How to Fix a too-salty soup or stew (Rescue in Minutes)
Dinner is on the line and something went sideways. Deep breath — this is fixable, usually in under five minutes.
The rescue, in order
- Dilute: add unsalted broth or water plus a starch (potato chunks, rice, pasta) to rebuild body.
- Balance: a teaspoon of acid (lemon, vinegar) and a pinch of sugar mask moderate over-salting.
- The raw-potato-absorbs-salt myth: it mostly just dilutes — the extra liquid is what saves you.
Why this works
Salt cannot be removed, only outnumbered — more volume, plus acid and sweetness to redirect the palate.
So it never happens again
Salt in layers next time: season at each stage, taste before the final add, and remember reductions concentrate salt.
