One Pot Easy Stovetop Vegetarian Taco Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use to thicken taco soup? ›

How do you thicken taco soup? You shouldn't need to thicken this taco soup—the meat and vegetables make it pretty chunky. If needed, you can add refried beans, other mashed beans or rice to thicken it up.

To Store: Store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days after making. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute. For the best results, never add flour or cornstarch directly to your soup. If you do, it will clump up on top. Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool.

Add Some Starches

The easiest way to tone down a spicy dish is to serve a smaller portion with plenty of rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, or plain starch to counter the heat. For soups and stews, raw and starchy vegetables like potatoes or carrots work well.

It's important to note that cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. If you need to substitute cornstarch to thicken liquid in a recipe that calls for ¼ cup (four tablespoons) flour, you only need two tablespoons cornstarch.

Roux is the most common thickener for sauces and soups. The fat serves to “oil” the flour so it does not cause lumps when added to a liquid.

Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating.

A general rule of thumb is that soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, but you should always taste your dish before deciding to reheat. A clear, vegetable-based soup with some acidity, such as tomatoes, may last longer. Chicken soup usually lasts three to five days.

While the expiration date on canned soup is a guideline for optimal quality, if the can is still sealed and undamaged, the risk of getting sick is relatively low. However, it's essential to inspect the can for any signs of damage, bulging, or unusual smells.

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

Can you use mayo to thicken soup? ›

Perhaps you consider adding yogurt, one of the many easy ways to thicken your soup. Alas, you've run out of yogurt, but you do have mayonnaise on hand. After stirring a dollop of mayo into the soup, you find that it adds just the perfect amount of body and bite, with a hint of creaminess. It's almost too easy!

Simmer for Longer

If you have the time, simmering your taco soup for a longer period can help to thicken it naturally. As the soup cooks, the liquid will reduce and evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency.

Turns out, the fiery chemical in hot chilis, capsaicin, likes to bind itself onto a compound in milk, which neutralizes the burn. Add a generous dollop of sour cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt to scorching hot chili or stews, or even a touch of milk or cream. For best results, though, go with full-fat dairy.

Beans are not only a great addition to taco soup for their taste but also for their thickening properties. Mash a portion of the beans with a fork or potato masher and then add them back to the soup. The mashed beans will act as a natural thickening agent, making your taco soup heartier and more substantial.

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.