A Reddit-Endorsed Trick to Thicken Any Soup with a Common Pantry Ingredient

While TikTok has become a go-to source for ingenious cooking hacks (like those flawless roasted potatoes), Reddit remains an underrated goldmine for culinary advice. Unlike visually-driven platforms, Reddit thrives on user-generated content and community voting, making it a hub for practical, text-based tips. Though it may lack the flashy appeal of video-centric platforms, Reddit offers a treasure trove of kitchen wisdom. One standout example? A surprisingly simple yet brilliant method to thicken soups that you’ve likely never considered.

A user in Reddit’s cooking community shared a relatable story about her Instant Pot lentil soup turning out too watery, despite following the recipe precisely. Her fix? Incorporating instant mashed potatoes—a dehydrated potato product—into the soup as a thickener. This clever hack works wonders because the starchy nature of instant mashed potatoes mimics traditional thickeners like cornstarch, but without the risk of clumping.

Following the viral success of her post, which garnered nearly 850 comments and thousands of upvotes, the original poster returned to share extra advice. She emphasizes the importance of considering the soup type before adding instant mashed potatoes. For instance, a light miso soup might not pair well, whereas a hearty potato leek or creamy soup would be ideal. To avoid mishaps, she suggests testing the thickener on a small portion before committing to the entire batch.

Alternative Methods to Thicken Soup

No instant mashed potatoes available? Here are some equally simple ways to achieve a thicker soup consistency.

Create a Roux

While the potato hack is effective, it’s not the sole method for thickening soups. If you’re out of instant mashed potatoes or prefer another approach, consider making a roux. Mix a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with water or broth, then blend this mixture into your soup for a smooth, thickened result.

Blend It Smooth

Another effective method is to blend a portion of the soup—broth, vegetables, and all—then mix it back into the main pot (an immersion blender works great for this). This technique thickens the soup naturally by incorporating air, without requiring additional ingredients.

Incorporate Starchy Additions

Enhance a thin soup by adding starchy ingredients like rice or lentils, which significantly improve its texture and heartiness.

Mix in Creamy Elements

For a rich and creamy consistency, consider stirring in yogurt, cream, or coconut milk to your soup. These ingredients effortlessly enhance the texture to achieve the desired thickness.