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Introduction
Discover the ultimate comfort in this simple clear soup recipe. It offers a light, delicate flavor, perfect for a soothing meal any time. This versatile dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you need something gentle. Research suggests that consuming clear broths can offer digestive benefits due to their easily digestible nature. Enjoy its digestive benefits and warm, inviting taste with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Clear Soup
You’ll adore this clear soup for its exceptionally light, clean, and savory flavor. It’s a healthy, low-calorie choice that provides pure comfort with every spoonful. Customizing this recipe is effortless, allowing you to tailor it to your liking. Prep time is quick, and the soothing qualities make it perfect for any meal, or when you are feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for your delicious clear soup:
- Aromatics: 1 large sweet onion (peeled and cut into wedges), 2-inch piece fresh ginger (sliced), 6 cloves garlic (peeled and sliced).
- Vegetables: 2 large carrots (cut into chunks), 4 whole scallions (sliced), 10 button mushrooms (sliced thinly).
- Liquid Base: 6 cups quality chicken broth.
- Seasoning: 2 teaspoons oil, salt to taste.
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting a high-quality chicken broth can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your clear soup, as detailed in various broth taste tests. Select a good quality chicken broth for the best clear soup recipe results; vegetable broth or even dashi works beautifully for a vegetarian option. Enhance the vegetable medley with celery, bok choy, or spinach. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add brightness at the end. Try cremini or shiitake mushrooms for deeper flavor. Any neutral cooking oil, like avocado or grapeseed, is suitable.
Equipment
Making this clear soup is straightforward with basic kitchen tools. You will need a large stock pot or Dutch oven to simmer the broth. A fine-mesh sieve is essential for straining the solids effectively. Gather a sharp knife and cutting board for precise vegetable preparation. Finally, use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
How to Make Clear Soup
Follow these easy steps for a delicious clear soup recipe:
Step 1: Prep Vegetables
Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Peel the sweet onion and cut it into thick wedges. Peel the carrots and cut them into large, rustic chunks. Slice the fresh ginger into thin rounds, and peel and slice the garlic cloves. Set aside the sliced scallions and button mushrooms for garnish.
Step 2: Sear Aromatics
Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the hot pot. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the onion wedges, carrot chunks, and ginger slices into the pot. Sear these vegetables on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly and develop rich flavor. This searing step is key to a flavorful clear soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic to the pot with the seared aromatics. Cook the garlic for just 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and barely begins to brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the broth bitter.
Step 4: Simmer Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, covering all the vegetables. Bring the broth to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it gently simmer for one hour. This long simmer extracts maximum flavor from the ingredients, creating a deeply aromatic clear broth.
Step 5: Strain Solids
After simmering, carefully remove the pot from the heat. Place a fine-mesh sieve over another large bowl or clean pot. Pour the entire contents of the simmering pot through the sieve, allowing the clear broth to collect below. Press lightly on the solids with a spoon to extract any remaining liquid. Discard the strained solids or reserve them for composting.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Return the strained, clear broth to the clean pot. Taste the broth and add salt as needed, stirring until dissolved. Divide the hot, savory broth equally among four individual serving bowls. Garnish each bowl generously with fresh sliced scallions and thinly sliced button mushrooms. Serve your homemade clear soup immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Clear Soup
Use high-quality chicken or vegetable broth as your base; it truly makes a difference in the final taste. When adding garlic, cook it briefly, just until fragrant, to prevent bitterness. For optimal clarity, strain your broth twice if necessary through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. To maximize flavor extraction, avoid disturbing the simmering broth too much.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not rush the searing process; proper caramelization builds deep flavor. Avoid over-simmering the broth with fresh garnishes, which can lead to a loss of freshness. Never forget to taste the final broth and adjust seasoning; a perfectly seasoned clear soup elevates the entire experience.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serve this comforting clear soup alongside steamed white rice, a bowl of ramen noodles, or with crusty bread for dipping. For quick meals, prepare it in advance.
Storage: Store leftover clear soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to your bowl for a kick.
- Umami Boost: A splash of soy sauce or mirin at the end deepens the savory notes.
- Herbal: Stir in fresh cilantro, parsley, or chives just before serving for aromatic freshness.
- Noodle Soup: Introduce cooked ramen, udon, or glass noodles to transform it into a heartier meal.
Nutrition Information
This light and flavorful clear soup provides a healthy, hydrating option. Each serving offers approximately 55-65 calories, making it a low-calorie choice. It contains about 5-7 grams of protein, minimal carbohydrates (around 6-8 grams), and very little fat (1-2 grams). This clear soup is naturally customizable to fit various dietary needs, from low-carb to vegetarian.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg (varies by broth) |
FAQ About Clear Soup
What is clear soup made of?
Clear soup typically consists of a flavorful broth base, often made by simmering aromatics and vegetables. It’s then strained to create a transparent liquid, sometimes with light garnishes.
Can I make clear soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken broth with a high-quality vegetable broth or mushroom broth. Ensure all other ingredients are plant-based for a delicious vegetarian clear soup.
How long does homemade clear soup last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade clear soup lasts for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
What can I add to clear soup for more flavor?
For extra flavor, try a dash of soy sauce, a squeeze of lime juice, or a pinch of white pepper. Fresh herbs like cilantro or a few drops of sesame oil also elevate the taste.
Is clear soup good when you’re sick?
Yes, clear soup is an excellent choice when you’re feeling unwell. It is hydrating, easy on the stomach, and provides warmth and gentle nourishment, making it very comforting.
Conclusion
This simple clear soup recipe is a true kitchen hero, offering unparalleled comfort and ease. Its light, clean flavors make it wonderfully versatile, perfect as a starter, a light meal, or a soothing remedy. With minimal effort, you can create a wholesome, deeply satisfying dish. Give this beginner-friendly recipe a try and discover your new favorite go-to.
Simple & Satisfying Clear Soup Recipe
Equipment
- large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
- 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
- 4 whole scallions, sliced
- 10 button mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 6 cups quality chicken broth
- 2 tsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado or grapeseed)
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Peel the sweet onion and cut it into thick wedges. Peel the carrots and cut them into large, rustic chunks. Slice the fresh ginger into thin rounds, and peel and slice the garlic cloves. Set aside the sliced scallions and button mushrooms for garnish.
- Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oil to the hot pot. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the onion wedges, carrot chunks, and ginger slices into the pot. Sear these vegetables on all sides for about 5–7 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly and develop rich flavor.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic to the pot with the seared aromatics. Cook the garlic for just 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and barely begins to brown.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, covering all the vegetables. Bring the broth to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it gently simmer for one hour.
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Place a fine-mesh sieve over another large bowl or clean pot. Pour the contents through the sieve to collect the clear broth. Press lightly on the solids to extract remaining liquid. Discard or compost solids.
- Return the strained broth to the pot. Taste and season with salt as needed. Divide the hot broth into four bowls and garnish each with sliced scallions and button mushrooms. Serve immediately.
