Beyond Roux: 5 Healthy Ways to Thicken Soups and Stews
Soup too thin? Stew too brothy? Rather than making a roux out of flour and fat, you can adjust the consistency of your dish with one of these wholesome low-fat add-ins. Whether you’re looking for a creamy or chunky texture, these tasty plant-based thickeners will help you strike the right balance.
How to Thicken a Soup with Mashed Potatoes
Stir in ¼ to ⅓ cupmashed potatoper 1 cup soup or stew. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, then adjust mashed potato amount to achieve the desired consistency.
How to Thicken a Soup with Whole Wheat Couscous
Couscous is ideal for thickening soups and stews because it cooks quickly, releasing starch as it plumps. Choose tiny Moroccan-style couscous for the subtlest thickening effect. Use larger pearl couscous (aka Israeli couscous) to add a more luscious, subtly chewy element to the final dish. Measure 1 tablespoon dry couscous per 2 cups soup or stew. Stir the couscous into the simmering pot, cover, and let cook 10 to 15 minutes, until very soft. (No blending necessary.)
How to Thicken a Soup with Pureed Beans or Hummus
Blend 1½ cups cooked beans, lentils, or chickpeas with ½ cup water or broth until completely smooth. Add 2 tablespoons bean puree per 1 cup soup or stew, then stir until fully incorporated. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes, until flavors meld. If you don’t feel like opening a can or blending beans, you can swap in prepared hummus instead.
How to Thicken a Soup with Ground Chia Seeds
Blend chia seeds to a powder in a coffee or spice grinder. Stir in 1 tablespoon chia seeds per 1 cup liquid, then let stand 2 to 3 minutes to allow the gel to activate and thicken the recipe.
How to Thicken a Soup with Whole Grain Croutons
Top a soup or stew with croutons or toasted bread cubes, then let stand 2 to 3 minutes so the bread bits soak up the extra liquid.
Soup & Stew Recipes We Love
Need some recipe inspiration? Check out our collections of soup and stew recipes to find a crave-worthy meal to make tonight:
19 Super Comforting Vegan Noodle Soup Recipes
30 Winter Soups and Stews to Warm You up from the Inside Out (All Vegan!)
12 Cozy Curry Dishes From Around the World
30 Nourishing Vegan Fall Soup Recipes