The Unconventional Condiment To Help Thicken Up Soup

A warm bowl of soup is an unparalleled comfort food, and believe it or not, there's some science as to why that may be true. Aside from the nostalgia that might surround the dish, Psychology Today shares that we're hardwired to draw connections between physical warmth and social warmth, which means enjoying a bowl of hearty minestrone or creamy clam chowder might boost overall well-being, and potentially conjure up positive attitudes towards those we share a bowl with.

The most important marker of a good soup is flavor. Trailing closely behind it is texture; it shouldn't be too thin, nor too thick, but, it also shouldn't be grainy or clumpy. For a soup that's in perfect textural balance, ditch the cornstarch slurry and butter and flour roux in favor of a slightly unconventional, yet, totally delicious condiment that will easily impart layers of flavor and luxurious richness.  You'll be incredibly impressed with the results — we just know it!

Thickening agents can be less than delicious, especially if they aren't properly incorporated into a recipe. Likewise, traditional add-ins like cream or flour can quickly turn soup into an off-limits item for those who follow dairy-free or gluten-free diets. The solution for a more inclusive thickening agent? Lilly's Foods recommends using hummus. Given that the blended chickpea condiment is known for its lusciously smooth texture, hummus is a great way to add creaminess to all sorts of dishes — so why not soup, too?

Incorporating hummus into store-bought or homemade soups is easy. Whether you opt for a classic garlicky hummus or spreads with roasted red peppers or even beets (should you want to add an extra burst of flavor), any variety can be used. Once the soup is nearly done cooking, Tried & True recommends stirring in a quarter cup of the condiment into the pot, allowing the soup to simmer for a few minutes before serving.

Along with giving soups some density and a dimension of sheer deliciousness, hummus can make soups healthier. A good source of plant-based protein and fiber, Healthline confirms the chickpea spread contains tons of vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties.