Vegetable Clear Soup
A light and comforting soup packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables in a savory, aromatic broth. This Indo-Chinese classic is perfect as a starter or a light meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Heat sesame oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once warm, add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and spring onion whites. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become aromatic but do not brown.
Add the finely chopped carrots and french beans to the pot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly while retaining their crunch.
Add the shredded cabbage and sweet corn kernels. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt.
Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to high. Bring the soup to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and white pepper powder. Stir well to combine all the seasonings.
Allow the soup to simmer for 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld together and for the vegetables to cook through while remaining tender-crisp.
Turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped spring onion greens. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, ensure all vegetables are chopped into small, uniform pieces.
- 2The key to a great clear soup is not to overcook the vegetables. They should have a slight bite to them.
- 3Use a good quality, low-sodium vegetable broth as it forms the base flavor of the soup.
- 4For a thicker soup, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the simmering soup and cook for 2 minutes until it thickens.
- 5A few drops of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added for a spicy kick.
- 6To save time, use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots).
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Packed Soup
Add 1/2 cup of cubed firm tofu or paneer along with the broth in step 4 for a more filling soup.
Mushroom Clear SoupMushroom Clear Soup
Add 1 cup of sliced button or shiitake mushrooms along with the carrots and beans in step 2.
Spicy Garlic SoupSpicy Garlic Soup
Double the amount of garlic and add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies along with the ginger and garlic in step 1.
Noodle SoupNoodle Soup
Add a portion of pre-cooked hakka noodles or ramen noodles to each bowl before ladling the hot soup over them.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating and Light
With a broth base and high water content from vegetables, this soup is an excellent way to stay hydrated. It's light on the stomach and easy to digest.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Loaded with a variety of vegetables like carrots, beans, and cabbage, this soup provides essential vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals that support overall health.
Boosts Immunity
The inclusion of garlic and ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can help strengthen the immune system.
Aids in Weight Management
Being low in calories and high in fiber, this soup can help you feel full and satisfied, making it a perfect addition to a weight-loss or weight-management diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, and is very hydrating. Using low-sodium broth makes it a heart-healthy choice as well.