How to Thicken Chili and Soup

Thicken thin soup by adding a slurry mixture of flour or cornstarch.

Making soup at home can be a rewarding endeavor. Cooking the soup to the right texture and thickness is sometimes a bit of a challene, and too much liquid makes the soup appear thin. But don't panic if your soup or chili doesn't meet your standards. Instead of adding a roux, which contains a higher amount of fat, you can make a slurry mixture with flour or cornstarch. The mixture will thicken thin or watery chili and soup so that you can enjoy the consistency and texture.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 tbsp. cold water
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon
• Saucepan
• 2 tbsp. white flour
• ¼ cup water or stock

Instructions

Thickening with Cornstarch

1. Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water in a mixing bowl for every cup of chili or soup.

2. Stir the mixture with a whisk until the cornstarch dissolves completely. Smash any lumps with the bottom of a spoon.

3. Pour the mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.

4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the chili or soup. Simmer the soup or chili for two to five minutes.

Thickening with Flour

1. Combine 2 tablespoons flour with ¼ cup cold water or stock for every cup of soup or chili.

2. Stir to create a paste. Remove any lumps of flour from the paste by crushing it with the back of a spoon.

3. Pour the paste into the soup while it simmers. Simmer the soup for two to three minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid overcooking the soup or chili after you add the thickener. The starch can thin out if you cook it too long or at too high a temperature.

References

• Food Subs: Starch Thickeners
• The Kitchn: Quick Tip: How to Make and Use a Slurry to Thicken Soup
• Smart Mums: The Scoop on Soup
• All Recipes: Thickening Soups
• Better Homes and Gardens: Thickening with Cornstarch or Flour