Easy Clear Soup Recipe

A warm bowl of clear soup can be the perfect comfort food. It’s light, soothing, and incredibly versatile, often serving as the starting point for many meals, or standing alone as a nutritious snack. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving something easy on the stomach, or just need a bowl of goodness to fill you up without overwhelming you, a clear soup is a fantastic choice.

What makes it special is its simplicity, its clean taste, and how it allows the flavors of each ingredient to shine through. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours of preparation to make a delicious, heartwarming clear soup. You just need a few key ingredients, a little know-how, and a good recipe.

Easy Clear Soup Recipe

This easy clear soup recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. You can adjust it according to your tastes, but the following base recipe will ensure a soothing, delicious result every time.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients for clear soup are minimal, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth (you can also use a homemade stock, if you prefer)

  • This is the foundation of your soup, providing both depth and flavor.

• 1 Medium Carrot, Peeled And Sliced Thinly

  • Carrots give a bit of sweetness and color to the broth.

• 1 Small Onion, Peeled And Quartered

  • Onion infuses the broth with a delicate savory note.

• 2 Stalks Of Celery, Chopped Into Small Pieces

  • Celery adds a refreshing, crisp flavor that complements the other vegetables.

• 1 Clove Of Garlic, Smashed

  • Garlic offers a soft, aromatic kick that’s not overpowering but provides a nice base.

• 1 Bay Leaf

  • Bay leaves add a subtle, herbal note to the broth, enhancing its complexity.

• Salt And Pepper To Taste

  • These are essential to balance the flavors and bring the soup together.

• A Handful Of Fresh Parsley Or Thyme (optional)

  • Fresh herbs give the soup an aromatic finish.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills. The cooking process is designed to extract flavors and create a soothing liquid that’s both light and satisfying.

1. Prepare The Vegetables

   • Wash and peel the vegetables as needed. Slice the carrots thinly to ensure they cook evenly, chop the celery into bite-sized pieces, and smash the garlic gently with the side of a knife.

2. Start The Broth

   • In a large pot, pour in your broth (vegetable or chicken). If you’re using homemade stock, that’s even better for flavor!

3. Add The Vegetables And Garlic

   • Drop in the carrot, onion, celery, and garlic into the pot. Stir them around a bit to coat them in the broth.

4. Simmer And Infuse

   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. The goal here is to extract the flavors from the vegetables and herbs into the broth.

5. Season The Soup

   • After simmering, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. This is your opportunity to adjust the seasoning so the soup tastes just right.

6. Strain The Soup (Optional)

   • If you prefer a completely clear broth without any bits of vegetables, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Some people like to keep the vegetables in for added texture, though, so this step is optional.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Pour the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

• Broth (Vegetable Or Chicken)

  • Broth serves as the liquid foundation of your clear soup. While store-bought broths can work in a pinch, homemade stock will give your soup an entirely richer and more complex flavor. If you choose to go the store-bought route, look for low-sodium options to have more control over the final seasoning.

• Carrots

  • Carrots bring a natural sweetness to the soup that balances the savory flavors of the broth and other vegetables. Thinly sliced carrots cook faster and help the soup stay light and clear. They also add vibrant color!

• Onion

  • Onions are a staple in many soups for their ability to mellow and sweeten as they cook. By quartering them instead of dicing, you’re allowing them to infuse flavor into the broth without overpowering the delicate taste of a clear soup.

• Garlic

  • Garlic in its smashed form adds flavor without dominating the soup’s character. Crushing it releases just enough of its natural oils for a pleasant, aromatic depth.

• Bay Leaf

  • The bay leaf is subtle, but when you add it, the soup takes on a wonderful herbal fragrance. Always remember to remove it before serving as it can be quite tough to chew.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh, High-Quality Broth

  • The broth is the backbone of your soup. If you’re not using homemade stock, make sure you buy a high-quality, preferably organic broth. A great broth can elevate a simple clear soup into something truly comforting.

• Simmer Low And Slow

  • Let the soup simmer on low heat rather than a rapid boil. This will help extract the flavors without making the broth cloudy.

• Customize The Veggies

  • Feel free to customize the vegetable mix! For a more hearty soup, you can add parsnips, leeks, or even potatoes for added texture and flavor.

• Add Lemon Or Vinegar For Brightness

  • A little splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar at the end can really brighten the flavors and make the broth taste more vibrant.

• Strain For Clarity

  • If you want that perfect “clear” soup, strain it! This will give you a broth that is as clean and translucent as possible.

Recipe Variations

While this easy clear soup recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of variations to make it your own:

• Miso Clear Soup

  • Add a tablespoon of miso paste to the broth for a savory, umami twist. This will turn your clear soup into a Japanese-style miso soup. You can also add tofu and seaweed for more substance.

• Clear Chicken Soup

  • If you prefer a protein boost, add small pieces of chicken breast or thighs to the soup. Chicken will also enrich the broth and provide a more hearty base.

• Herb-Infused Clear Soup

  • Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or dill for a fragrant variation. You can add them during simmering and then remove them before serving.

• Spicy Clear Soup

  • Add a dash of chili flakes or a small piece of ginger to your broth for a warm, spicy kick. A little sriracha also goes a long way in adding depth and heat.

• Clear Soup With Noodles

  • Add rice noodles or egg noodles to your soup for a more filling meal. This is especially comforting in colder months.

Final Words

Clear soup is a beautiful example of how something so simple can be incredibly satisfying. It’s nourishing without being heavy, and its clean flavors can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you’re making it as a starter or enjoying it as a meal, it’s a versatile recipe that can work in a variety of ways.