Vegetable Clear Soup Recipe for a Light, Healthy Meal

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, soothing bowl of clear vegetable soup. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a light meal, or simply want to enjoy a nourishing dish, this vegetable clear soup recipe is the perfect choice.

It’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant vegetables simmered gently to create a broth that’s both flavorful and refreshing. Unlike creamy soups, this clear broth allows the natural sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables to shine through, making it not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ideal for those who appreciate simplicity in cooking, this recipe is quick to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and can easily be customized to your taste and what you have on hand. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, catering to various dietary preferences.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, let’s dive into this delightful vegetable clear soup recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetable clear soup is a versatile dish that suits every season and occasion. The light and clear broth is packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for detoxing or simply enjoying a wholesome meal.

It’s low in calories but high in flavor, which means you can indulge without any guilt.

This soup is also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of fresh vegetables and simple seasonings. The preparation is straightforward, and you can tweak the ingredients to match your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

It’s perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or even as a comforting dinner on chilly evenings.

Additionally, this recipe is a wonderful way to sneak in more vegetables into your diet, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. If you love exploring more vegetarian delights, you might also enjoy our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably homemade or low sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Optional: A pinch of chili flakes or a splash of lemon juice

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Soup bowls for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Incorporate the diced carrots and celery into the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
4. Add the zucchini, green beans, and diced tomato. Stir well to combine all the vegetables.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.
8. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. For an added zing, a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the broth. This simple step adds a delightful caramelized depth to your soup.”

If you want to customize this soup, try adding mushrooms, baby corn, or even a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra greens. For an Asian twist, incorporate some ginger and a dash of soy sauce or tamari instead of salt.

For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked noodles, rice, or beans. This vegetable clear soup is very forgiving and flexible.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary, which pair wonderfully with the clear broth.

Make sure to use fresh, high-quality vegetable broth, or better yet, make your own for the best results. For more ideas on seasoning blends, check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable clear soup is light enough to serve as a starter for a multi-course meal or robust enough as a main when paired with some crusty whole-grain bread or a fresh green salad. It also pairs beautifully with dishes like our Cheeseless Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe That Tastes Amazing or a simple quinoa bowl.

For a complete meal, you can serve it alongside a protein-rich dish such as lentil patties or a chickpea salad. If you want more soup ideas that are both healthy and flavorful, browse our collection of Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.

Conclusion

Vegetable clear soup is an elegant yet humble dish that embodies the essence of comfort and health. Its simplicity makes it approachable for cooks of all skill levels, while its versatility invites creativity in the kitchen.

This soup is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh seasonal vegetables and can easily become a go-to recipe when you need something nourishing, light, and delicious.

With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up this soup any day of the week. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to eat clean but still crave flavorful nourishment.

So next time you’re looking for a quick, wholesome meal, give this vegetable clear soup a try—you may find it becomes a beloved classic in your recipe repertoire.

For more wholesome vegetarian recipes, don’t forget to check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for even more inspiration!

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