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This image shows a delicate, clear soup served in a round bowl, beautifully garnished with thinly sliced scallions and mushrooms, creating a light yet flavorful dish.

Clear Soup Recipe

Clear soup is a light, flavorful broth made by simmering aromatics like onion, carrots, and ginger, then straining to achieve a smooth, golden liquid. Perfect as a warm, comforting dish, it’s simple yet deeply satisfying, offering a clean taste that highlights fresh ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Japanese
Servings 4 people
Calories 100 kcal

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife
  • Large stockpot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Ladle
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 10 button mushrooms, sliced thinly
  • 2 tsp oil
  • 4 whole scallions, sliced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
  • salt to taste
  • 1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 2 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add oil.
    This image shows a stainless steel pot on a stovetop, with a swirl of oil gently heating up, preparing the base for a rich and aromatic soup.
  • Place the onion, carrots, and ginger in the pot, searing them on all sides until caramelized.
    This image shows vibrant orange carrot slices, golden-brown onions, and fresh ginger pieces being seared in a pot, enhancing the depth of the soup’s flavor.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for an hour.
    This image shows a stream of rich, golden chicken broth being poured into a pot, blending with seared vegetables to create a flavorful and nourishing base.
  • Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids or reserving them for another use.
    This image shows a fine-mesh strainer carefully removing onions, carrots, and ginger from the soup, leaving behind a perfectly clear and flavorful broth.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
  • Divide the hot broth into four bowls, garnishing each with fresh sliced scallions and mushrooms before serving.
    This image shows a beautifully presented bowl of clear soup, garnished with delicate mushroom slices and bright green scallions, ready to be savored.

Notes

  • For extra depth of flavor, roast the vegetables before adding them to the pot.
  • A splash of soy sauce or a dash of white pepper enhances the broth’s umami.
  • Adding a piece of kombu (dried seaweed) while simmering can create a subtle, savory richness.