5 Ways to Thicken Your Soup Like a Pro

Soup can be the ultimate comfort food, especially during the colder months. However, sometimes the soup you make may turn out to be too thin or watery. Fortunately, there are many ways to thicken soup without sacrificing its taste or nutritional value. If you are finding that your soup lacks thickness and substance, fret not! Here are a few tips and techniques to help you achieve a thicker, heartier soup.

One of the easiest ways to thicken soup is to simply let it simmer for a longer time. As the liquid evaporates, the soup will naturally become thicker. You can also add ingredients like flour, cornstarch, or rice to thicken the soup. However, it is important to be careful with these ingredients as they can alter the taste of the soup if not used correctly. Another way to thicken soup is by pureeing some of the ingredients. This will not only thicken the soup but also create a smoother and creamier texture. Whatever method you choose, you can be sure that with these tips, you can always have a thick and hearty soup to warm you up on chilly days.

Section: How to Make Soup Thicker – Tips and Tricks

1. Use Starch-Based Thickeners

If you’re looking to add thickness to your soup, starch-based thickeners such as cornstarch, flour, and potatoes can do the trick. Simply dissolve cornstarch or flour in a small amount of cold water before adding it to the soup, and whisk it until the soup thickens. You can also chop up potatoes into small cubes and add them to the soup to thicken it. Let the soup simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken the starch.

2. Make a Roux

Roux is a popular thickening agent used in soups, sauces, and gravies. It’s basically a mixture of equal parts flour and butter, cooked and whisked together. Add the roux to your soup and whisk it continuously to ensure there are no lumps. As it cooks, it will thicken your soup to the desired consistency.

3. Puree with Blender or Food Processor

If you have a blender or food processor, you can puree part of the soup to thicken it. Remove a portion of the soup and blend it until it’s smooth. Add it back to the soup and stir well. This method works best for soups with a chunky texture.

4. Add Cream or Coconut Milk

Cream and coconut milk are excellent for thickening soups while providing a creamy texture and flavor. Simply add a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to your soup and stir well. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. The result will be a thick and creamy soup.

5. Use Vegetables as Thickeners

Certain vegetables such as pumpkin, squash, and carrots can be used to thicken soups. Cut them into small pieces and add them to your soup and let it cook until they’re soft. Then puree the soup with an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender for a smooth and thick texture.

6. Let it Simmer

Sometimes, all soup needs to thicken is time. Simmering, a process of cooking over low heat, allows the liquid to reduce and thicken. Leave your soup to simmer for about 30-45 minutes, and you’ll have a thickened soup.

7. Add Grated Cheese

Adding grated cheese to your soup is an easy way to thicken it and add flavor. Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda cheese work great for thickening soups. Simply add the cheese to your soup and let it melt, stirring continuously.

8. Use Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a popular thickening agent used in food processing. It’s a powder that dissolves easily in liquids, making it perfect for thickening soups. Simply add a small amount to your soup and whisk it until it thickens.

9. Reduce the Liquid

If you find your soup to be too thin, reduce the liquid by letting it simmer for longer. The more the soup reduces, the thicker it will become. Just make sure to stick to your recipe, so you don’t ruin your soup by reducing it too much.

10. Add Beans or Legumes

Adding beans or legumes to your soup is an excellent way to thicken it while adding nutrition. Simply add a can of beans to your soup or soak some dried beans overnight and add them to your soup before cooking. The beans will thicken the soup while adding protein and fiber to your diet.

Section 2: Ingredients to Thicken Your Soup

If you are looking to add thickness to your soup, it is essential that you know which ingredients to use to achieve the desired result. Here are ten ingredients that you can use to turn your thin soup into a thick and hearty dish:

1. Starchy Vegetables

Adding starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips are one of the simplest ways to thicken your soup. These veggies release their natural starch when cooked making them perfect for adding thickness.

2. Beans and Lentils

Beans and lentils are great sources of protein, but they also contain loads of starch that can thicken up your soup. Cooked beans and lentils can be pureed and added to soup for an extra layer of thickness.

3. Flour

Flour is an excellent thickening agent that can be used to add some heaviness to your soup. Simply mix a tablespoon of flour with some cold water until it forms a smooth paste before adding it to your soup. This will result in a thicker consistency.

4. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another common thickening agent used in soups. Mix a tablespoon or two with cold water until it dissolves completely, then add it to your soup and stir constantly until it thickens.

5. Cream or Milk

Adding cream or milk is a straightforward way to thicken your soup and make it creamier at the same time. Slowly pour some cream or milk into your soup while stirring it, until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk not only adds thickness to your soup but also gives it a tropical, creamy flavor. Be sure to whisk the coconut milk thoroughly before adding it to your soup to prevent clumps.

7. Cheese

Cheese is an excellent ingredient to thicken any soup and add a depth of flavor. Grate some cheese into your soup and stir it until it melts completely and creates a thick and creamy texture.

8. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are not only a rich source of protein but can also thicken your soup. Take a couple of egg yolks and whisk them together with some soup broth, then slowly pour the mixture back into the soup and stir.

9. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can also be used as a thickening agent for your soup. Cook some potatoes and mash them to create a thin puree. Add this puree to your soup gradually, and it will add thickness to your soup.

10. Tomato Paste

If you want to thicken your tomato-based soup, then tomato paste is the perfect ingredient to use. Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to your soup while it’s simmering and stir until it’s fully dissolved. This will create a thick, rich texture in your soup.

There are several ways to thicken your soup and create a delicious, hearty bowl of comfort. Use these ingredients to experiment and create the perfect soup that has the desired texture and flavor.

Thickening Soups with Flour or Cornstarch

• What is flour or cornstarch?

Flour and cornstarch are both commonly used as thickening agents for soups, stews, and sauces. Flour is made from ground wheat, while cornstarch is a starch derived from corn. Both are readily available in most supermarkets and can be used interchangeably in most recipes to thicken soups.

• How to use flour to thicken soup?

To use flour as a thickening agent, you will need to make a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat. Start by melting some butter or oil in a pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add an equal amount of flour (e.g. 1 tablespoon of butter to 1 tablespoon of flour) and whisk until it forms a paste. Cook the roux for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it turns light brown in color. Then pour in the soup or broth you want to thicken and whisk until the roux is fully incorporated. As the soup simmers, the flour will thicken it to your desired consistency.

Pros of using flour	Cons of using flour
Cheap and readily available	May leave a pasty aftertaste
Can be used as a roux to enhance flavor	Takes longer to thicken soup compared to cornstarch

• How to use cornstarch to thicken soup?

Using cornstarch to thicken soup is even easier than using flour. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until it forms a slurry. Then, pour the slurry into the soup and stir until it is fully incorporated. The soup should thicken within a minute or two.

Pros of using cornstarch	Cons of using cornstarch
Doesn’t alter taste of the soup	May become runny if overcooked
Thickens soup quickly and efficiently	May form lumps if not mixed properly

• How much flour or cornstarch should you use?

The amount of flour or cornstarch you need to use to thicken your soup will depend on the quantity of soup you are making and how thick you want it to be. A general guideline is to use 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch per 1 cup of liquid. However, it’s important to note that using too much can result in a gummy or paste-like texture. So start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

• Alternative thickeners to flour and cornstarch

If you don’t have flour or cornstarch on hand, there are a few other thickeners you can use to thicken soup, such as potato starch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch. These thickeners work in much the same way as flour and cornstarch and can be used in equal amounts to them. However, they may have different textures or flavors, so be sure to test them out in small quantities to see if you like the results.

That’s a wrap!

And there you have it, folks! A few easy tips on thickening your soup to make it even more delicious and satisfying. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Don’t forget to try these methods out yourself and let us know how they turned out! Thanks for reading and be sure to visit again soon for more mouth-watering food tips and tricks!