Electric Hot Pot Cooking: Canned Soup Simplified

Electric hot pots are a convenient and tasty way to cook canned soup. They are perfect for communal dining, allowing everyone to select their proteins, noodles, and vegetables for a fun and social experience. To cook canned soup in an electric hot pot, first select your favourite soup, such as classic tomato or vegetable stew. Then, pour the contents of the can into the hot pot and turn the heat to medium-low. You can also add extra ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or spices to enhance the flavour. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking or burning, and simmer for around 5-10 minutes until heated through. Finally, serve the soup in bowls with garnishes and enjoy!

Choose your canned soup

When choosing your canned soup, it's important to consider the type of soup and the heating method you plan to use. Broth-based soups like vegetable or chicken noodle can be heated using a variety of methods such as a stove, microwave, oven, slow cooker, open fire, or even a coffee maker. However, dairy-based soups like chowders should be heated at a lower temperature to avoid scorching the milk.

Another important consideration is the concentration of the soup. Some canned soups are concentrates or condensed soups, which require additional water to reconstitute them to the ideal consistency. If you forget this step, your soup will be overly salty and thick.

When heating canned soup, it is generally recommended to empty the contents into a separate container, such as a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, rather than heating the soup directly in the can. This is because heating the soup in the can can cause pressure build-up, and the chemicals from the can's liner may leach into your food.

Now, let's talk about the variety of canned soups available. You can find canned soup in various flavours, including:

• Vegetable
• Chicken noodle
• Chowder
• Tomato
• Cream-based soups

Additionally, you can find canned soup with different protein options, such as:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Seafood

You can also find canned soup with a variety of ingredients, such as:

• Vegetables
• Noodles
• Rice

When choosing your canned soup, consider your personal preferences for flavour, texture, and ingredients. You can also get creative and add your own fresh ingredients, such as herbs, spices, and proteins, to enhance the flavour and make it a more substantial meal.

Prep your electric hot pot

• Choose your soup: Select the canned soup of your choice. Whether you're craving classic tomato soup or a hearty vegetable stew, there are many options available at your local grocery store. Check the label for specific cooking instructions or recommendations.
• Prep your pot: Place a medium-sized pot on your stove. Ensure the pot is clean and in good condition. If your soup contains large chunks or vegetables, consider using a pot with a wider base for even heat distribution.
• Pour and heat: Open the can and carefully pour the soup into the pot. Turn the stove heat to medium-low and let the soup heat up slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Cooking the soup at a lower temperature will enhance the flavours and prevent it from boiling over.
• Add your personal touch: While the soup is simmering, you can customise it to your taste. You can add freshly chopped vegetables, herbs, or spices to enhance the flavour. For example, adding a handful of fresh basil leaves to tomato soup can take it to the next level.
• Taste test and adjust: After simmering the soup for a few minutes, use a spoon or ladle to taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add a pinch of salt, pepper, or any other seasonings to suit your preferences.
• Serve and enjoy: Once the soup is heated through and you're happy with the taste, it's time to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pour and heat

Now that you've chosen your soup and prepped your pot, it's time to pour and heat! Open your can of soup and carefully pour it into the pot. If your soup has large chunks or vegetables, you may want to use a pot with a wider base for even heat distribution.

Turn the stove heat to medium-low and let the soup heat up slowly. Give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking or burning. Cooking your soup on lower heat will help develop the flavors and stop it from boiling over.

If your soup is a condensed variety, you will need to add water (or another liquid) to reconstitute it. You can also add extra liquid if you find the soup is too thick for your taste.

Simmering the soup for around 5-10 minutes should be enough to ensure it's thoroughly heated. However, different types and brands of soup may have specific instructions, so always check the label.

While the soup is heating, you can add your own touch by throwing in some freshly chopped vegetables, herbs, or spices. For example, adding a handful of fresh basil leaves to tomato soup can take it to the next level.

Once the soup is heated through, it's time to taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or any other seasonings to suit your taste.

And that's it! You're now ready to serve and enjoy your hot, delicious soup.

Add your personal touch

Using an electric hot pot to cook canned soup is a convenient way to make a quick, tasty meal. While canned soup is a handy option, there are several ways to add your personal touch and elevate it to something special. Here are some ideas to make your canned soup more exciting:

Aromatics

Aromatics are a combination of vegetables and herbs heated in fat, such as oil or coconut milk, and they form the flavour base of your dish. Finely chop and sauté vegetables like onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and ginger in a couple of teaspoons of oil before adding your canned soup to the pot. This will add depth of flavour to your soup. You can also add alliums, which are herbs with a strong flavour and aroma, such as garlic or onion. If you're short on alliums, you can use sturdy herbs, spices, or condiments to create an aromatic base. For example, you could bloom some Madras curry powder, garam masala, or rosemary in your saucepan before adding butternut squash soup. For mushroom soup, thyme, crushed red pepper, and bay leaves would be a great choice.

Dilute

Canned soup can sometimes be a little too thick and salty. To remedy this, simply add more water, low-sodium stock, coconut milk, warmed cream, or crème fraîche to thin it out and reduce the salinity. If you add too much liquid, just keep simmering until it reduces to your desired consistency. For an extra creamy and flavourful base, add a dollop of umami-rich miso, nut or seed butter, leftover mashed potatoes, or steamed cauliflower, and blend it all together.

Greens

Adding a handful of greens is a great way to add some colour and extra nutrition to your soup. Try tossing in some baby spinach, kale, chard, or collard greens at the end of cooking and stirring until wilted. Frozen greens, like spinach or peas, are also a great option.

Carbs

Carbs are the ultimate comfort food and will help make your soup more filling and satisfying. Try adding cooked pasta, diced potatoes, rice, or baked potatoes to your soup. If you want to add some protein, go for beans, bean-based pasta, tofu, or tempeh. Simmer these ingredients with your soup for long enough to absorb the flavours.

Extras

To make your soup a more substantial meal, add some cooked rice, pasta, farro, quinoa, or any grain of your choice. Just remember that grains will absorb liquid, so you may need to add extra water. You can also boost the protein content by adding boiled eggs, shredded chicken, browned sausage, or bacon. For a tangy twist, deglaze your pan with a glug of white wine after sautéing your aromatics. You can also add a splash of acid like lemon juice, vinegar, or hot sauce to brighten up the flavours.

Spices

Spices are a budget-friendly way to add flavour to your soup. Try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, or curry powder. You can also read the ingredients list on your can of soup and add spices that complement the existing flavours.

With these tips, you can transform your canned soup into a delicious and personalised meal. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavours to find your favourite combinations!

Taste test and adjust

Taste-testing and adjusting your canned soup is a crucial step in elevating it from bland to mouth-watering. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

Taste as You Go:

It is essential to taste your soup throughout the cooking process. This allows you to make adjustments as needed and ensures that the final product is well-seasoned and flavourful. Remember to stir the soup before tasting it, as this will ensure you get a true sense of the flavours.

Adjust Seasoning:

If your soup lacks flavour, try adjusting the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavours and bring them together. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to your soup. For example, Italian seasoning works great with tomato-based soups, while smoked paprika adds a subtle sweetness and smokiness. Cayenne pepper or black pepper will add a kick to your soup and excite your taste buds.

Add Aromatics:

Aromatics are a combination of vegetables and herbs heated in fat, such as oil or coconut milk, at the beginning of the dish. They add a depth of flavour to your soup. Garlic is an easy and inexpensive aromatic to add. Sauté it in a teaspoon of oil before adding your soup to the pot. You can also add chopped onions, bell peppers, or celery to enhance the flavour further.

Boost Umami Flavour:

Umami, the fifth taste, adds savouriness and depth to your soup. You can increase the umami flavour by adding ingredients such as cooked meat (e.g., chicken, steak, bacon), leftover vegetables, or cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a soft-cooked jammy egg, similar to what you'd find in a bowl of ramen.

Adjust Consistency:

If your soup is too thick, add some liquid to thin it out. Water, broth, cream, or milk can all be used to adjust the consistency. However, be cautious when adding dairy products, as they can curdle if the soup is too hot. Conversely, if your soup is too thin, create a slurry by mixing equal parts water and cornstarch and slowly adding it to the soup while stirring. This will help thicken it.

Add a Splash of Acid:

Acid can help balance and lift the flavours in your soup. Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to brighten the flavours. Hot sauce is another excellent option, as it adds both heat and acidity. Just be cautious not to add too much at once, as it can easily overpower the other flavours.

Garnish and Serve:

Don't underestimate the power of a well-chosen garnish. Fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or cilantro stirred into your soup just before serving can add a pop of colour and flavour. You can also serve your soup with a side of toasted bread or croutons for dipping, adding a crunchy texture to your meal.

Frequently asked questions