Say goodbye to watery soup: how to thicken chicken tortilla soup with ease
What To Know
- Bring the soup to a simmer and whisk in the masa harina paste.
- Bring the soup to a boil and whisk in the slurry.
- Cut the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them in a pan before adding them to the soup.
Chicken tortilla soup is a delightful and comforting dish, but sometimes you may find yourself with a soup that’s too thin and watery. Don’t despair! There are numerous ways to thicken up your chicken tortilla soup and achieve the perfect consistency.
Methods to Thicken Chicken Tortilla Soup
1. Flour Tortillas
Cut flour tortillas into thin strips and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Crumble the tortilla strips and add them to the soup.
2. Corn Tortillas
Similar to flour tortillas, cut corn tortillas into strips and fry them. However, for a more rustic flavor, grill or toast the tortillas first before frying.
3. Masa Harina
Masa harina is a corn flour used to make tortillas. Mix 1/4 cup of masa harina with 1/4 cup of cold water to form a paste. Bring the soup to a simmer and whisk in the masa harina paste.
4. Roux
A roux is a mixture of equal parts flour and butter. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the roux is golden brown. Whisk the roux into the soup until thickened.
5. Instant Flour
Instant flour is a precooked flour that thickens liquids quickly. Whisk 1-2 tablespoons of instant flour into 1/4 cup of cold water to form a slurry. Bring the soup to a boil and whisk in the slurry.
6. Cooked Rice
Cooked rice, especially white rice, can absorb excess liquid and thicken the soup. Add 1/2 cup of cooked rice to the soup and stir until combined.
7. Vegetables
Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and celery can add thickness to the soup. Cut the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them in a pan before adding them to the soup.
Other Tips for Thickening
- Reduce the liquid: Simmer the soup uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Puree a portion of the soup: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree a portion of the soup. This will create a thicker base.
- Add cornstarch: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the boiling soup.
Final Thoughts: The Thickening Triumph
With these methods, you can transform your thin chicken tortilla soup into a rich and satisfying dish. Experiment with different techniques and find the one that best suits your taste and desired consistency. Your taste buds will thank you for the thickened perfection!
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use other flours besides flour tortillas or masa harina?
A: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, bread flour, or even gluten-free flour.
Q: How much thickening agent should I add?
A: Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: My soup is still too thin after using a thickening agent.
A: Try simmering the soup for longer or adding more thickening agent in small increments. You can also consider using a combination of methods for maximum thickening.
