The Best Way To Thin Out Overly Thick And Gloopy Canned Soup - The Daily Meal (2024)

ByStacie Adams|

When it comes to convenience and affordability, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better meal than canned soup. However, someselections can be on the thicker side, such as hearty black bean soups.Fortunately, there's an easy way to reduce the viscosity of chunky soups while simultaneously boosting the flavor. In this case, adding a bit of water to the soup while you're heating it can reduce the overall thickness while cutting back on some of its sodium content.

If you want to enhance the flavor of canned soup, you can also thin it out by adding a bit of broth. Be sure to use a low-sodium option, or you could inadvertently add to the salt content and end up with a meal that's not as palatable or nutritious, depending on your dietary needs. Conversely, if you want to boost the consistency of a thinner soup, adding a thickening agent like coconut milk will positively impact its texture.

As far as gloopy soups are concerned, what makes some concoctions thicker than others?

Thick canned soup is a feature, not a bug

The Best Way To Thin Out Overly Thick And Gloopy Canned Soup - The Daily Meal (5)

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While the major brands responsible for manufacturing canned soups are pretty tight-lipped regarding recipe specifics, that doesn't stop consumers from speculating. In particular, some wonder why so many soup brands are so thick out of the can. One person even initiated a Redditthreadto get to the bottom of the issue (or can, as it were).

According to the poster, who claimed to be new to the world of canned soups, the offerings are "weirdly thick," even when it comes to so-called "thin" soups like chicken noodle. The poster singled out Progresso soups, describing them as "gloppy." According to one commenter, Progresso intentionally makes its soup with a thicker broth to ensure customers are fully satisfied. Another person said canned soup brands often use meat or chicken stock, which naturally contain gelatin. Based on these responses, it seems soup brands may intentionally make products thicker to appeal to their customers. However, most offer instructions on how to make products a little more to your liking.

How much water should you add to canned soups?

The Best Way To Thin Out Overly Thick And Gloopy Canned Soup - The Daily Meal (6)

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When you have questions about proper canned soup preparation, most manufacturers include helpful instructions for greater insight. When in doubt, consult the product label before adding water to prevent it from becoming too thin. For example, Campbell's recommends whisking in one can of water to its condensed cream of chicken soup. In this case, you would use the can the soup came in to add water to the mix (a standard can of Campbell's cream of chicken soup is about 10.5 ounces). After adding water, you can prepare the soup as you normally would, i.e., heating the soup on the stovetop and stirring occasionally.

If you add too much water, you can use different techniques and ingredients to re-thicken the soup. One method involves incorporating 1 tablespoon of flour and about 3 tablespoons of soup in a bowl, then adding the mixture into your soup pot. Be sure to cook the soup for a few more minutes afterward to help fully incorporate the flour. A spoonful of yogurt is also beneficial for thickening thin soups, particularly those with a creamy base. By following these tips, your canned soup preparations will be palate-pleasers every time.

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The Best Way To Thin Out Overly Thick And Gloopy Canned Soup - The Daily Meal (2024)

FAQs

The Best Way To Thin Out Overly Thick And Gloopy Canned Soup - The Daily Meal? ›

In this case, adding a bit of water to the soup while you're heating it can reduce the overall thickness while cutting back on some of its sodium content. If you want to enhance the flavor of canned soup, you can also thin it out by adding a bit of broth.

How would you adjust a chowder that is too thick? ›

Add a splash of cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency. This not only adjusts thickness but also adds a creamy texture and a rich taste to the soup.

How to thin canned soup? ›

To thin your canned soup, Bon Appétit recommends throwing more water into the pot while you're heating it up on the stove. The outlet also noted that you could use a bit of low-sodium stock in place of water. By adding in either of these extra liquids, you will make your dinner less bulky and smoother.

What is the best way to thin a soup that is too thick? ›

Add more liquid: The simplest solution is to add more liquid, such as water, broth, or milk. Start by adding a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. Use a blender: If you have a blender, you can puree the soup in batches, adding more liquid as needed.

How do you make canned soup less thick? ›

Chunkier soups, like black bean or lentil, tend to lean thick—and, it must be said, gloopy. To thin them out (and dial down the intense salinity), add more water or low-sodium stock while they're heating. (If you overdo it, don't stress: Continue simmering until the liquid has reduced to your desired consistency.)

What if soup is too thick? ›

What to do if your soup is too thick. If worse comes to worse, and you find that your soup has overly thickened, Nguyen says the only way to fix it is by adding more liquid. “Preferably you will be adding a flavorful liquid such as stock. If you don't have stock, then water will have to do,” he says.

Are you supposed to dilute canned soup? ›

Unfortunately, many canned soups contain large amounts of sodium, making it difficult to keep your sodium intake low. If you must eat canned soup, look for an option with less than 700mg of sodium per serving, or try diluting the soup with water or low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium content.

Why is Progresso soup so thick? ›

The poster singled out Progresso soups, describing them as "gloppy." According to one commenter, Progresso intentionally makes its soup with a thicker broth to ensure customers are fully satisfied.

Are you supposed to add water to Progresso soup? ›

Unlike instant ramen, Progresso soup is ready to serve, no need to add water. Simply follow the heating directions on the can and enjoy a warm bowl or cup of creamy soup made with no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources.

What can I add to soup to make it less watery? ›

6 ways to thicken soup:
  1. Blend all or part of it. If you've made a broth with chunks of vegetable in it, such as minestrone soup, then pour the soup through a sieve. ...
  2. Add cream or yogurt. ...
  3. Add flour or cornflour. ...
  4. Use a butter and flour paste. ...
  5. Blend in bread. ...
  6. Add lentils or rice. ...
  7. 5 of the best soup recipes to try next:

How to water down a soup? ›

Dilute with water or broth.

Adding more liquid to the soup will dilute the salinity and make the salt level more palatable. Remember that many boxed broths contain salt as well, so use one that is low-sodium or unsalted to remedy an oversalted pot of soup.

How to make Campbell's chunky soup better? ›

Adding greens is a great way to add a pop of color and flavor to an otherwise sad can of soup.My favorite green to add is baby spinach – it cooks down quickly, so all you need to do is toss in a handful of leaves at the end of cooking and stir until wilted. You can also use greens like kale, chard, or collard greens.

What to add to canned soup to make it taste better? ›

More vegetables: This is a great place for leftover cooked veggies. If you are working with a creamed soup, consider pureeing some vegetables to stir in. Cooked cauliflower, potatoes, winter squash, or carrots would work really well. Herbs: Fresh chives, thyme, or cilantro stirred in just before serving.

How to make progresso chicken noodle soup better? ›

Try adding coconut milk, lime juice, or even curry to your canned soup to elevate the flavors and creates a different taste. This is the perfect remedy when you are simply tired of your old favorite.

How do you fix thin chowder? ›

Use a butter and flour paste

You can also use a flour and butter paste called a beurre manié to thicken a soup. Just mix 2 tsp flour with 2 tsp soft butter, and while the soup is simmering, stir the paste into the pan. The butter will help disperse the flour throughout the liquid.

Is chowder supposed to be thick? ›

Chowder is a thick soup prepared with milk or cream, a roux, and seafood or vegetables. Oyster crackers or saltines may accompany chowders as a side item, and cracker pieces may be dropped atop the dish.

What if corn chowder is too thick? ›

If the soup is still too thick, add a bit more stock until it reaches a consistency you like. If the soup is too thin, continue simmering it over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a consistency you like.

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