I’m trying to use up the last of the holiday ham in a soup, but the broth is so salty it’s actually painful to eat — how do I neutralize this?

In some cases, the saltiness may be too intense for any of the above methods to be effective. If your soup is overwhelmingly salty, it may be best to strain out the solid ingredients, rinse them if possible, and start over with a new, unsalted broth.

This approach allows you to salvage the effort you’ve put into preparing the ingredients while giving you a fresh start with the liquid component. It’s a more drastic measure but can save your dish from being inedible.

The internet is full of kitchen hacks for fixing overly salty dishes, but not all of them are effective. For example, adding bread can help to an extent, but it doesn’t significantly reduce salt levels. Similarly, adding vinegar or sugar can help balance flavors but won’t reduce the actual sodium content.

It’s important to understand the limitations of these hacks and use them in conjunction with other methods for the best results. Always taste and adjust as you go to ensure the final product is to your liking.

Prevention is often the best cure. To avoid overly salty soup in the future, start by using a low-sodium or homemade broth as your base. Taste your broth after adding ham and before adding any additional salt or seasoning.

Another smart move is to add salt gradually throughout the cooking process rather than all at once. This allows you to better control the final flavor and avoid over-seasoning. Always taste as you cook and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Understanding how sodium concentration works in cooking can help you avoid making the same mistake twice. Remember that reducing a liquid increases its sodium concentration, so be mindful of how much you reduce your soup.

Additionally, be aware of hidden sources of sodium in other ingredients, such as canned vegetables or pre-packaged seasonings. Opt for fresh or low-sodium options whenever possible, and always taste your dish before adding more salt. By keeping these factors in mind, you can create delicious, well-balanced soups every time.