The right soup can make you feel full for longer and add a variety of nutrients to your diet. However, if the soup you are making at home is looking a little too thin, there are a few things you can do to make it thicker without resorting to adding more water or fat.
Eggs and Soup
Depending on the recipe, you may want to use eggs as a thickener. Whisking eggs into your soup before cooking it will prevent the mixture from curdling and will give your soup a nice, rich texture.
Other dairy products such as sour cream or yogurt are also excellent soup thickeners. Just add a small dollop of these ingredients to your hot soup and stir before adding more. You can also try mixing a tablespoon of butter into your soup for additional thickness and flavor.
Nuts and Soup
Ground nuts such as cashews, peanuts, and almonds are another great option to add a thicker consistency to your soup. They contain fatty oils, proteins and other nutrients that will help your soup feel more satisfying and filling.
Coconut Milk
Using a nut-based liquid thickener such as coconut milk can also be a good way to add more body to your soup without adding excess fat or calories. Several different types of coconut milk are available, so it is important to choose the type that you like best.
Breadcrumbs and Soup
When you add breadcrumbs to soup, the flour will bind with the broth and create a thicker, more hearty texture. You can add a little breadcrumbs to your soup while it is still cooking or sprinkle in breadcrumbs after the soup has been cooled.
Potatoes and Soup
Adding potatoes to your soup can make it more creamy, as well as provide you with added fiber. Depending on your preference, you can either add chunks of potatoes or just mix them in with your other vegetables.
Cornstarch and Soup
In the same manner that rice cooks down to a smooth, creamy consistency, cornstarch can do the same for your soup. Just mix the desired amount of cornstarch with water before you add it to your soup, and stir until it becomes a paste. Once you’ve made the paste, add it to your soup before bringing it to a boil so it can get its thickening power to work.
Tapioca and Soup
Like cornstarch, tapioca can help make your soup more velvety. Unlike cornstarch, tapioca can become stringy when heated, so it’s best to add it to your soup in a slurry before it’s brought to a boil.
Okra and Soup
Adding okra to your soup is a great way to add a bit of a kick to your soup while also providing you with extra vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Okra can be cooked until it is slightly brown, which will add an additional flavor.
Soup can be a great source of protein and amino acids, which are key for maintaining muscle growth and strength. In addition, soup is a good way to get more potassium and magnesium into your diet. This is especially beneficial for those on a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, since it provides these nutrients without adding any carbohydrates.