Knowing how to make soup creamy is all well and good, but have you ever felt like spitting it out because it’s too salty? A salty soup is the last thing you want, and all types of soup can fall prey to it. Luckily for you, I’ve got some tips on how to make soup less salty. You can make soup less salty by diluting it, adding dairy, and using citrus or vinegar. But this isn’t all! So, let’s get into how you can make that soup less salty.
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📌 How to Prevent a Salty Soup
Use low-sodium broth: If you’re using store-bought broth, look for a low-sodium option. This will help you control the amount of salt in your soup.
Taste as you go: It’s important to taste your soup as you’re cooking it. This will help you adjust the seasoning as needed and avoid over-salting.
Salty ingredients: Some ingredients, such as canned tomatoes, cheese, and cured meats, are naturally high in sodium. So, be mindful of these ingredients and adjust your seasoning accordingly.
Use fresh herbs and spices: Fresh herbs and spices can add flavor to your soup without adding extra salt. Try using herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves or spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
Make your own broth: Making your own broth is a great way to control the amount of salt in your soup. You can also freeze leftover broth for future use.
💡 Ways to Make Soup Less Salty
Dilute the Soup
The most straightforward way to reduce the saltiness of your soup is dilution. You can add more water, broth, or stock to the soup to dilute the salt content. If you don’t want to dilute the flavor of your soup, you can use unsalted broth or stock.
You can also add some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or beans to the soup. Another method to dilute the soup while enhancing its flavor is by incorporating additional cooking liquids, such as tomato juice or coconut milk.
Add Dairy
Adding dairy is another way to compensate for salty soup. You can add a dollop or swirl of yogurt, heavy cream, milk, or sour cream to the soup before serving. The neutral flavor of the dairy serves a diluting function, and it also adds creaminess to the soup.
If you’re using milk, you can also use skim milk to reduce the fat content of the soup. For a dairy-free option, consider using unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond milk or oat milk.
Use Citrus or Vinegar
You can also add citrus or vinegar to counter a salty soup. Just add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice or a splash of vinegar to the soup to help balance the saltiness of the soup, but don’t add too much.
There are also different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or rice vinegar. These will add a varying delicious, unique flavor and reduce saltiness.
Soak Up the Salt
Another way how to make soup less salty is to soak it up. You can add some pieces of bread, tortillas, or potatoes to remove saltiness. These starchy foods will absorb some of the salt and reduce the saltiness of the soup. Just remember to remove it prior to serving.
You can also use cooked rice and pasta as well. These alternatives not only soak up excess salt effectively but also contribute to the soup’s texture and heartiness.
Use Thickening Agents
Using thickening agents isn’t only great for knowing how to thicken soup, but it’s also a viable option for making soup less salty. You can add some flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder to the soup. However, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the soup too thick.
You can even use pureed vegetables such as cauliflower or butternut squash as natural thickening agents. These vegetables will help to reduce the saltiness and add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the soup.
Adjust Other Seasonings
For a much simpler method, you can adjust other seasonings in the soup to balance the flavor. Adding more herbs, spices, or vegetables to the soup can enhance the flavor. You can also try adding some sweetness to the soup by adding some honey, sugar, or maple syrup. However, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the soup too sweet.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions
Soup becomes salty when too much salt is added during the cooking process. Even some ingredients like canned broth or bacon can be naturally salty.
One way is to add an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar to balance out the saltiness. Another way is to add a sweet ingredient like sugar or honey. You can also try diluting the soup by adding more liquid.
The fastest way to get rid of excess salt is to dilute the soup with more liquid. You can use water, unsalted broth, or stock to dilute the soup.
Yes, adding potatoes to a soup can help decrease its saltiness. Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that can absorb excess salt in a soup. Simply add diced potatoes to the soup and let them cook for at least 10-15 minutes.