Name: Japanese Clear Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 8 cups chicken broth; 4 cups beef broth; 4 cups water; 1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges; 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; 2 large carrots, cut into chunks; 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced; 4 whole scallions, chopped; 10 button mushrooms, sliced thin; Salt to taste

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Why Make This Recipe

Japanese Clear Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. It’s simple to make and packed with lovely flavors from the fresh ingredients. This soup is perfect as a starter or can be enjoyed on its own. The clear broth showcases the vibrant colors and textures of the vegetables, making it not just tasty but visually appealing too.

How to Make Japanese Clear Soup

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons sesame oil
8 cups chicken broth
4 cups beef broth
4 cups water
1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
2 large carrots, cut into chunks
2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
4 whole scallions, chopped
10 button mushrooms, sliced thin
Salt to taste

Directions:

Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat.
Add the sesame oil to the pot.
Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and ginger. Sear the veggies on all sides to caramelize, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat to a low boil and let it simmer for at least one hour.
Use a skimmer to remove the vegetables from the broth.
Taste the broth and add salt as needed.
To serve, ladle hot broth into bowls and sprinkle chopped scallions and sliced mushrooms over the top.

How to Serve Japanese Clear Soup

Serve Japanese Clear Soup hot. You can enjoy it in a bowl on its own or pair it with some rice or noodles for a heartier meal. Adding fresh scallions and thinly sliced mushrooms right before serving enhances the flavor and provides a lovely presentation.

How to Store Japanese Clear Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool down completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the broth may expand when frozen.

Tips to Make Japanese Clear Soup

Always sear the vegetables properly to enrich the flavor of the broth.
Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
Adjust the salt at the end to control the saltiness of the broth.
You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like bok choy or spinach.

Variation

Feel free to change up the recipe by using different types of broth, such as vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add proteins like tofu or cooked chicken for added substance.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.

2. Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like or have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or snow peas.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that the broths used do not contain gluten, which is commonly found in some soy sauces and broths. Check the labels to be safe.