Ham and bean soup makeover: easy techniques to achieve thick and comforting goodness
What To Know
- If you have the time, one of the best ways to thicken your soup is to simply simmer it for a longer period of time.
- Whether you prefer to puree a portion of the soup, add cornstarch or flour, or use instant mashed potatoes, there’s a solution that will work for you.
- However, you should simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
Homemade ham and bean soup is a comforting and hearty dish, but sometimes it can end up being too thin. If you’re looking for ways to thicken your ham and bean soup without compromising its flavor, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore a range of methods to help you achieve the perfect consistency for your soup.
1. Puree a Portion of the Soup
One of the simplest ways to thicken your soup is to puree a portion of it. Simply take a few cups of soup and blend them until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Then, add the pureed soup back to the main pot and stir to combine. This will add body and texture to your soup.
2. Add Cornstarch or Flour
Cornstarch and flour are classic thickening agents that work well in ham and bean soup. To use them, create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch or flour with a little bit of cold water. Then, whisk the slurry into the simmering soup until it thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Use Instant Mashed Potatoes
Instant mashed potatoes are a quick and easy way to thicken your soup. Simply add a few tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes to the simmering soup and whisk until dissolved. The potatoes will absorb the liquid and add thickness.
4. Add Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are another effective thickening agent for ham and bean soup. You can use fresh or dry breadcrumbs. Simply add the breadcrumbs to the soup and stir until they’ve absorbed the liquid and thickened the soup.
5. Use Grated Vegetables
Grating vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes and adding them to the soup can also help to thicken it. The grated vegetables will release starch as they cook, which will thicken the soup.
6. Add Barley or Rice
Grains like barley or rice can also be used to thicken ham and bean soup. Simply cook the barley or rice according to the package directions and then add it to the soup. The grains will absorb the liquid and add substance to your soup.
7. Simmer the Soup
If you have the time, one of the best ways to thicken your soup is to simply simmer it for a longer period of time. As the soup simmers, the liquid will evaporate and the soup will thicken naturally.
The Perfect Thickened Soup
Once you’ve chosen your thickening method and followed the instructions, your ham and bean soup should be nice and thick. You can always adjust the consistency by adding more thickening agent or simmering the soup for longer.
Final Thoughts
Thickening homemade ham and bean soup is a simple task that can be accomplished using a variety of methods. Whether you prefer to puree a portion of the soup, add cornstarch or flour, or use instant mashed potatoes, there’s a solution that will work for you. So next time your soup is too thin, don’t despair. Just grab one of these techniques and give your soup the perfect consistency.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to thicken ham and bean soup if I want to avoid using cornstarch or flour?
A: You can use instant mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, grated vegetables, or grains like barley or rice.
Q: Can I thicken ham and bean soup with heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can add heavy cream to thicken your soup. However, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the soup greasy.
Q: How long should I simmer the soup to thicken it naturally?
A: The amount of time you need to simmer the soup will vary depending on the desired consistency. However, you should simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
