Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
• 1/4 cup cream or half and half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the wild rice according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot and sauté for 5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked wild rice and shredded chicken (if using) to the pot and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to let flavors combine.
6. Stir in the cream or half and half and let the soup heat through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with chopped parsley.