Condensed Soup Recipe

Imagine a cold evening, the rain tapping against the window, and the comforting aroma of homemade soup wafting through the house. There’s something about a warm, hearty bowl of soup that brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia. But instead of opening up a can of store-bought soup, what if you could make your own, full of flavor and with just a few simple ingredients? That’s where the beauty of a condensed soup recipe comes in.

Condensed soup is often the unsung hero in many kitchens, cherished for its ability to elevate a meal in minutes. Whether you’re using it as a base for a casserole or enjoying it as a standalone dish, making your own condensed soup gives you the power to control the ingredients, flavors, and overall quality. Plus, it’s a fun and easy recipe to experiment with, especially if you enjoy cooking from scratch.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know to create a perfect homemade condensed soup. From the ingredients to cooking instructions, you’ll get all the tips, tricks, and variations to make this recipe your own.

Here’s the magic formula: condensed soup is essentially a thick, concentrated soup that can be rehydrated with water or milk. It’s the perfect addition to many comfort food recipes, offering that rich, velvety texture and intense flavor that we love in classic dishes. The best part is, it’s versatile. You can customize it with whatever flavors you prefer and adjust the richness based on your taste.

Ingredients Needed

To make a basic homemade condensed soup, you’ll need:

Butter – 2 tablespoons (provides richness and helps with thickening)
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons (for thickening the soup base)
Chicken or vegetable broth – 1 ½ cups (choose broth based on the flavor you prefer, though chicken is the most common)
Whole milk – 1 cup (for creaminess; you can substitute with heavy cream for a richer texture)
Salt – ½ teaspoon (to enhance the flavor)
Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon (to add just a hint of spice)
Optional additions – Garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs (like thyme or oregano), or even shredded cheese for a twist

You’ll notice that the ingredients are simple, yet they come together beautifully to create that rich, thick base that defines condensed soup. The beauty is in the technique of simmering everything together to create that velvety texture.

Cooking Instructions

Making condensed soup from scratch isn’t difficult-it just takes a bit of patience and the right steps. Here’s a breakdown of how you can make your own:

Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to burn it.
Whisk in the flour: Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden. This step is crucial for thickening your soup later.
Add the broth: Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. You want the mixture to become smooth and well combined.
Stir in the milk: Slowly add the milk while stirring. Keep whisking as the mixture heats up, ensuring it stays smooth and free of lumps.
Season and thicken: Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire. Allow the soup to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken to a rich, creamy consistency.
Cool and store: Once your soup has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Let it cool before storing it in an airtight container. This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Ingredient Insights

Butter and Flour (Roux): This combo creates the base of your soup, a thickened mixture that allows the soup to achieve that condensed, creamy consistency. The butter adds richness, while the flour provides structure. If you want a gluten-free version, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Broth: The type of broth you use will influence the flavor of the soup. Chicken broth tends to have a more neutral, savory taste, while vegetable broth will add a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor. You can even use beef or turkey broth depending on your preferences or the dish you’re preparing.
Milk vs. Cream: Milk makes for a lighter condensed soup, while heavy cream will give it a velvety, luxurious texture. Feel free to adjust the richness depending on what you’re using the soup for. You could also swap milk for a dairy-free alternative, like almond milk, if you prefer.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder can all enhance the flavor of your condensed soup. Experiment with different spices to create your signature flavor.

Expert Tips

Don’t skip the roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) is essential for thickening. Make sure to cook it long enough to remove any raw flour taste, but not so long that it turns brown.
Gradually add liquid: Adding the broth and milk gradually and whisking continuously will prevent clumps from forming. Patience here pays off!
Adjust the thickness: If the soup gets too thick, you can always thin it out by adding more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, simply let it simmer longer, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the soup.
Make it ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days. The flavors will deepen over time, and it’s great to have on hand for busy nights.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of homemade condensed soup is that you can make it your own. Here are a few ways you can tweak the basic recipe:

Cheesy Condensed Soup: Add about 1 cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese to the soup after it’s finished cooking. Stir until melted and fully combined for a cheesy twist.
Mushroom Condensed Soup: If you love the earthy flavors of mushrooms, sauté 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms in butter before adding the flour to make the roux. This creates a creamy, flavorful mushroom soup base.
Spicy Condensed Soup: For a kick, stir in some cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce to bring a little heat to your condensed soup.
Vegan Version: To make a vegan condensed soup, swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk. You can also replace the broth with vegetable broth.

Final Words

Homemade condensed soup is an incredibly versatile recipe that you can tailor to your tastes, whether you’re using it as a base for a casserole or as the centerpiece of a cozy meal. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s customizable. Once you’ve got the basic technique down, the variations are endless. You could make a creamy tomato soup, a rich potato and leek soup, or a comforting chicken and rice version.

Plus, by making it yourself, you’re avoiding all the preservatives and extra sodium that often come with store-bought cans.

Condensed Soup Recipe