The Easiest Way To Fix A Salty Soup According To Julia Child

Julia Child, the renowned chef and television personality, offered a simple yet effective solution for fixing overly salty soup. Her approach emphasizes balance and the enhancement of natural flavors rather than masking the saltiness. One of the most straightforward methods she recommended is the addition of unsalted liquid, such as water or unsalted broth, to dilute the salt concentration. This method preserves the original flavors while reducing the overall saltiness. Additionally, Julia suggested incorporating starchy ingredients like potatoes or rice. These ingredients absorb some of the excess salt during cooking. Simply add them to the soup and allow them to simmer until they’re tender, then remove them if they don't complement the dish. Another technique involves adding a touch of acidity, such as a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice, which can help balance the flavors by counteracting the saltiness. Finally, Julia also recommended the use of dairy products, such as cream or milk, which can mellow the salty taste and add a rich texture. By employing these methods, cooks can salvage their soups without compromising on the depth and complexity of flavors that make them delightful.
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Raw grated potato

Julia Child's useful tip can truly rescue a pot of soup. While it may require a bit more time to grate the potatoes and strain them out afterward, it's certainly preferable to discarding an entire batch. You can grate the potatoes raw directly into the soup and let them sit for a few minutes.

It's essential to remember that potatoes absorb both liquid and salt. Essentially, the grated potatoes will function like a sponge, soaking up the surrounding liquid, including any excess salt in the soup. While this can help reduce saltiness, it may also result in your soup losing some liquid.

Fortunately, there's a simple solution for that. If your soup appears too thick, just add some extra water after the potatoes have done their job. Other non-salty liquids can also be used, depending on the type of soup and your personal taste preferences.

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