Let’s talk comfort food, but with a twist of elegance. Imagine a light, brothy soup that’s rich with the earthy flavor of mushrooms—simple, but oh-so-satisfying. This Clear Mushroom Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for when you want something soothing yet full of depth. It’s delicate, but also hearty enough to fill you up without feeling weighed down. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to soups!
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Why You’ll Love Clear Mushroom Soup
This soup is everything you love about comfort food, but with a refreshing, light quality that makes it feel fancy enough for a dinner party or cozy enough for a weeknight meal. Here’s why this soup will become your favorite:
Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer for a larger meal or enjoyed on its own for a light lunch or dinner. You can even adjust the flavor with herbs and spices to make it your own.
Healthy & Light: With minimal ingredients, this soup is incredibly light but still packed with flavor. The clear broth lets the mushrooms shine through without overwhelming your palate.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need any fancy equipment or hours of prep. This soup is simple to make and comes together in just about 30 minutes!
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite herbs, spices, or even a splash of cream if you prefer a richer flavor. It’s totally adaptable based on what you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving a small family dinner or having friends over, this soup is sure to impress. It’s light enough for everyone to enjoy and sophisticated enough to feel special.
Ingredients
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mushrooms: The star of the show. You can use any type of mushrooms, but cremini or button mushrooms work great for their mild flavor and meaty texture.
Vegetable Broth: A clear, light broth is the base that lets the mushrooms shine. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer, but vegetable broth keeps it nice and neutral.
Onion: For added depth of flavor. You can choose to finely chop it or slice it thinly, depending on the texture you like.
Garlic: A couple of cloves to bring a bit of aromatic richness.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds that umami flavor that gives the soup a savory edge without being too heavy.
Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary work beautifully in this soup, giving it a fragrant, earthy note.
Salt and Pepper: To season to taste.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some soup magic? Here’s how you’ll do it:
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a little oil in a pot and sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This step is key for building flavor right at the start.
Add the Mushrooms: Toss in your sliced mushrooms and cook them down until they’ve released their moisture and started to brown. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Add the Broth and Soy Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce (or tamari). Stir everything together, scraping up any bits of mushroom that have stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Season: Add your fresh thyme (or rosemary) along with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste and Adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if you prefer it a bit saltier.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with a little more fresh thyme or a sprinkle of pepper. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a dash of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Clear Mushroom Soup
This soup pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough on the side is perfect for dipping into the broth. You can even spread a little butter or garlic butter for extra indulgence.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the soup while adding some freshness to the meal.
Grilled Cheese: If you’re craving something a bit heartier, a grilled cheese sandwich makes the perfect pairing for this soup.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make the most of this delicious soup:
Make It Richer: If you’d like a creamier version, add a splash of cream or coconut milk right at the end of cooking. It’ll give the soup a velvety texture while still keeping it light.
Prep Ahead: You can chop your vegetables and mushrooms ahead of time to save on prep time when you’re ready to cook.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the flavor.
Double the Batch: If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers for the week, this soup freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use dried mushrooms for this soup?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to rehydrate them before adding them to the soup. They’ll add a rich, concentrated flavor.
Q2: Can I make this soup in advance?
A2: Absolutely! It actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.
Q3: How can I make this soup vegan?
A3: This recipe is already vegan-friendly if you use vegetable broth. You can also skip the soy sauce if you’re avoiding soy.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A4: Yes! Carrots, celery, or leeks would work wonderfully in this soup. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions.
Q5: Can I add noodles or rice?
A5: Yes! If you’d like to make the soup more filling, add cooked noodles or rice just before serving.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q7: Can I use a different broth?
A7: Sure! You can swap the vegetable broth for chicken or beef broth, depending on your preference.
Q8: Can I make this soup spicy?
A8: Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick if you like some heat.
Q9: Can I make this soup without mushrooms?
A9: While mushrooms are the key ingredient, you can experiment with other ingredients like cauliflower or zucchini if you prefer a different veggie-based soup.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just increase the ingredients and simmer for the same amount of time. You’ll have plenty of soup to share.
Conclusion
Clear Mushroom Soup is the perfect balance of lightness and flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with earthy goodness. Whether you’re savoring it on a chilly day or serving it at a gathering, this soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the cozy vibes!
Clear Mushroom Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: S
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A light, flavorful, and nourishing soup inspired by Japanese cuisine. Perfect as a keto-friendly starter or a warm, comforting meal. Made with bone broth, mushrooms, and green onions, it’s simple yet satisfying
Ingredients
- 32 oz bone broth
- 1–2 pinches garlic powder
- 1–2 pinches ground ginger
- 1–2 teaspoons sesame oil
- Sliced mushrooms (as desired)
- Sliced green onions (as desired)
Instructions
- Boil the Broth: In a pot, bring the bone broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Seasonings: Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in garlic powder and ginger.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Stir in sesame oil, sliced mushrooms, and green onions.
- Simmer and Serve: Simmer until the mushrooms are tender, and the flavors meld together, about 10–15 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra umami flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the quantity of mushrooms and green onions based on personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg