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No more greasy soups! How to easily skim and remove fat from broth with this trick

Maryal Miller Carter   Paste BN
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If the sight of a slick, oily film floating on top of your soups and broths sends shivers down your spine, you're not alone. It's unappetizing at best and, at worst, an unhealthy addition to your meal. Luckily, there's a quick fix to banish that unwanted layer of grease.

The ice-cold ladle skimming technique is an easy-to-follow process that anyone, novice chefs included, can master. Here's everything you need to know about skimming and removing fat from broth and soup quickly and easily to guarantee they're more nutritious and delicious.

Watch the video above to learn how to easily skim and remove fat from broth and soup.

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How to easily skim and remove fat from broth and soup

  • Refrigerate overnight to make the fat layer solid. By refrigerating the soup or broth overnight, the fat rises to the surface and solidifies, making it easier to remove.
  • Prepare a bowl filled with ice to keep the metal ladle cold during skimming, preventing the fat from melting too quickly.
  • Opt for a metal ladle, as it conducts cold temperature effectively and is sturdy enough to skim the fat off the surface without bending or breaking.
  • Set a bowlful of towels nearby to catch any drips or excess liquid during the skimming process, keeping your workspace clean.
  • Dip the metal ladle into the bowl of ice, allowing it to become cold before skimming the fat from the soup or broth.
  • Fill the ladle with ice cubes.
  • Glide the bottom of the ladle along the surface of the soup, allowing the fat to adhere to the cold metal surface while leaving the broth or soup underneath.
  • Periodically wipe the bottom of the ladle with a paper towel or cloth to remove accumulated fat and oil, ensuring efficient skimming.
  • Repeat the skimming process with each ladle of soup or broth until the fat and oil are removed from the surface of the soup or broth.
  • As the ice melts or the ladle accumulates water, replace the ice as necessary and drain any excess water from the ladle to maintain optimal skimming conditions.

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