Serenity in a Bowl: Japanese Clear Soup

  in Soups and Stews

Experience the delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine with this traditional clear soup, commonly served as a starter in hibachi restaurants. This light and flavorful broth is infused with sautéed vegetables and garnished with fresh mushrooms and scallions, making it a perfect beginning to any meal.

Japanese Clear Soup

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons oil
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 large sweet onion, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 2 large carrots, cut into chunks
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 10 button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and ginger; sear on all sides until caramelized.
  3. Add the garlic and cook until it begins to brown.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  5. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids; discard or reserve solids for another use. Season the broth with salt to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh scallions and sliced mushrooms.

This simple yet elegant soup captures the essence of Japanese culinary tradition and is sure to delight your taste buds.