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How do you make soup milder?

Published in Cooking Techniques 1 min read

You can make soup milder by adding an acidic element, or by other methods detailed below.

Here's a breakdown of ways to reduce the intensity of flavors in your soup:

Methods to Milder Soup

  • Add an Acid: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a dollop of ketchup, or a splash of red wine, white wine, or sherry vinegar can effectively neutralize heat or strong flavors.

  • Introduce Dairy: Adding dairy, like cream, milk, or yogurt, can help mellow out spicy or intense flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

  • Add Sweetness: A touch of sugar, honey, or maple syrup can balance out excessive spiciness or saltiness.

  • Dilute the Soup: Adding more broth or water will decrease the concentration of flavors. Be sure to adjust seasonings as needed.

  • Add a Starchy Element: Cooked rice, potatoes, or pasta can absorb excess flavor and help to dilute the overall intensity.

  • Increase Vegetables: Adding more of the non-spicy/strong flavored vegetables already in the soup (or even new ones) can help mellow the existing flavors.