Clear soup is a comforting, light, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you want a soothing starter or a healthy meal, mastering the art of making clear soup is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a delicious clear soup, share tips on ingredients, and even show how to customize it with vegetables or chicken. Let’s dive in!
What Is Clear Soup?
Clear soup is a broth-based soup that is transparent and free from cloudiness or thickening agents. It’s made by simmering vegetables, meat, or bones gently to extract flavors without disturbing the clarity of the liquid. Unlike creamy or thick soups, clear soup is light, easy to digest, and full of natural flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of clear soup is its versatility. You can use a variety of vegetables and proteins depending on your preference. Here’s a basic list to get you started:
– Vegetables: Onion (yellow preferred), celery stalks and leaves, carrots, beans, cabbage, mushrooms, cauliflower, capsicum, corn, spring onions
– Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and sometimes herbs like coriander or bay leaves
– Protein (optional): Bone-in chicken or shredded chicken for a clear chicken soup
– Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and optionally a pinch of sugar or herbs like oregano
– Oil: For sautéing aromatics (vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter/ghee)
You can also add a thickening agent like cornstarch if you prefer a slightly thicker texture, but traditionally clear soup is served without it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Clear Soup
1. Prepare Your Vegetables and Aromatics
Start by chopping your vegetables into small, uniform pieces. Yellow onion is preferred over red for a milder flavor and clearer broth. Chop celery, carrots, beans, cabbage, mushrooms, and any other veggies you like.
Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large pot. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger, sautéing for about a minute until aromatic. Then add onions and spring onion whites if using, and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
2. Build Your Broth
Add your chopped vegetables (except mushrooms if you want to sauté them separately) to the pot. Pour in enough water or vegetable stock to just cover the vegetables — about 2 to 3 cups depending on quantity.
Cover and simmer on low heat until the vegetables soften and release their flavors, usually about 20-30 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear. If you want to make chicken clear soup, add bone-in chicken pieces at this stage and simmer until the chicken is cooked and tender.
3. Strain the Broth (Optional)
For an ultra-clear soup, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth to remove vegetable solids and impurities. If you want to eat the vegetables, skip this step and serve them alongside the soup.
4. Sauté Mushrooms and Add Back to Soup
In the same pan, heat a little oil and sauté mushrooms until fragrant. Then add the strained broth back to the pan and simmer until the mushrooms are cooked through. This step adds an earthy depth to your clear soup.
5. Season Your Soup
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance flavors if desired. Herbs like spring onion greens or coriander leaves can be added at the end for freshness.
6. Optional: Thicken Slightly with Cornstarch
If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the boiling soup and cook until it thickens slightly. This step is optional and not traditional for clear soup but can add a nice texture.
7. Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs or spring onion greens, and serve hot. Clear soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a starter to a larger meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Clear Soup
– Use fresh, high-quality vegetables and aromatics for the best flavor.
– Keep the simmer gentle to avoid cloudiness.
– Avoid stirring too much once the soup is simmering.
– For chicken clear soup, simmer longer (up to 5 hours if time permits) to extract more flavor and collagen from the bones.
– Customize your soup by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
– Use homemade broth or good-quality store-bought broth for a richer taste.
Variations to Try
– Vegetable Clear Soup: Use a medley of your favorite vegetables like carrots, beans, cabbage, and mushrooms.
– Chicken Clear Soup: Add bone-in chicken to the broth for a protein-rich version.
– Asian-style Clear Soup: Incorporate ginger, garlic, spring onions, and a splash of soy sauce or miso for an umami twist.
– Herb-infused Soup: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during simmering for added aroma.
Clear soup is a simple yet elegant dish that can be tailored to your taste and dietary needs. It’s perfect for those seeking a light, nourishing meal that’s easy to digest and full of natural goodness.
Enjoy your homemade clear soup — warm, soothing, and crystal clear every time!
Clear soup is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Try these steps and tips to create your perfect bowl of clear soup today!