Cooking Basics: Blending Hot Soups

In the Kitchen

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There's something warm and inviting about a steaming bowl of homemade soup on a chilly day. Imagine a rich tomato bisque with its velvety texture or a vibrant butternut squash soup that's sweet and satisfying. The act of blending turns chunky ingredients into a silky, unified dish.

Today, I will provide you with essential techniques for blending hot soups, covering everything from equipment choices to best practices that can take your soup-making skills to the next level.

Why Blending Matters

Blending hot soups does more than just change their texture. It creates a more complex flavor. Consider this: when you blend ingredients, they release their natural oils and flavors which mix together beautifully.

According to the USDA and Tufts, cooking vegetables can increase the availability of certain nutrients. For instance, blending butternut squash can help release its rich beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your body, improving vision and immune function. The result? Creamy purees that feel luxurious, even when they are made without cream.

Mastering the blending technique allows you to create soups that not only taste exceptional but also highlight the natural sweetness of the vegetables. So whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting, understanding the blending process can elevate your cooking experience significantly.

The Tools You’ll Need for Blending Hot Soups

When blending hot soups, several methods work, depending on the tools you have and the texture you desire.

Immersion Blender

The immersion blender, or stick blender, is my top choice for blending hot soups. It allows for blending directly in the pot, significantly reducing cleanup time. This tool minimizes the risk of transferring hot ingredients and avoids splatters that could lead to burns. Plus, it’s compact and easy to handle, making it perfect for everyday use.

I've had mine for decades and rely on it for blending soups, and sauces among other things. If you want to learn more about immersion blenders, check out the America's Test Kitchen video about immersion blenders. It will give you what to look for in an immersion blender if you want to buy one.

Countertop Blender

If all you have is a countertop blender, you can still whip up delicious soups, although it requires extra care. Let the soup cool for about 5-10 minutes before blending to prevent steam buildup, which can cause splattering.

Always blend in small batches, filling the blender jar halfway to ensure safety. This technique helps achieve a smooth texture without messy accidents.

Steps to Blend Hot Soups

Using an Immersion Blender

1. Cook Your Ingredients: Begin by sautéing your aromatics, then add the main ingredients, such as vegetables and broth. Cook until the vegetables are tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the types used.

   
   

2. Blend it Smooth: Place the immersion blender into the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged. Turn it on and move it around to blend until you reach your desired smoothness.

   
   

3. Taste and Adjust: After blending, taste your soup. You may find it needs a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You may also want to reheat it a bit after tasting it.

   
   

Using a Countertop Blender

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the soup to sit for about 5-10 minutes after cooking. This waiting period is essential for safety. Hot soup creates a lot of steam. When you blend it you create more surface area and more steam. The pressure can build up and literally blog the top off the blender and create a huge mess.

   
   

2. Transfer with Care: Pour the soup into your blender, filling it only halfway. Remove the center cap of the lid to let steam escape, reducing the chances of overflow.

   
   

3. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and start blending on a low speed. Increase to high gradually for a perfectly smooth puree. It is good to have a towel on the top of the lid, and hold your hand on the top as well to ensure that you are in control as the steam increases.

   
   

4. Reheat if Necessary: If your soup cools down too much, simply return it to the pot and gently reheat before serving.

   
   

Tips for Perfectly Blended Soups

1. Seasoning is Key: Adjusting seasoning before and after blending is vital. Taste your soup multiple times while cooking to achieve a balanced flavor. Remember the flavor of your soup may change slightly as all the ingredients are being blended together. Tasting after is critical to ensure the seasoning is right where you want it.

   
   

2. Watch the Temperature: For countertop blending, be aware that hot liquids create pressure. Always keep a towel and your hand on the top to ensure it blends safely. I will also stop blending as I go and pop the lid off to release some of the pressure.

   
   

3. Adjust Ingredients Gradually: With an immersion blender, blend longer for a smoother texture, while with a countertop blender, control the pace of blending by starting with smaller amounts of soup.

   
   

4. Experiment with Textures: Not all soups need to be completely pureed. Try blending half of your soup and mixing it with the other half for a delightful textural contrast.

   
   

5. Think Beyond the Bowl: Garnish your blended soups with whole ingredients for added texture and visual appeal. Try croutons, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil to make the dish pop.

   
   

Blending hot soups is a quick and easy way to make a silky, rich soup. With just a few techniques and tips, you can create delightful textures that will have your friends and family eagerly asking for more.

Gather your favorite vegetables and unleash your culinary creativity! With a dash of practice, you’ll soon master the art of blending soups.

Happy cooking!

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Jen Vondenbrink is a cooking, food, and lifestyle blogger at Appetite for Life since 2020.  Jen Vondenbrink has over 35 years of professional cooking experience apprenticing with local pastry and artisan bread makers, working for culinary innovator J. Bildner & Sons in Boston, as well as Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. Jen Vondenbrink has published cookbooks such as Thanksgiving Recipes From Home, Fun Summer Recipes, and the Cozy Soup Cookbook.  Jen Vondenbrink also hosts the Appetite for Life Cooking Club, where members get insights to enhance their cooking.  Jen Vondenbrink offers cooking classes and cooking coaching, working one-on-one with people to strengthen their cooking knowledge and skills.