Reheating Soup
Soup is a convenient meal to reheat. Ideally, it is possible to reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. You must thaw the soup before reheating using the microwave or the fridge. It is advisable to avoid reheating a portion of soup twice. Soups contain harmful bacteria that thrive at room temperature and are often only good once after the initial reheat.
An excellent tip to remember when reheating a soup with meat is to reboil it for three minutes. This timeline should keep it safe from any harmful bacterial growth. This method is safest for reheating soup because it can be boiled without the risk of burning the soup. If the soup has a creamy texture, it will likely become too salty, thick, or cloudy with incorrect reheating.
Using the Stovetop to Reheat Soup
- Use a Stovetop Pot
Choose a big pot to boil the soup without losing too much moisture. Little pots are preferred here to wide pots depending on the quantity. Ensure the pot is large enough to prevent losing any soup from boiling over the sides. Leave space at the top of the pot to avoid this.
- Add Moisture to Soup
When dealing with thicker pasta with starchy ingredients, such as pasta or rice, it is best to add liquid. You can choose to add water, meat broth, or milk. The reason for adding this is that the starch soaks up liquid during storage. Ideally, you will add 1.5 cups of fluid for every 1 quart of soup you reheat.
- Stove Temperature
This process involves recooking the soup again for a short period. The ideal heat for this is medium. If the soup is frozen, you will likely need to start at a high temperature before switching to a lower heat. This action should save you a few minutes.
- Heat and Stir
This problem occurs as you heat the soup, and food sticks to the bottom of the pot. Stay with the soup as it reheats and stirs continuously. This task will save you from having to scrub the pot after.
- Boil Then Simmer
Once the soup has boiled for about three minutes, you can take it off the stovetop and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes before serving. It is good to practice taste testing the temperature of the soup before consuming it. A food thermometer will come in handy for this job; however, even your tongue can do the job. A temperature of about 165 F should be sufficient to prevent any harmful bacteria from surviving. Soups that contain chunks of food especially need this process to prevent food poisoning.
Using the Microwave to Reheat Soup
- Pick Your Container
Choosing the correct container is essential to preserve the flavor of the soup. The wrong container can melt in the microwave; therefore, you must use a microwave-safe container. Ensure that this container has a lot of room at the top. This choice will assist you in preventing extra clean-up from soup boiling over in the microwave.
- Cover It Loosely
You can put a lid on the container, however, do not seal it. There must be small openings to allow for the steam to escape. A cap might cause the container to explode.
- Heat & Stir
Select a high-power setting on the microwave and reheat the soup for about 30 seconds. It is advisable to stop the soup halfway and inspect the temperature.
How Long Can You Store Homemade Soup?
When stored in the fridge, soup can last for three days maximum. After this timeline, the soup can become unappealing. The fats and spices within the soup become stale and need you to taste it first before serving. The soup will likely last longer if you have vegetable ingredients in the soup. Soups made with meat often last only three to five days in the fridge. Due to the milk in creamy soups will need to be consumed within two or three days. These are general estimates based on a refrigerator with an average temperature of between 4-6ºC; in temperatures lower than this, some soups can last almost one week. The recipe you choose for your soup will likely come with instructions on the length of time for storage; however, it is always best to taste the soup first before saving. If you choose to freeze your soup, it should have a lifespan of up to three months.
Storing Soup Safely
When storing soup, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to preserve the quality. You need to ensure that it is safely cooled at the correct speed. Therefore, it is often best to store small amounts of soup. If you use more significant portions, they will likely take longer to cool down. There is also the risk of contamination and spoilage. It is best to separate the soup once it has reached room temperature. Ensure that the soup is stored in an airtight container. If this device is unavailable, at least ensure the soup is covered.
FAQ
How many times can you reheat homemade soup?
It is best only to reheat homemade soup once.
Can you reheat canned soup twice?
Canned soup can be reheated two times on average before the soup spoils.
Can you reheat frozen soup twice?
You can only reheat frozen soup once.
Can you reheat tomato soup twice?
Tomato soup cannot be reheated twice as harmful bacteria will grow.