Biscuit Thickeners for Broths
Biscuit thickeners for broths are a traditional American Southern cooking technique where crumbled or cubed biscuits are added to simmering broth to create a hearty, stew-like dish. This method transforms simple ingredients like chicken or vegetable broth, leftover biscuits, and often vegetables or meat into a comforting, one-pot meal. It's a resourceful way to use up stale bread and is deeply rooted in home-style cooking.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates from the biscuits, with moderate protein if meat is included, and can be relatively low in fat depending on the broth and biscuit type. It provides a good source of energy, some B vitamins from the flour, and minerals like iron and selenium, with a rough calorie ballpark of 250-400 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Selenium | 15 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4 mg |
| Folate | 60 mcg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this technique exemplifies the 'waste-not, want-not' philosophy of Southern U.S. cuisine, turning simple leftovers into a satisfying meal. Nutritionally, it's a unique way to add texture and body to broths without using flour or cornstarch, creating a more rustic and filling dish.
