Canned soup is an easy pantry staple to keep on hand. It has a long shelf life, is easy to prepare, and comes in a wide variety of flavors. But sometimes canned soup tastes a little…canned. Luckily it is easy to boost the flavor, nutrition, and versatility of these soups. Give one or all these ideas a try!Â
- Add Aromatics. Sauté garlic and/or onions in a little oil before adding your soup. These scents will fill the air and bring an extra layer of flavor to the soup.
- Add fresh or dried spices. Like aromatics, these items add an extra layer of flavor to the soup. Fresh herbs give the impression that the soup is fresh, and any herb can change the flavor profile of the dish. Try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a boost of spice, Italian seasoning to add a warm and comforting vibe, or cumin or curry powder to take the soup in a whole new direction!
- Add a whole grain. Including a cooked whole grain (like brown rice, barley, or quinoa) adds texture and fiber to the dish, making it more interesting and more filling. Alternatively, you can add your grains to the top of the dish (whole grain tortillas, crackers, or croutons) for a crunchy addition.
- Add beans. Beans are a great source of fiber and plant-based protein. They easily take on the flavor of whatever dish they are included in and boost the nutritional value.
- Add greens. Soup can be an easy way to hide greens from picky eaters or boost your daily vegetable consumption. For many greens their texture softens and mixes with the flavors of the soup. Sturdier greens like collards, kale, and Swiss chard hold their shape in soup while greens like cabbage and spinach melt into the background.
Prefer to eat your soup as is? Look for soups marked low-sodium, that are broth based, and include at least three vegetables for the most nutritional value.
You can find more great tips on boosting the flavor of canned soup here and here!