
Thickening a sauce or soup without reaching for cornstarch or any spice blends is easier than most people think, and this two-ingredient slurry proves it. Arrowroot starch whisks into cold water in seconds, creating a silky, lump-free mixture that's ready to go before your pot even comes to a simmer. Many commercial thickeners and spice-forward shortcuts sneak in additives or golden-hued ingredients that simply don't work for anyone avoiding turmeric β this one keeps things completely clean and neutral. The real magic happens when the slurry hits that gently simmering liquid: within about a minute of constant stirring, your broth, sauce, or gravy turns glossy and beautifully coated without any starchy aftertaste. One important trick the instructions nail is pulling the pan off the heat promptly β arrowroot breaks down under prolonged high heat, so timing matters. Keep this ratio in your back pocket and you'll never be stuck with a thin, watery sauce again.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more β4 servings


Combine the arrowroot starch and cold water in a small bowl and whisk or stir with a fork until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.
Bring the liquid you want to thicken (sauce, soup, or broth) to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium heat.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
