5 Easy Ways to Thicken Soup

Although making soup is generally easy, you may face some challenges during the soup-making process. A common problem is that the soup may need thickening. Remember that some soups are meant to be thin and brothy, so only make the soup thicker if it makes sense for the particular recipe. If you’re looking to thicken your soup, there are a few tips you can follow to achieve the desired consistency. The following are five easy ways to thicken soup.

Ways to Thicken Soup: Add Starchy Ingredients

One of the simplest ways to thicken soup is to add a starchy ingredient like potatoes, rice, or pasta. These ingredients absorb some liquid and release starch into the broth to help to make the soup thicker.

Make a Roux to Thicken Soup

Another option is to use a roux, a mix of flour and fat cooked and then added to the soup. To make a roux, melt some butter in a pan over low heat on the hob, then gradually add cornflour while stirring. Then, small quantities of a liquid, such as warm milk or the broth from the soup, to the ball of flour and fat while stirring. Continuous stirring is essential to prevent floury lumps from forming.

Add Thickening Agents

It is also possible to use arrowroot powder or cornstarch to thicken a soup. Mix either with cold water and add to the soup, constantly stirring until it thickens.

One of the Easiest Ways to Thicken Soup: Reduce the Liquid

You can also simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid. Doing so will thicken it naturally. To reduce the soup, make sure you take the lid off the pan. The patience to wait for the soup to reduce naturally can often achieve the best results.

Blending Soup to Create a Thicker Soup Consistency

Finally, you can use a hand blender or food processor. Blend all the ingredients and the stock to create a thick, smooth soup. Or, scoop out some of the ingredients, blitz briefly in a food processor to make a puree, then stir it through the soup. Alternatively, use a hand blender to blend the soup partially.

Do you know any other ways to thicken soup? Feel free to add your own tips and suggestions to the comments below to help other readers.