Oops, Too Salty! Here's How I Saved My Pot of Soup (And How You Can Too)

There I was, proudly stirring my pot of ogbono soup, humming along to Asa’s “Bibanke,” when I decided to taste my masterpiece. And then bam! Salt. Too. Much. Salt. 

My heart sank. I had been looking forward to that soup all day. But instead of panicking, I remembered something my mum used to say: “A good cook isn’t one who never makes mistakes, but one who knows how to fix them.” So, apron still on and hope still alive, I got to work.

If you’ve ever over-salted your pot of stew, egusi, ogbono, or even jollof, you’re not alone. Here are a few tried-and-true ways to rescue your favorite African and Nigerian dishes when the salt is threatening to take center stage:

1. Add More Ingredients (a.k.a. "Stretch the Soup")

This is the oldest trick in the Nigerian kitchen book. If your pot of efo riro is screaming "salt overload," just add more chopped spinach, waterleaf, or ugwu. You can also add more meat stock (unsalted) or plain water, depending on what the dish is.

Bonus tip: Re-season carefully after diluting. 

2. Drop in a Potato 

This trick works beautifully for soups and stews. Wash and peel a potato, drop it in the pot while it's still cooking, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The potato will absorb some of the salt, acting like a sponge.

Note: Don’t forget to remove the potato before serving unless you’re feeling adventurous.

3. Serve with Plain Sides

Sometimes, the fix isn’t in the pot - it’s on the plate. If your soup is too salty, try eating it with plain white rice or boiled yam. These neutral sides will tone down the saltiness with each bite.

4. Balance with Acidity or Sugar

A dash of lemon juice or vinegar can help cut through excess salt in tomato-based stews or sauces. In certain soups, a tiny pinch of sugar can also help rebalance flavors. Just go slowly, and taste as you go!

Don’t Just Cook, Cook With Confidence

Truth is, even experienced cooks have salty disasters. But with a few hacks and quality ingredients on your side, you can turn a potential flop into a flavorful comeback.

That’s where Flourish Spices & African Food comes in. From our signature moi moi mix and nkwobi delight to our rich, spice blends, we’re here to help you cook confidently, every single time.

Ready to Elevate Your Kitchen Game?

Visit us at Flourish Spices & African Food or stop by our store in Salem to stock up on high-quality spices, blended seasonings, and pantry must-haves. And yes, we’ve got cut and sliced plantains (ripe and unripe) to save you prep time.