Things You'll Need
Flour or cornstarch
Water
Mild beans
Russet potato
Peeler
Grater
Measuring spoon
Strainer
Blender
![Mexican bean soup](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/178/238/86495642.jpg)
There is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. If the soup turns out a bit too thin, there are a few ways to thicken it. Choose from one of these easy ways to thicken any soup or stew.
Using flour or cornstarch
Step 1
![White flour in bowl](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/94/203/177034236.jpg)
Add 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to a small bowl of warm water.
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Step 2
![Chef mixing ingredients in bowl close-up](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/167/155/80720332.jpg)
Mix well until all of the clumps have disappeared.
Step 3
![Stirring a Soup Pot](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/110/170/78771700.jpg)
Pour the mixture into the soup and stir. Wait a couple of minutes for it to thicken. If it is not thick enough, repeat these steps until the soup reaches the desired consistency.
Potatoes
Step 1
![Basket of Russet Potatoes on a Table](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/225/93/168763089.jpg)
Wash and peel a Russet potato.
Step 2
![close up view of a grater](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/193/78/stk213082rke.jpg)
Grate the potato into a fine consistency.
Step 3
Add the grated potato to the soup. The potato will thicken the soup as it cooks.
Beans
Step 1
![White Beans](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/152/21/153766241.jpg)
Open a can of mild beans. Cannellini beans work particularly well.
Step 2
![Rinsed Cannellini Beans](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375///photos.demandstudios.com%2Fgetty%2Farticle%2F106%2F73%2F138091178.jpg?l=489&u=299&r=3162&lo=2304)
Pour into a strainer and rinse well.
Step 3
![Blender](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375///photos.demandstudios.com%2Fgetty%2Farticle%2F184%2F139%2F78376848.jpg?l=0&u=63&r=1413&lo=1477)
Measure out 1 cup of soup and pour into a blender with the beans. Blend until smooth.
Step 4
Add the mixture back into the soup and stir.
Tip
To avoid burning, always have the soup on medium heat when adding thickeners.
Wait at least four to five minutes before adding additional thickener.
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