Clear Soup Recipe: Delicious, Healthy & Surprisingly Easy
Clear soup recipe is one of the simplest yet most comforting dishes you can make at home. It’s light, nourishing, and full of natural flavor without being heavy. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, preparing it as part of a liquid diet, or enjoying it on a cool evening, this soup brings warmth to the table.
What makes it truly special is its versatility you can craft it with vegetables for a clean, plant-based flavor or add chicken for a richer, heartier version. The gentle simmering of fresh ingredients fills your kitchen with a delicate aroma that instantly soothes and relaxes. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you how powerful simplicity can be. Each bowl feels like comfort in its purest form honest, wholesome, and beautifully uncomplicated.
In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare a classic clear vegetable soup, plus a variation for chicken lovers. Along the way, you’ll also learn what makes a clear soup recipe unique and why it remains a timeless choice in many kitchens around the world.
Table of Contents
Clear Soup Recipe (Vegetable or Chicken)
Equipment
- Large pot for simmering vegetables and chicken
- Strainer to separate vegetables from broth
- Knife & chopping board for preparing vegetables
- Ladle for serving the soup
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1cup celery stalks chopped
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 10 French beans
- 1/2 head cabbage diced
- 1–2 stalks celery leaves or coriander
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms sliced
- 8 cauliflower florets optional
- 1 tsp garlic chopped
- 1 tsp ginger chopped
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 stalk spring onion greens
- 1 1/2 tsp crushed pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 250 g bone-in chicken optional, for chicken version
Instructions
- Add onion, celery, carrots, beans, and cabbage to a pot with water. Simmer until vegetables are soft.
- Strain to obtain clear vegetable stock.
- Heat oil in the same pot, sauté garlic and ginger until aromatic.
- Add mushrooms or other vegetables and cook briefly.
- Pour the strained stock back in, season lightly, and simmer until tender.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.
- For chicken version: Cook chicken with vegetables and water until tender. Strain, shred meat, and add back after sautéing with garlic and ginger.
Notes
Calories: 65 kcal / Carbohydrates: 12 g / Protein: 3 g / Fat: 2 g / Fiber: 4 g / Sodium:250 mg
The Story & Essence of Clear Soup Recipe
Cooking Memories That Inspire
Hi, I’m Matt, a 42 year old dad of two and a lifelong home cook. My love for cooking began when I spent weekends with my grandfather after my grandmother passed away. In his quiet kitchen, we filled the house with the smell of fresh bread, sizzling pans, and simple meals made with care. Years later, while traveling through Asia, I discovered what would become my favorite starter a clear soup recipe served steaming hot, delicate yet deeply flavorful. That moment reminded me that the best dishes often come from the simplest ingredients, and ever since, this soup has held a special place at my table.
What Makes This Clear Soup Recipe Special
A clear soup recipe isn’t just another broth. It’s a technique that extracts the natural flavors of vegetables or chicken, simmered gently until the liquid becomes both fragrant and nourishing. Unlike creamy or thick soups, this one stays light, transparent, and easy to digest making it perfect for when you need something warm yet not too heavy. It’s also highly versatile. For vegetarians, a clear vegetable soup filled with mushrooms, carrots, and celery is a go-to option.
For meat lovers, a clear chicken soup provides both protein and depth of flavor. Both versions are great whether you’re serving them before a hearty stew meat crock pot dinner or pairing them with a flavorful Asian Salmon Recipe for a balanced meal.
How to Make Clear Soup Recipe Step by Step
Preparing the Vegetable Stock
The base of any great clear soup recipe begins with a deeply flavorful, aromatic stock that captures the true essence of your ingredients. Start by tossing chopped onion, celery, carrots, beans, and a handful of cabbage into a large saucepan, then pour in just enough water to cover them completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat this is where patience turns simplicity into flavor.
As the vegetables cook, they soften slowly and release their natural sweetness. The kitchen fills with the comforting scent of onions and carrots mingling in the steam, a smell that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. You’ll notice the water turning pale gold as the essence of each ingredient blends seamlessly. This slow process is the secret the longer it simmers, the deeper the broth becomes. You don’t want to rush it; this is where a clear soup builds its character.
The beauty of this stage lies in transformation: plain water evolves into a golden, shimmering stock. The sound of gentle bubbling and the sight of steam curling from the pot make it feel like your kitchen is breathing warmth. Once the vegetables are tender and nearly flavorless, strain the liquid carefully through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. What remains is a clean, translucent broth that glows like liquid sunshine pure, simple, and deeply satisfying.
Think of it as crafting a foundation much like when you prepare the base for your baked chicken tenders recipes slow, gentle, and intentional cooking always rewards you with layers of flavor.
Cooking and Flavoring the Soup
Now that your stock is ready, it’s time to build on its essence. In the same pot, warm a spoonful of oil and gently sauté freshly minced garlic and ginger until the aroma fills the room. That instant wave of fragrance signals that your base flavors have awakened. This step adds warmth and a slight kick, enhancing the simplicity of the broth without overpowering it.
Next, stir in mushrooms or substitute with your favorite vegetables like sweet corn, tender broccoli florets, or green peas. Each option adds its own subtle sweetness and texture. Let them cook just long enough to release their natural juices and soften slightly this maintains their brightness and bite. Then, pour your strained stock back into the pot, watching it turn clear and inviting as it comes to a gentle simmer once again.
Season with a pinch of salt, and if you like a touch of depth, a dash of soy sauce. Finish by sprinkling chopped spring onions right before serving to add freshness and a pop of green color.
The beauty of a clear soup recipe lies in its humility no cream, no heavy spices, just clean flavors that speak for themselves. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy it as a soothing appetizer or pair it with barbecue beef sandwiches for a comforting, homey meal. Each spoonful feels like a breath of calm a reminder that good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.
Variations and Ingredients for Clear Soup Recipe
Choosing the Right Vegetables
One of the best things about a clear soup recipe is how flexible it can be. While the base usually includes onion, carrots, beans, and celery, you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. For a heartier bowl, add cauliflower florets, bok choy, or broccoli. If you want a touch of sweetness, corn kernels or peas do the job perfectly. Mushrooms are a classic choice because they bring an earthy richness to the broth, but they’re optional if you prefer a lighter flavor.
The key is to avoid strong-flavored vegetables like too much cabbage, as it can overpower the delicacy of the broth. Just like you’d carefully select ingredients for delicate steamed salmon, choosing the freshest vegetables ensures your soup turns out both nourishing and delicious.
Creative Variations to Try
Clear soup recipes are made in different ways across cultures. In vegetarian versions, the stock is made only with vegetables, while in non vegetarian versions, chicken bones or even seafood can add depth. For chicken clear soup, simmer bone-in chicken with vegetables until tender, then shred the meat and add it back to the broth. For an Asian twist, toss in a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, or a few drops of lemon juice for brightness.
Some even enrich the soup with rice noodles or wontons for a complete meal.If you enjoy hearty comfort dishes, serving this alongside kielbasa crockpot recipes can give your table a balanced mix of light and rich flavors. The beauty of a clear soup recipe is that it can be tailored to your taste, your pantry, and even your dietary needs always simple, always comforting.
Health Benefits and Serving Ideas for Clear Soup Recipe
Why Clear Soup Recipe Is Good for You
One of the reasons a clear soup recipe is so popular is because it’s incredibly light yet nourishing. Since the broth is made by gently simmering vegetables or chicken, it captures essential vitamins and minerals without adding heavy fats or starches. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone recovering from illness, on a liquid diet, or simply looking for a lighter meal option.
It’s gentle on the stomach, provides warmth, and helps the body stay hydrated while aiding natural digestion. For families, it’s also a great way to encourage kids to eat more vegetables, especially when paired with mild flavors they already enjoy. And if you’re searching for a comforting dish that’s kind to your stomach, a bowl of clear soup can be just as soothing as fun favorites like air fryer chicken nuggets.
When and How to Serve Clear Soup
Clear soup recipes are versatile enough to fit into almost any occasion. As a starter, they prepare the palate for a larger meal without being too filling. On colder evenings, they make a cozy dinner when paired with warm bread or light pasta dishes. They’re also perfect as a detox-friendly option after indulgent meals or during festive seasons when balance is needed. Hosting a dinner party? Serving a clear soup as your first course adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming your guests. Whether you make it vegetable based or with chicken, this dish always proves that less can truly be more when it comes to flavor and nourishment.
Why a Clear Soup Recipe Always Feels Right
The Perfect Harmony of Comfort and Nutrition
A clear soup recipe is the definition of balance warm, soothing, and nourishing without being heavy. It’s light enough for days when your stomach needs something gentle, yet flavorful enough to feel deeply satisfying. Each spoonful delivers warmth and hydration, wrapping you in a sense of calm that few dishes can match. Whether you make it with fresh vegetables or tender pieces of chicken, its clean taste always feels restorative.
Endless Adaptability for Every Mood
What makes this soup truly special is its versatility. You can prepare it with simple vegetables for a refreshing, low-calorie option, add chicken for extra protein, or turn it into an Asian-inspired version with soy sauce, sesame oil, or a squeeze of lemon. It easily adapts to your mood, season, or pantry a recipe that invites creativity while staying humble at heart.
A Bowl That Connects Memories and Moments
A clear soup recipe isn’t just food it’s a gentle reminder of simplicity done right. It brings people together around the table, whether it’s a quiet weeknight meal or a comforting dish shared with loved ones. Its aroma fills the kitchen with warmth, much like the quiet evenings in my grandfather’s home when we cooked side by side. Whenever you crave something wholesome, light, and full of flavor, a steaming bowl of clear soup will always be the perfect choice nourishing body and soul, one spoonful at a time.
FAQ About Clear Soup Recipe
How to make clear soup recipe?
To make a clear soup recipe, start by simmering fresh vegetables like onion, carrot, celery, and beans in water until soft. Strain the broth, then sauté garlic, ginger, and mushrooms in a little oil before adding the stock back in. Season lightly with salt or pepper and serve hot.
What is clear soup recipe?
A clear soup recipe is a light, transparent broth made by simmering vegetables or meat until their flavors infuse into the liquid. Unlike creamy or thick soups, it doesn’t include starches, heavy seasonings, or cream, which makes it easy to digest and perfect for a light starter.
How to make clear chicken soup recipe?
For clear chicken soup, simmer bone-in chicken pieces with vegetables in water until the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone. Strain the broth, shred the chicken, and sauté it briefly with ginger and garlic before adding it back to the broth. This version is hearty yet still light.
How to make clear vegetable soup recipe?
A clear vegetable soup is made by first preparing a vegetable stock with onion, carrots, celery, and beans. Then, sauté garlic, ginger, and vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or corn, before pouring the strained stock back in. Simmer until the vegetables are just tender and serve fresh.
What clear soup recipe for colonoscopy?
For colonoscopy prep, the clear soup recipe should be kept very simple: use strained vegetable broth without solid vegetables, oil, or seasonings. Avoid colorful vegetables like beetroot or tomato, as they can affect the clarity. Stick to a light, transparent broth to meet dietary requirements.
❤️ Made with Love ❤️
This clear soup recipe is more than just a light and healthy dish it’s part of my journey as a lifelong home cook. My love for food started in my grandfather’s cozy kitchen, where simple ingredients turned into meals filled with laughter and warmth. Those early memories still guide me every time I cook and write. That passion is what fuels every recipe I share here, crafted with care and family in mind. If you’d like to know more about my story, visit my About Me page. And if you’d like to get in touch directly, don’t hesitate to Contact Me anytime.
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Amaaazing soup!!
Tried this soup today, combination is great, not heavy at all and the most important thing is that it tastes ammaaamzing !!
Stay Connected with Me
Cooking, sharing, and storytelling are what keep my kitchen alive. I’ve always believed that simple recipes like this Clear Soup Recipe can do more than just nourish the body. They remind us to slow down, savor small moments, and share comfort with the people we love.
The aroma of simmering vegetables, the warmth of steam rising from the bowl it all takes me back to my grandfather’s kitchen, where food meant care, connection, and conversation. Those quiet lessons are still what inspire every dish I create today.
If this Clear Soup Recipe made you crave something cozy, sparked a memory from your own home, or inspired you to try a healthier, simpler meal, I’d love to see what’s simmering in your kitchen too. Let’s keep cooking, sharing, and celebrating the joy that good food brings into our lives one bowl at a time.
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