Soups & Stews > Soup & Stew Thickeners > Natural Thickeners > Potatoes (Starchy)

Mashed Potato Thickener

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into a creamy and flavorful thickener for your soups and stews. This method adds body and richness, offering a comforting and hearty texture. This is an excellent way to use up leftovers and impart a subtle potato flavor to your dish. Ideal for heartier stews and creamy soups.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
Variable (Thickens approximately 4-6 servings of soup/stew)
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Mashed Potatoes (plain, unseasoned or lightly seasoned)
  • 1/2 cup Warm Broth or Water

Preparing the Mashed Potato Puree

In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the warm broth or water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no large lumps. The consistency should be similar to a thick soup. You can also use an immersion blender for an extra smooth texture.

Adding to Soup or Stew

Bring your soup or stew to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat slightly. Gradually stir the mashed potato puree into the simmering liquid. Stir constantly to ensure even distribution and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Adjusting Thickness and Flavor

Continue simmering and stirring for about 5-10 minutes, or until the soup or stew reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Since the mashed potatoes already contain seasoning, you may need to reduce the amount of salt or other spices you add. Consider that if your mash potatoes was seasoned the result will be flavored.

Serving

Once thickened and heated through, the soup or stew is ready to serve. The mashed potatoes will add a creamy texture and subtle potato flavor to the dish.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information is highly variable depending on how the mashed potatoes were originally prepared. The following is a general estimate.

Calories: ~80-120
Carbohydrates: ~15-25g
Protein: ~1-3g
Fat: ~2-6g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

The nutritional content will be affected by any additions to the mashed potatoes, such as butter, milk, cream, or cheese. Be mindful of these additions when considering the overall nutritional profile of your soup or stew.

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FAQ

  • Can I use cold mashed potatoes?

    Yes, but warm them slightly with the broth or water before adding to the soup or stew to ensure they incorporate smoothly.
  • What if my mashed potatoes are heavily seasoned?

    Use sparingly and taste frequently, adjusting the overall seasoning of the soup or stew accordingly. Heavily seasoned mashed potatoes may overpower the flavor of the dish.
  • Can I use instant mashed potatoes?

    Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used, but the texture and flavor may not be as desirable as freshly made or leftover mashed potatoes. Follow the package instructions to prepare the instant potatoes before adding them to the soup or stew.