18 Delicious Clear Soup Recipes for Every Season

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of clear soup—it’s light yet satisfying, simple but full of flavor, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a seasonal favorite to celebrate the harvest, or just a cozy bowl of comfort, we’ve gathered 18 delicious recipes that promise to warm your soul. Dive in and discover your next go-to soup!

Classic Chicken Clear Soup

There’s nothing like a bowl of Classic Chicken Clear Soup to warm you up from the inside out, especially when it’s made with love and a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces
• 8 cups water
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour and 30 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
3. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin.
4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl, discarding the solids. Return the shredded chicken to the clear broth.
5. Bring the soup back to a simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.

This soup stands out for its crystal-clear broth and the depth of flavor achieved by simmering the chicken with aromatics for just the right amount of time.

Tip: For an even clearer broth, let the soup cool slightly after straining, then refrigerate overnight. The fat will solidify on top, making it easy to remove before reheating.

Vegetable Clear Soup with Herbs

Warm up with this light and fragrant Vegetable Clear Soup with Herbs, a soothing blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to sip.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in water, then add salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Remove the bay leaves, then stir in fresh thyme leaves and chopped parsley. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. The clarity of the broth and the freshness of the herbs make this soup a light yet flavorful choice for any meal.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a Parmesan rind to the pot while the soup simmers.

Beef and Barley Clear Soup

Warm up with this comforting Beef and Barley Clear Soup, a hearty yet light dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 8 cups beef broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Pour in 8 cups beef broth and add 1 cup pearl barley, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy the soup hot, with its clear broth showcasing the tender beef and chewy barley.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the barley in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding it to the soup.

Clear Mushroom Soup with Thyme

Warm up with this comforting Clear Mushroom Soup with Thyme, a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot, cooking until they release their juices and become tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
4. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Finish by stirring in 1 tbsp lemon juice for a bright note.

The clarity of this soup showcases the earthy mushrooms and aromatic thyme, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms.

Asian Inspired Clear Soup with Tofu

Warm up with this light yet flavorful Asian Inspired Clear Soup with Tofu, perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth and water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cubed tofu. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Stir in the green onions, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and serve hot. The soup’s clear broth and soft tofu create a soothing texture that’s both comforting and elegant.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a dash of chili oil before serving.

Clear Tomato Soup with Basil

Warm up with this light and refreshing Clear Tomato Soup with Basil, a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, water, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until tomatoes are completely soft.
3. Strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve into another pot, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
4. Return the clear soup to the stove over low heat. Stir in fresh basil and cook for another 2 minutes to infuse the flavor.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.

This soup shines with its clarity and the bright, herbaceous note of basil, making it a standout starter for any meal.

Tip: For an extra smooth texture, strain the soup twice through cheesecloth.

Spicy Clear Soup with Shrimp

Warm up with this Spicy Clear Soup with Shrimp, a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp and shiitake mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Stir in the baby spinach and cook for another minute until just wilted.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

The magic of this soup lies in the balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, all while keeping the broth beautifully clear and light.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a splash of sriracha sauce to your bowl before serving.

Clear Lentil Soup with Lemon

Warm up your kitchen with this comforting Clear Lentil Soup with Lemon, a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and parsley.

The bright lemon juice adds a refreshing zing to this hearty soup, making it a standout dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

Tip: For an extra touch of warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the cumin.

Clear Pumpkin Soup with Ginger

Warm up your autumn evenings with this Clear Pumpkin Soup with Ginger, a light yet flavorful dish that brings a spicy kick to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced pumpkin to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
4. Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender.
5. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the maple syrup and coconut milk. Heat gently for another 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

The ginger adds a warming depth to this soup, while the coconut milk gives it a silky texture that’s surprisingly light. Perfect for those who love a hint of sweetness with their spice.

Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each bowl with a drizzle of coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.

Clear Fish Soup with Dill

There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of clear fish soup, especially when it’s brightened with the fresh, herby notes of dill. This recipe is a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks
• 4 cups fish or vegetable stock
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Pour in the fish or vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. Add the fish chunks, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Stir in the fresh dill right before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with lemon slices.

The clarity of the broth paired with the freshness of dill makes this soup a standout, offering a delicate balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast a slice of crusty bread rubbed with garlic to serve alongside the soup.

Clear Sweet Corn Soup

Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Clear Sweet Corn Soup, a light yet flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of corn.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of fresh sweet corn, husked
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Cut the kernels off the corn cobs and set aside. Use the back of a knife to scrape the cobs to extract the milk; reserve.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the corn kernels, corn milk, water, salt, sugar, and white pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Blend the soup until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot.
5. Reheat the soup gently over low heat. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

The secret to this soup’s clarity and depth of flavor lies in the technique of extracting and incorporating the corn milk, creating a velvety texture without any cream.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of lime juice before serving to brighten the sweetness of the corn.

Clear Broccoli Soup with Garlic

Warm up with this comforting Clear Broccoli Soup with Garlic, a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add 4 cups broccoli florets to the pot and stir to coat with the garlic and oil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky if you prefer.

This soup’s clarity and bright garlicky flavor make it a standout, offering a lighter take on traditional creamy broccoli soups.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Clear Spinach Soup with Nutmeg

Warm up with this comforting Clear Spinach Soup, where the freshness of spinach meets the cozy warmth of nutmeg in a light, flavorful broth.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, tightly packed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity and the bright pop of lemon that lifts the earthy spinach and nutmeg. It’s a light yet satisfying bowl that feels like a hug.

Tip: For a creamier texture without heavy cream, blend half the soup before adding the lemon juice.

Clear Carrot Soup with Coriander

Warm up with this vibrant Clear Carrot Soup with Coriander, a light yet flavorful dish that brings a refreshing twist to your soup repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the carrots and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the carrots are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Stir in 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches.
5. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves before serving.

The clarity of this soup, combined with the earthy notes of coriander, offers a sophisticated take on a simple carrot soup that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.

Tip: For an extra smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending.

Clear Potato Soup with Parsley

Warm up with this comforting Clear Potato Soup with Parsley, a light yet satisfying dish that brings out the natural sweetness of potatoes with a fresh herbal finish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced potatoes and 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the 1/4 cup fresh parsley just before serving.

This soup shines with its clarity and simplicity, allowing the delicate flavors of potato and parsley to take center stage without heavy cream or flour.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Clear Egg Drop Soup

Clear Egg Drop Soup is a comforting classic that brings simplicity and elegance to your table in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the broth with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper.
3. Reduce the heat to low, and slowly drizzle in the lightly beaten eggs, stirring gently with a fork to create thin ribbons.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.

The magic of this soup lies in the silky egg ribbons that float in a clear, flavorful broth, making it a visually stunning yet effortlessly simple dish.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, add a small piece of ginger to the broth as it heats up, then remove it before adding the eggs.

Clear Noodle Soup with Vegetables

Warm up with this light yet satisfying Clear Noodle Soup with Vegetables, a dish that brings together the comfort of noodles and the freshness of garden veggies in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, sliced
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup bok choy, chopped
• 4 oz clear noodles (cellophane or glass noodles)
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth and water to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and ginger. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Add the shiitake mushrooms and carrot. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the bok choy and clear noodles. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are tender and the bok choy is bright green.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions before serving.

The magic of this soup lies in its delicate balance of flavors and textures, with the clear noodles offering a uniquely satisfying chew against the crisp vegetables.

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the sesame oil with the garlic and ginger before adding the broth.

Clear Minestrone Soup

Warm up with this light yet hearty Clear Minestrone Soup, a vibrant bowl full of fresh vegetables and tender pasta that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and 1 can diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 cup small pasta and simmer for 8 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in zucchini, 1 cup chopped spinach, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried basil, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Cook for another 3 minutes until zucchini is tender and spinach is wilted.
6. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

This Clear Minestrone Soup stands out with its bright, clean flavors and the perfect bite of al dente pasta, making it a comforting yet refreshing meal any day of the week.

Tip: For an extra flavor boost, toast the pasta in a dry pan before adding it to the soup, giving it a nutty depth that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully.

Conclusion

We hope this roundup of 18 delicious clear soup recipes inspires you to explore the comforting and versatile world of soups all year round. Whether you’re craving something light for summer or a cozy bowl for winter, there’s a recipe here for every season. Don’t forget to try them out, share your favorites in the comments, and pin this article on Pinterest for your next soup-making adventure!

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