I make soup regularly. You might say I’m a soup-er fan (sorry). I particularly enjoy creamy soups. It’s like eating a warm hug!
Recipe Spotlight
Thicken Your Soup With. . .Tofu?
This creamless creamy ingredient is your ticket to silky smooth deliciousness.
By Published Apr. 21, 2022.
But creamy soups don’t have to weigh you down. Soups can achieve said creaminess without using cream. You can add cheese, potatoes, coconut milk . . .
. . . or even, tofu?
Sign up for the Notes from the Test Kitchen newsletter
Our favorite tips and recipes, enjoyed by 2 million+ subscribers!
America's Test Kitchen will not sell, rent, or disclose your email address to third parties unless otherwise notified. Your email address is required to identify you for free access to content on the site. You will also receive free newsletters and notification of America's Test Kitchen specials.
That’s right. Tofu. Test Cook Carmen Dongo proved tofu’s “creamability” while working on Five Ingredient Dinners. This book gets 5-ingredient dinners on the table through clever kitchen hacks such as the cross-utilization of ingredients.
In her recipe for Gingery Coconut Carrot Soup, Carmen says, “The secret to both the soup’s silky texture as well as its heartiness is tofu—I crisp some in the saucepan, then blend more into the soup.”
Book
Five Ingredient Dinners
Find delicious and wholesome meals that let you leave the laundry list of ingredients behind.Save 33% Right Now
So the next time you’re looking for a lighter creamy soup option, grab some tofu. You won’t be disappointed.
Gingery Coconut Carrot Soup with Tofu Croutons
Serves 4
- 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut lengthwise into 3 equal slabs, divided
- ¾ teaspoon table salt, divided
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
- ½ cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, chopped
1. Place tofu on paper towel–lined plate and let drain for 20 minutes,then gently press dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with 1⁄4 teaspoon salt and 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 tofu slabs and cook, flipping as needed, until lightly browned on both sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer tofu to cutting board and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces; set aside.
2. Add carrots and remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt to oil left in saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 11⁄2 cups water and coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits and bring to simmer. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat until carrots are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Transfer 1 cup soup and remaining tofu slab to blender and process until smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir pureed soup and reserved browned tofu into remaining soup in saucepan and adjust consistency with extra hot water as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chopped peanuts.