The Spruce / Diana Chistruga Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Stir in the cream (the more you use, the creamier it will be!) and bring back to a simmer. Add salt to taste. The Spruce / Diana Chistruga Serve hot with a grinding or two of black pepper on top. The Spruce / Diana Chistruga