MOST RECENT POST...

Bible Food - The Book of Galatians

Image
For some strange reason, occasionally I get a whim to find out what people in the "Biblelands" would have eaten at the time of the writing of a particular piece.  Apart from the references to meat and dairy, much of what the people ate in those days, in that place, sounds like a good fit for a touring vegan.  Today we did a little dip into the Book of Galatians,  a letter (epistle) written by the apostle Paul to the Christian communities in Galatia.   Scholars date Galatians to around AD 48–55. If it was written earlier, it would be one of Paul's first letters, possibly before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15, AD 49), which addressed the issue of Gentile converts following Jewish customs.   The main theme of the letter is justification by faith rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law. Paul strongly argues against the teaching that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish laws (like circumcision) to be saved. He defends his apostleship, emphasizes the role of grace, ...
Post a Comment

100 Ways to Thicken Homemade Vegan Soup

 

Discover 100 vegan ways to thicken watery soups without flour,
plus tips to adjust flavors, reduce liquid, and achieve perfect consistency!

Perhaps you have followed a delicious-looking recipe for homemade soup and found, after the prescribed cooking time and more, that the soup is still very watery. While you were not necessarily in quest of a cream soup, did you want something more... substantial? Well, with a better ratio of chunkiness to liquids? And if you are against using wheat flour, whatever the reason might be, what can you do?

If you have potatoes or carrots in your soup, you can separate them, cooked soft, and blend them up to return to the soup-- that will help thicken. Same with other starchy vegetables-- blend up at least a portion of the cooked soup and you will see the results you are looking for. 

Cooking down the soup over a longer period of time-- say, an hour or so on simmer-- will also reduce the fluid levels. Keep an eye on the soup so that the pan does not burn. Leaving the lid off while reducing a soup will work better than cooking with a lid on.

Be sure to taste and adjust seasonings after adding in more ingredients to get the flavor intensity you want.  

While we might not like a soup that is "so watery", it is interesting to note that soup is traditionally mostly liquid while vegetable stews are thicker. My son, a pretty good vegan cook, prefers a stew to a soup. Perhaps you do as well.

If you are cooking a less starchy soup, say celery soup or even mushroom soup, you might find that blending the veggies just results in a sort of stringy mass that isn't what you are looking for. Well, if you are experimental in your cooking (all good cooks are). up might want to add in some ingredients that you have on hand already to help bulk up the creaminess. Start with a small amount of potential thickener- because you will usually not need large quantities to get the results you are looking for. 

Here’s an alphabetical list of 100 ways to thicken watery vegan soups without using wheat flours:

Almond butter

Arrowroot powder

Avocado

Banana (in sweet soups)

Beans (pureed)

Beet puree

Black beans (mashed or blended)

Bread, gluten free (soaked and blended)

Butternut squash puree

Cabbage (blended)

Carrot puree

Cauliflower (blended or mashed)

Cashew cream

Cashew nuts (soaked and blended)

Celery root (pureed)

Chia seeds (soaked)

Chickpeas (blended)

Coconut cream

Coconut milk (reduced)

Coconut yogurt

Corn (blended)

Cornmeal (in small amounts)

Cornstarch (mixed with water)

Creamy nut cheeses

Dates (blended, for sweet soups)

Eggplant (roasted and pureed)

Flaxseeds (ground and soaked)

Frozen peas (blended)

Garbanzo bean puree

Green banana flour

Hemp hearts (blended)

Hummus

Kidney beans (blended)

Kohlrabi (blended)

Lentils (blended or cooked down)

Lima beans (blended)

Millet (cooked and pureed)

Miso paste

Mushrooms (blended or cooked down)

Navy beans (blended)

Nutritional yeast (adds slight thickness)

Oat milk (reduced)

Oats (soaked and blended)

Okra (cooked and blended)

Olive tapenade (small amounts)

Parsnip puree

Peanut butter

Peas (pureed)

Plantain (boiled and blended)

Polenta (small amounts)

Potato (blended)

Potato flakes

Potato starch (mixed with water)

Pumpkin puree

Quinoa (cooked and blended)

Quinoa flakes (blended)

Red lentils (cooked and pureed)

Rice (blended or cooked down)

Rice milk (reduced)

Rice noodles (blended)

Rice porridge (blended)

Roasted vegetables (pureed)

Rutabaga (blended)

Sauerkraut (blended)

Sesame tahini

Silken tofu

Smoked tofu (blended)

Soy milk (reduced)

Split peas (cooked and blended)

Squash (pureed)

Sunflower seed butter

Sweet potato (pureed)

Tahini

Tapioca pearls (cooked and blended)

Tapioca starch (mixed with water)

Tempeh (blended)

Tofu (blended)

Tomato paste

Turnip (blended)

Vegetable puree

Walnuts (soaked and blended)

Water chestnuts (blended)

White beans (blended)

Yam (pureed)

Yellow split peas (blended)

Yogurt (vegan)

Zucchini (blended)

Almond milk (reduced)

Barley (cooked and blended)

Caramelized onions (blended)

Coconut meat (blended)

Edamame (blended)

Fava beans (pureed)

Leeks (blended)

Parsnip (roasted and blended)

Roasted garlic (blended)

Seitan (blended or shredded)

Soy yogurt

Spinach (blended)

Vegan sour cream

*Ideas in this post derived from a thread on the FB group "Best Adventist Recipe Swap.
*Contributions and edits from chatgpt and Firefly.Abobe
*Do you have a vegan ''thickener" not mentioned above that you have had success in using in soup? 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pecan Nut "Meatballs" Recipe (dairy-free, egg-free)

Image
Delicious Pecan Nut Meat Balls Looking for an easy recipe that amazes even the most jaded pallet? This delicious plant-based recipe for pecan nut meat balls fits the bill!  Ingredients: *4 C. Wholewheat or Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs or Cooked Rice (cool) *1 cups/120 g chopped Pecans *2 tablespoons/  Soy / Tamari Sauce *1/2 teaspoon/ 1.5 g  Sage *1/2 teaspoon/ 1.5 g  Thyme *1/2 teaspoon/1.5 g  Basil *1/2 cup/60 g  Celery , finely diced *1/2 cup/30 g  Parsley , chopped *1 tablespoon / 7.5 g.  Cornstarch or Tapioca Flour or Sweet White Rice Flour * 1 large Onion , chopped *1 tablespoon/15 g  Coconut Oil * 1 cup/240 ml.  Vegetable or Mushroom Broth (made with bouillion cubes or otherwise) METHOD: 1.      In a large bowl toss together the breadcrumbs (or rice), chopped pecans, soy sauce or tamari, sage, thyme, basil, celery, parsley and constarch. 2. SAUTE 1 chopped Onion in 1 tablespoon  Coconut Oi...
Read more

Recipe for Nuteena-like Sandwich Spread (Vegan) (Gluten-free)

Image
Popular Nuteena was removed in 2005 Wikipedia image Nuteena was a popular vegetarian sandwich spread (analog) that is no longer sold.  This is a homemade sandwich-filling recipe that strives to replicate the flavor and munching experience of the original. PUT IN BLENDER: *15 oz./425 g can garbanzo beans/chickpeas, drained (save liquid) *2/3 cup/ 160 ml garbanzo liquid (from can or liquid from cooking) *1 1/2 tablespoons/22 ml tomato paste *1/4  teaspoon/1.25 g onion powder *1/4 teaspoon/5 ml lemon juice 💞Blend all above ingredients until smooth. 🍜Pour into a large bowl and add following ingredients:  *2/3 cup/ 120 g olives, chopped *1/3 cup/80 g peanut butter Mix well.  🥪Makes 1 1/2 cups of yummy spread.   Delicious when topped with sprouts and minced sweet onion on crackers, or used as a sandwich filling with your favorite bread or bun. I would love to read your comments about this recipe-- have you tried it yet? Did you add or subtrac...
Read more

Shirley's Sweet and Sour Sauce

Image
Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce   This wonderful Sweet and Sour Pineapple sauce recipe from Elder Shirley Gong at the Port Alberni Adventist Church does not have some of the less attractive ingredients of commercial sauces (for example, no food coloring).  Use it as a sauce alternative for the Veggies and Pan Noodles , also a recipe of Shirley's.   INGREDIENTS Makes 6 Servings 1/2 C. Brown Sugar (or Coconut Palm Sugar) 11 T. Corn Starch 1 can Pineapple Chunks in Juice 1/3 C. Vinegar or Lemon Juice 1 T. Soy Sauce 1 small chopped Green Pepper METHOD: Mix Sugar and Starch together Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan, EXCEPT the pepper Heat slowly to a boil, stirring frequently. Add chopped Pepper Simmer 3 - 5 minutes. Add to your recipe.
Read more

3 Delicious Beet Recipes: Vegan & Gluten-Free:

Image
Why Cook with Beets? Beets are not only vibrant and flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients that make them a powerhouse ingredient in plant-based cooking. Healthy Beet Nutrition AI-generated image Nutritional Benefits of Beets: Rich in fiber – Supports digestion and gut health. High in folate (Vitamin B9) – Essential for cell growth and heart health. Loaded with nitrates – May help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance. Good source of manganese – Supports bone health and metabolism. Contains Vitamin C – Boosts immune function and collagen production. Antioxidant powerhouse – Helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Whether roasted, blended, or shredded, beets bring a natural sweetness and earthy flavor to many dishes. Here are three delicious, gluten-free, and vegan recipes to showcase their versatility! 1. Gluten-Free, Vegan Best Beet Burger The Best Beet Burger-- Vegan and Gluten-Free AI-generated by Adobe Firefly. Makes 4 - 6 patties Ingredients: Bee...
Read more

Pecan Nut Roast (Vegan, No Added Oils, Gluten-Free)

Image
This pecan nut roast is one of the most popularly viewed recipes on this site.  And it should be cooked up anytime you want a simple, delicious, high nutrient-dense dish for your family or to take to a potluck. Watch this short video  where Dr. Michael Greger of NutritionFacts.org explains what scientific studies show to be the health benefits of the pecan in staving off cancer!  Measure and assemble the following ingredients: 4 C. Water 1 C. Pecan Halves (or pieces) 1 1/2 tsp. Salt 1 T. Chicken-style Seasoning (Optional) 1 T. Nutritional Yeast 1 T. Turmeric powder (Optional) 1 C. Chopped Onions 3 C. Rolled Oats Blend together: Water, Pecans, Salt, Chicken-Like Seasoning, Nutritional Yeast, Turmeric (no pecans?  Substitute walnut pieces). Add the blended items to a bowl.  Then ad in the onions and oats.   Let stand for at least 30 minutes. I laid down a layer of Parchment Paper in my pan-- you could just dust it with flour   Spo...
Read more

Gluten-Free Millet Pie Crust

Image
Here are two gluten-free vegan pie crust recipes using millet flour—one for a savory veggie pie and one for a banana cream pie. Each recipe includes the full instructions for the pie. Why Use Millet Flour? Millet flour is a nutritious, gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, offering a mild, slightly nutty flavor.  It’s rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, which support digestion, heart health, and energy metabolism. Millet also contains vitamins, and is particularly abundant in Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and B2 (Niacin), and is also a very good source of other B vitamins, including B9, folic acid.  Unlike over-refined flours, millet has a low glycemic index, making it a great choice for balanced blood sugar levels. Its light texture works well in both sweet and savory dishes, making it an excellent base for gluten-free baking. Savory Roasted Vegetables with Millet-Olive Oil Crust Savory Millet Crust for a delectable Roast Vegetable P...
Read more

Blueberry-Hibiscus Latte

Image
A blueberry hibiscus latte, sweetened with maple syrup, offers a creamy, caffeine-free burst of summer. Perfect for cozy chats or solo sips!   Here is another tasty hot drink that doesn't keep you awake at night with a caffeine surge. The blueberry flavor reminds me of my BFF Linda because we went through a period of drinking blueberry tea when we met for our little world-fixing chats back in the day! Hibiscus is described as a powerhouse of nutrition. There are also a couple of cautions worth knowing about. You can read more about it here . I actually have quite a few blueberries in my freezer, so this is something I can enjoy often. I guess you could also make this latte using both hibiscus and blueberry tea, but I think most blueberry tea powders have something in them to amp up the flavor and you are probably better off using something more natural. But you get to decide! Ingredients: (about 2 servings) *1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or 2 tablespoons dried blueberries 💚 ...
Read more

Tunah Spread

Image
  Tunah Spread This is a very simple spread, a veganized version of tuna spread that can be used on sandwiches, wraps, in pitas, as a salad base, as a filling for buns, and as a snack spread on rice cakes.  The "secret" flavoring is a small amount of kelp or dulse or nori granules. **If you are on blood thinners or other medicines that your health person told you to limit your salt/sodium, please ask about the kelp in this recipe! This warning was on the package of kelp I used. Also, it is a good idea to ask the person in the Health Store where you buy the granulated sea vegetable if that is the best quality that they have in stock. Very cheap sea vegetable granules are more apt to be contaminated by impurities (such as sewage sludge!). But fortunately, there are very high quality organic, clean sea vegetable granules available as well.     Tempting Tunah Sandwich INGREDIENTS: 1  14-oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed 1/2 cup (or less)...
Read more

Carob-Peanut Butter Muffins

Image
Fudgy Plant-based Carob-Peanut-Butter Muffin These fudgy peanut butter muffins are not only delicious but also healthier than you might guess. The carob-oat flour combo-- along with a cup of self-rising* all-purpose flour (see instructions below if you can't find self-raising flour)-- are fibre-full and nutritious. The peanut butter and soy milk amp up the protein content, and the carob chips sweetly bring it all together-- Yum! ( Scroll down to the bottom of the page for   o ther carob recipes you might enjoy) INGREDIENTS: Whisk the following dry ingredients together in a large bowl: 1 cup self-raising flour 2/3 cup quick-cooking oats 1/3 cup roasted carob powder 3/4 cup coconut sugar Set oven for 400 F/ 200C Stir in, mixing until combined: 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) 1 cup soy, or other unsweetened non-dairy milk 1/2 cup carob chips Scoop into 12 small or 6 larger baking cups (I use these silicone ones ) Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool in pan for a few minutes, and ...
Read more

Pineapple Chick'n and Rice Casserole (vegan)

Image
  Recreate the tropical flavors of Hawaii with this family-friendly vegan Pineapple "Chicken" Bake! Made with soy curls, coconut milk,  and crushed pineapple, it's a nostalgic, comforting dish perfect for potlucks. INGREDIENTS: 3 cups of mock chicken or soy curls cooked in chick'n broth and pressed dry ------------------------------- 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice or quinoa 1 cup coconut milk 1 1/4 c. water ----------------------- 1 cup broth + remaining coconut milk ---------------------------------------------- 1 red onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 2- 8 oz. cans of crushed pineapple (pour off juice) (green onion for garnish) This recipe is a family-friendly, vegan version of what is often called Hawaian Pineapple Chicken . It was a popular recipe for dinner parties in the 70s when so many people had begun to holiday in Hawaii and wanted to recreate that lovely experience. I veganized the conventional  recipe using soy curls and it was a big hit at a weekend p...
Read more