Sipping up this cozy bisque feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket in front of the fireplace. Comforting and creamy, hearty and satisfying, these simple flavors are decadent. Take it up a notch with a crusty roll and a glass of wine (some for the soup, plus some for the chef) and you will feel pampered.
3cupsSimple Stock(page 96) or low-sodium vegetable broth
1tbspfresh thyme leavesplus more to garnish
2tbspnutritional yeast
1tbsplow-sodium tamari
2tspanchovy-free Worcestershire sauce
1tbspfreshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the wild rice. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1⁄2 cups water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 55 minutes, or according to package instructions.
Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the cashews and arrowroot powder. Pulse until a fine powder forms, but not enough to create a paste. Scrape the corners of the blender with a small spatula to make sure all the powder is free. Add the nondairy milk and blend until fully combined and creamy. Set aside.
Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Dry sauté the onions and celery with 1 to 2 tablespoons water—enough to avoid burning while still allowing browning on the bottom of the pan—until onions are translucent. Add the mushrooms and a small amount of additional water (1–2 tbsp) to allow mushrooms to release their liquid. Once liquid is released, push vegetables to the periphery and add the minced garlic to the center of the pan. Sauté the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds
Deglaze the pan with the wine, stirring to combine all ingredients, and scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the cashew cream and simmer until the bisque thickens, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the thyme, nutritional yeast, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine. Add the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go, and adjust according to taste.
Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup 2 to 3 times to thicken and blend flavors, but do not purée. Add the cooked wild rice and stir to combine. Garnish with thyme and serve hot with a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
For the most efficient use of time, begin cooking the rice and then prepare the remaining ingredients.