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Clear Onion Soup Recipe - Gourmet And Food

Clear onion soup has long been a classic in French cuisine, but I’ve always felt it deserves a wider spot in our culinary universe. When I first encountered this dish on a cold winter evening at a cozy restaurant, I was enchanted. 
The simplicity of its ingredients belied the depth of flavor it delivered. Who knew a handful of onions could produce such a gem?
Driven by that first experience, I started experimenting in my own kitchen. Unlike the thicker, creamier soups that often dominate winter menus, clear onion soup offers a vibrant, aromatic broth steeped in the natural sweetness of caramelized onions.
In this post, I will guide you through crafting your very own clear onion soup, sharing my insights, tips, and tricks along the way. 
You’ll learn why this recipe works, which ingredients to gather, and how to achieve that perfectly clear, flavorful broth.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 197
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups diced sweet onions
  • 1 cup peeled and cubed carrots
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery stalks
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cremini or white mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions scallions
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
  1. Start by chopping the onions into thin slices. Dice the carrots and celery and mince the garlic. Having everything ready allows for a smoother cooking process.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In a large pot, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Stir gently and allow the onions to become translucent. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
  1. Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen – this is where the magic begins!
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
  1. Now, it’s time to add the broth. Pour in 6 cups of your chosen vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
  1. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This step allows the rich flavors to meld together and the clear broth to absorb the essence of the vegetables.
Step 6: Add Mushrooms and Season
  1. After 20 minutes, add the sliced mushrooms and green onions. Season with salt and black pepper. Allow simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Final Touches
  1. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding soy sauce or tamari for a savory punch and rice vinegar for brightness. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider a splash of Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy its heartwarming flavors. Garnish with additional green onions if you wish.

Notes

  • Use Sweet Onions
    Select Vidalia or Walla Walla onions for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Caramelization is Key
    Take your time caramelizing the onions. This step is essential for achieving depth in flavor.
  • Homemade Broth
    Whenever possible, use homemade broth. It elevates the soup and makes a noticeable difference in taste.
  • Fresh Herbs
    Consider adding fresh thyme or parsley in the last few minutes of cooking for a fragrant touch.
  • Make Ahead
    This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day.