The temps are getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. Now what? It’s time to make soup! And there are so many kinds of soups to choose from! There’s pho, ramen, udon, menudo, pozole, chicken noodle, chicken and rice, chicken and Flintstones-shaped paste, and more! There’s also condensed soup. Does that just mean that the words on the label have been shortened? No, of course not. Well then, what is condensed soup? What does condensed soup mean? Let’s put the soup on and get some answers!.
Condensed chicken soup is a pantry staple that has been loved by families for decades. But what exactly is condensed soup and how is it made? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about condensed chicken soup.
What is Condensed Soup?
Condensed soup is a type of canned soup where excess water has been removed through an evaporation process. This results in a thicker, more concentrated soup base that packs more flavor in each spoonful.
John T. came up with the idea of making condensed soup. Dorrance was a chemist who worked for Campbell Soup in the early 1900s. It was discovered by Dorrance that taking out about 60 to 70 percent of the water from regular canned soups made them taste better and take up less space on store shelves and kitchen pantries.
How is Condensed Chicken Soup Made?
To make condensed chicken soup, chicken broth and pieces of cooked chicken are combined in a large pot. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions may also be added for more flavor.
After that, the soup is simmered for a long time, which lets a lot of the water evaporate. To keep the soup from burning, extra water is added from time to time.
Once the desired thickness is reached the condensed soup is sealed into cans. The process of canning further removes any remaining excess liquid, concentrating the flavors even more.
Difference Between Condensed and Regular Chicken Soup
The main difference between condensed and regular chicken soups is the thickness and intensity of flavor Condensed has a creamy, thick texture whereas regular soup tends to be more brothy
Because the extra water is taken out, each bite of condensed chicken soup has more chicken flavor. It can make the same amount of chicken soup taste two to three times better.
Condensed soup is also more versatile as an ingredient. It’s great for cooking and baking because it’s thick. It makes casseroles, gravies, sauces, and more taste richer.
Nutrition Facts of Condensed Chicken Soup
A 1/2 cup serving of condensed chicken soup contains around:
- 120 calories
- 8g total fat
- 870mg sodium
- 9g carbohydrates
- 2g protein
It’s high in sodium content but provides protein from the chicken. Look for low-sodium or organic varieties to reduce the sodium levels.
Uses for Condensed Chicken Soup
Condensed chicken soup is a versatile pantry ingredient with many uses:
- Add to casseroles, pasta bakes, pot pies – provides creamy base
- Make quick chicken gravy for meats, potatoes
- Use in sauces and savory pie fillings
- Add richness, body, and flavor to risottos and rice dishes
- Make chicken pot pie filling by adding veggies and cooked chicken
- Use as a substitute for regular chicken broth in recipes
- Thicken and flavor soups, chilies, and stews
- Bind together chicken salad or chicken wraps
Tips for Cooking with Condensed Chicken Soup
- Always dilute it with water or milk to reach desired consistency
- 1 can condensed soup + 1 can liquid = regular soup texture
- Reduce sodium by rinsing before use
- For richer flavor, use broth instead of water to reconstitute
- Add extra seasonings and herbs to suit your taste
- Saute onions, garlic, etc. before adding condensed soup for more depth
Is it Healthy?
While convenient, condensed soups are quite high in sodium. Moderation is key when enjoying them. Go for low-sodium or organic condensed chicken soups when possible.
Making homemade condensed chicken soup is another healthy option. This allows you to control ingredients and sodium levels. Simmer chicken broth until thickened, then store in airtight jars in the fridge for up to a week.
Condensed vs Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup is a variant of classic condensed chicken soup. It has a smoother, more velvety texture thanks to the addition of cream or milk. The creamy component makes it excel as a base for casseroles and baked dishes.
Both can be used interchangeably in recipes, but cream of chicken soup offers a richer mouthfeel and flavor.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
There are gluten-free and vegan condensed soup alternatives on the market for those with dietary restrictions. Gluten-free options use gluten-free thickeners like rice flour or tapioca.
Vegan varieties replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based creamers. Check ingredient lists to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
Condensed chicken soup is a convenience food that has become a beloved kitchen staple. With its concentrated flavors and creamy texture, it can elevate the taste of countless dishes. Follow proper storage and consume mindfully to enjoy its versatility.
What is condensed soup?
You may have noticed that Campbell’s soup cans have the word “condensed” written across the label if you have ever looked at one or been stuck in an Andy Warhol gallery. What does condensed soup mean? Well, it basically means that soup has been condensed. Condensed soup is a soup that has had most of the water removed so that it becomes a thick stock or cream. To reconstitute it back into a regular soup, just add water or cream.
There are cream-based, protein and carb-heavy soups like chicken noodle, and even stock-based soups that come in a can. When you have a can of Campbell’s chicken noodle soup, it’s kind of thick. That’s because it’s condensed. The instructions say to add one can of water and heat it up. When you do that you are reconstituting the soup.
How is condensed soup made?
So we know that condensed soup is soup with much of the water removed. But how do you make condensed soup? Simply boil it. Condensed soup is made by boiling soup down to a thick consistency. You can reduce liquids by boiling them and letting the water evaporate. What’s left over is a thick, concentrated version of the liquid.
Preparing Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup from START to FINISH
FAQ
What’s the difference between chicken soup and condensed chicken soup?
Condensed soup is a soup that has had most of the water removed so that it becomes a thick stock or cream. To reconstitute it back into a regular soup, just add water or cream. There are condensed canned versions of most popular soups; cream based, protein and carb like chicken noodle, and even stock bases.
What does it mean if your soup is condensed?
Condensed Soup is just regular soup that has been simmered or cooked down until almost all the water has been boiled out, leaving a thicker soup that can be reconstituted again later with more water or a small amount of milk.
What is in condensed chicken soup?
CHICKEN BROTH (WATER, CHICKEN STOCK), MODIFIED CORN STARCH, CHICKEN FAT, SEASONED CHICKEN, VEGETABLE OIL (CORN, CANOLA AND OR SOYBEAN), WHEAT FLOUR, SALT, CREAM, YEAST EXTRACT, MODIFIED MILK INGREDIENTS, SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, ONION POWDER, VINEGAR, BETA CAROTENE, FLAVOUR (CONTAINS CELERY).
Who makes condensed chicken soup?
Cream of Chicken Condensed SoupCampbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup is a wonderfully warming soup on its own or versatile enough to be used in countless recipes to complement any dish.