Sick of the same old soup recipes, or do you just need new ways to take your soup game levels above the rest? Well, I’ve got just the soup hacks you need! These are top soup hacks used to not only make your life easier but also make your soup totally awesome. Some quick soup hacks are using leftovers, adding cream and milk, and using soup bags. But this isn’t all I have up my sleeve. So, let’s jump right in!
📌 Soup Making Tips
Fresh Garnishes
Fresh garnishes will always add a much-needed splash of flavor and color to your soup, so make sure to add them in. Chopped herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or basil, are perfect for any soup.
Try using my hand-picked selection of the best things to top soup with!
Choosing the Right Ingredients
A delicious chicken or beef soup requires high-quality protein, such as organic chicken or grass-fed beef, for a richer flavor. But if the cost pushes you off, try using seasonal veggies for the best flavor and nutrition. You can even add pasta, such as noodles or tortellini, to your soup to make it a fantastic and filling meal.
Balancing Flavors and Seasoning
A balance of flavors and seasoning is an absolute must for any soup. For that added kick, you can use spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder. Garlic or onion will apply the savory flavor, while salt and pepper can be used for taste. If your soup is just a tad bit too sweet, you can add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to even that out.
If you over season your food, you can learn how to make soup less salty!
Soup Consistency and Texture
Soup consistency and texture can truly make or break a dish. If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water to thin it out. Adding veggies and protein is a great way to make soup thicker. Pureeing your soup will also make it smoother. A quick way, though, would be to add a roux, a mixture of flour and butter, to thicken it up.
💡 9 Top Soup Hacks
Soup bags
Soup bags are the greatest hack to add flavor and hassle-free cooking all in one. These bags hold the herbs, meats, and spices within them, so you won’t have to worry about them becoming loose and scattering around the pot. Simply add your favorite herbs and spices to a soup bag, cheesecloth bag, or tea bag and toss it into your soup pot. This will infuse your soup with flavor without the added mess.
Souper Cubes
If you’re looking for the best method to preserve soup, Souper Cubes are just what you need. These cubes are perhaps the best hack any soup maker needs to know about. The silicone trays come in different sizes and allow you to freeze your soup in portions that are super easy to reheat. This means you can make a large batch of soup and have it ready to go whenever you need it.
You can use my guide to freezing soup for the best possible methods and equipment.
Use Cream or Milk
A dairy infusion in soup is levels above a hack. It’s a creamy must! It’s an easy way to make soup creamy and richer. Cream or milk can give it that much-needed boost of rich and creamy textures. This hack is especially useful for vegetable soups, which can often be thin and watery. Just make sure to add the cream or milk towards the end of cooking to avoid curdling.
Cut Protein and Vegetables to size
The simplest soup hack is to cut your protein and vegetables to a uniform size. This’ll help them cook evenly and make your soup look twice as appealing. This hack is really useful for vegetable soups, which can sometimes be a bit chunky and unappetizing.
Make a Double Batch
The greatest tip/hack I think there is to make a double batch. It’s the best possible way to not only save time but also money. You can freeze the extra soup using souper cubes and have it ready to go whenever and wherever you need it. This hack is especially useful with chicken noodle soup, as it can be tucked away and eaten when it’s cold or you’re sick.
Repurposing Cooked Proteins
Got some leftover proteins? Then, this hack is just the trick for you. Proteins like chicken or beef can be quite easily repurposed into making a delicious soup. Just add the cooked protein to your soup pot and let it simmer for a few minutes to warm up. A splash of protein while using up leftover food? A perfect combo.
Add Leftover Sauce Containers/Packets
For a quick and easy taste hack, you can use leftover sauce containers or packets from your favorite fast food soup or noodle packet. Just sprinkle them in your soup. It’s quite easily the best way to add a touch of your favorite flavor to your soup. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers.
Utilizing Excess Vegetables and Shavings
A simple flavor hack for soup is to use excess vegetables or vegetable shavings. This is a great way to use up leftovers and add extra vitamins and minerals to your soup. You can even add these to the soup bags for an ultimate soup hack combo.
Utilizing Slow Cookers and Pressure Cookers
Slow cookers and pressure cookers are both great tools to make soup. They allow you to cook your soup slowly and evenly, which can help to develop the flavors. This is especially useful for vegetable soups, which can often be a bit bland and uninteresting.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions
The secret to a good soup is a balance of flavors, textures, and seasoning. A good soup should have a rich depth of flavor by using quality ingredients and a good broth. It should also have a variety of textures, such as chunks of vegetables or meat.
You can add fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary for added flavor. You can also add a splash of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to brighten up the flavors. Another is to add a dollop of cream or a pat of butter to add richness and creaminess to the soup.
The most popular soup recipes are creamy tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, butternut squash soup, and French onion soup.
One option is to add some ginger, garlic, or turmeric to your soup for some added health benefits and flavor. You can also add some hot sauce or chili flakes to clear out your sinuses.