Easy trick: how to make potato soup creamy and velvety without adding thickeners

Potato soup, a comforting classic, can sometimes turn out thicker than desired. But don’t despair! This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the techniques you need to transform your thick potato soup into a velvety, flavorful masterpiece.

Why Is My Potato Soup Thick?

There are several reasons why potato soup can thicken excessively:

• Overcooking potatoes: Overcooked potatoes release more starch, leading to a thicker soup.
• Using too much roux: A roux, a mixture of flour and fat, is used to thicken soups. Too much roux can result in a soup that’s too thick.
• Adding too many vegetables: Vegetables, such as carrots and celery, can also contribute to the thickness of soup.
• Using unpeeled potatoes: Potatoes with the skins on will release more starch, making the soup thicker.

Techniques to Thin Potato Soup

Now that you know the causes of thick potato soup, let’s explore the techniques to make it thinner:

1. Add Liquid

The most straightforward method is to add more liquid, such as water, broth, or milk. Gradually add the liquid while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.

2. Purée the Potatoes

Using an immersion blender or regular blender, purée some of the potatoes in the soup. This will create a smoother texture and thin out the soup.

3. Reduce the Roux

If you used a roux to thicken the soup, you can reduce the amount by whisking in a little bit of water or broth.

4. Add Acid

A small amount of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can help break down the starch in the potatoes and thin out the soup.

5. Add Cream or Milk

Adding cream or milk will not only thin out the soup but also enhance its flavor and richness.

6. Cook for Longer

Sometimes, simply cooking the soup for a longer period of time can help thin it out as the potatoes break down further.

7. Strain the Soup

If you have added too many vegetables or other ingredients that are contributing to the thickness, you can strain the soup to remove them.

Tips for Preventing Thick Potato Soup

To avoid having to thin out your potato soup in the future, consider these tips:

• Don’t overcook the potatoes: Cook the potatoes until they are just tender.
• Use the right amount of roux: Start with a small amount of roux and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
• Add vegetables gradually: Add vegetables in small batches and check the thickness of the soup after each addition.
• Peel the potatoes: Peeling the potatoes will help reduce the amount of starch released into the soup.

What If My Potato Soup Is Too Thin?

If you accidentally thinned out your potato soup too much, you can thicken it by:

• Adding more potatoes: Chop and add more potatoes to the soup and cook until they are tender.
• Using cornstarch: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of cold water and stir it into the soup.
• Adding flour: Whisk a tablespoon of flour into a little bit of cold water and add it to the soup.

FAQ

1. Why did my potato soup thicken after sitting in the fridge?

• Potatoes continue to release starch as they cool, which can thicken the soup.

2. Can I use any type of broth to thin potato soup?

• Yes, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth.

3. Can I add other vegetables to potato soup to thin it out?

• Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or onions.

4. How do I prevent potato soup from thickening in the future?

• Follow the tips in the “Preventing Thick Potato Soup” section.

5. Can I freeze potato soup after thinning it out?

• Yes, you can freeze potato soup after thinning it out.