Description
This Japanese Clear Soup is a delicate and flavorful broth made by simmering a blend of chicken and beef broths with aromatic vegetables and seasonings. The soup is light yet rich, featuring caramelized onions, garlic, fresh ginger, and a medley of mushrooms and scallions for garnish. Perfect as a warm appetizer or a soothing light meal, this traditional clear soup embodies subtle umami flavors that are both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth and Vegetables
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (or peanut 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 (for garnish)
- 10 button mushrooms, sliced thin (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Vegetables: Place a large 8-quart stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the sesame or peanut oil and then the onion wedges, smashed garlic cloves, carrot chunks, and sliced ginger. Sear the vegetables carefully on all sides until they begin to caramelize, being cautious not to burn the garlic, which enhances the depth of flavor in the broth.
- Add Broths and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, beef broth, and water into the pot with the seared vegetables. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a low boil. Let the soup simmer gently for at least one hour to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Strain the Broth: Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the vegetables from the broth. Taste the soup and add salt gradually, adjusting seasoning as needed to ensure a balanced, clean flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot clear broth into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and thinly sliced button mushrooms on top for fresh texture and added taste. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken and beef broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, though the flavor profile will differ.
- Be cautious when caramelizing the garlic so it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can impart bitterness.
- Simmering the broth for longer than one hour can deepen the flavors further if preferred.
- This clear soup is excellent served as a starter or alongside a Japanese meal.
- Adjust salt seasoning at the end to control sodium levels according to your dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
