Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the kitchen is filled with the delightful aroma, and the onions turn translucent, creating the perfect flavor base for your soup.
Once the onions and garlic are golden, add the star of our soup – 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms. Allow them to sizzle in the pot until they achieve a golden brown perfection, unlocking their earthy flavors and enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
Now, it's time to introduce the main player – 1 cup of wild rice. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of thyme, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring the rice is thoroughly coated in the aromatic blend, creating a symphony of flavors in every spoonful.
Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and 2 cups of water, stirring well to incorporate all the elements. This is where the alchemy happens, as the broth marries the earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and nutty wild rice, setting the stage for a culinary masterpiece.
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, setting it to high pressure. Allow the soup to cook for 25 minutes, during which the flavors meld and intensify, creating a broth that's not just savory but soul-soothing.
After the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This gradual release allows the ingredients to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in a soup that's nothing short of perfection.
With the pressure released, carefully open the Instant Pot. Ladle the Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup into bowls, and watch as the rich broth cascades over the hearty ingredients. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a final touch of vibrancy. Each spoonful is a journey into warmth, flavor, and nourishment. Sit back, savor, and enjoy the fruits of your effortless culinary prowess.