Clear Soup Vegetable Recipe

When you think of comfort food, few things hit the mark quite like a clear vegetable soup. It’s a warm, nourishing, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for those moments when you need something light yet satisfying. A clear vegetable soup is not just about the taste-it’s about the way it makes you feel. It’s like a hug in a bowl, offering both nourishment and a sense of relaxation. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can play around with the flavors, textures, and ingredients. Whether you’re on a health kick, recovering from a cold, or simply in the mood for a simple yet flavorful meal, this clear vegetable soup will never disappoint.

In this post, we’re diving deep into the world of clear soup vegetable recipes. I’ll walk you through the essential ingredients, offer detailed cooking instructions, provide expert tips for perfecting the soup, and even share some variations you can try. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this is a dish that’s both accessible and endlessly customizable.

So, let’s get cooking and explore the magic of this deliciously clear vegetable soup!

A clear soup vegetable recipe is essentially a broth-based soup where the flavors of the vegetables shine through without the heaviness of cream or thickening agents. The beauty of a clear soup lies in its simplicity-nothing too fancy, just fresh, wholesome ingredients simmered to perfection. It’s all about letting the natural flavors of the vegetables take center stage, while the broth serves as a delicate backdrop.

This recipe is perfect for those who want something light yet flavorful. The key to making a delicious clear vegetable soup lies in selecting the right mix of vegetables and spices, and giving it enough time to cook to extract the full depth of flavor.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic clear vegetable soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional for a bit more body)
1 zucchini, chopped (adds texture and a mild sweetness)
1 cup green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 cups vegetable broth (or water, but broth gives more flavor)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf
Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Feel free to adjust the vegetable mix to your preference or what’s in season. This soup is incredibly flexible and can easily be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Cooking Instructions

Making a clear vegetable soup is simple but requires patience for those flavors to develop properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepare The Vegetables
- Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, chop the celery, mince the garlic, and cut the zucchini and green beans into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté The Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add Garlic And Herbs
- Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and oregano to the pot. Sauté for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it!
Add The Broth And Bay Leaf
- Pour in the vegetable broth, adding a bay leaf for extra flavor. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
Simmer
- Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Taste the broth at this stage and add salt and pepper to your liking.
Add The Zucchini And Green Beans
- After the soup has simmered for a while, throw in the zucchini and green beans. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through but still maintain some bite.
Taste And Adjust Seasoning
- Before serving, taste the soup again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it a bit more herby, add a pinch more thyme or oregano.
Serve And Garnish
- Remove the bay leaf, ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in a clear vegetable soup plays a distinct role, both in flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the star ingredients:

Carrots: Naturally sweet, carrots add both flavor and color to the soup. Their sweetness balances the savory elements, making the broth richer.
Celery: Celery adds a mild, refreshing crunch and an earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the carrots.
Onions: Onions are a staple in most soups and provide a savory base. When sautéed, they release natural sugars that give the broth a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Zucchini: Zucchini is mild but adds a nice texture and subtle flavor that complements the other vegetables without overpowering them.
Green Beans: Green beans are slightly crisp when cooked and provide a fresh, clean taste to the soup. They also add a nice pop of color.
Potatoes: Potatoes, while optional, can give the soup a heartier feel and provide some starch to naturally thicken the broth, though this is still a clear soup.
Herbs (Thyme & Oregano): Thyme is earthy and slightly citrusy, while oregano gives a warm, slightly bitter flavor. Together, they make the broth more complex.

Expert Tips

Use a good-quality broth: The broth is the foundation of the soup, so using a flavorful vegetable broth will elevate the dish. Homemade broth is always the best option, but store-bought ones work just fine, too.
Don’t overcrowd the pot: You want the vegetables to have enough space to release their flavors into the broth. If you add too many at once, the soup might get too thick or stew-like instead of clear.
Let it simmer: While this soup doesn’t need to cook for hours, don’t rush the simmering process. Let the vegetables cook slowly to really draw out their flavors.
Season gradually: Start with a pinch of salt and pepper and taste the soup as it cooks. You can always add more, but it’s hard to fix an overly salted broth.
Strain the broth (optional): If you want an extra-clear soup, you can strain the broth after it’s finished cooking to remove any small vegetable particles.

Recipe Variations

Add leafy greens: Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard are great additions that boost nutrition and add a vibrant green color to the soup.
Spicy twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili for a spicy kick. A pinch of smoked paprika can also add depth and warmth.
Add beans or lentils: For a more filling soup, you can add some cooked beans or lentils. These add texture, fiber, and protein, turning the soup into a more hearty meal.
Go Asian: Try adding ginger, soy sauce, and a bit of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist. You can also add mushrooms, bok choy, or tofu for additional protein.
Add pasta or rice: If you prefer a more filling soup, throw in some small pasta like orzo or a scoop of cooked rice. These can help bulk up the soup while still keeping it light.

Final Words

There’s something timeless and comforting about a bowl of clear vegetable soup. It’s simple yet satisfying, and it’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for any season-whether you want something light for spring or a soothing bowl on a chilly winter day. The best part is that it’s incredibly flexible, so you can adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your personal taste or whatever you have available in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables, which makes it not only delicious but economical too!

Clear Soup Vegetable Recipe