Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed
• 1 cup finely grated potato
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 quart milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 8 ounces processed cheese, such as Velveeta
• 10 slices bacon, browned, drained and crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Cover wild rice with water in a medium sized saucepan.

2. 2

   Simmer over low heat about 40 minutes until rice is barely tender, taking care not to overcook.

3. 3

   Drain and set aside.

4. 4

   Combine water and butter in a soup kettle.

5. 5

   Add grated potatoes and minced onions.

6. 6

   Reserving 1/4 cup milk, pour remaining milk into kettle.

7. 7

   Simmer on low stirring often to avoid scorching.

8. 8

   Add flour to remaining milk and stir into kettle until soup is creamy and smooth in texture.

9. 9

   Season with salt and pepper.

10. 10

    Stir in rice, parsley flakes, cheese and bacon.

11. 11

    Heat until cheese melts.