Mystery Spice Clear Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and clear soup that hides a complex blend of spices, revealing its aromatic depth as you savor each spoonful without any visible ingredients. This international-inspired soups ready in about 25 minutes pairs (950ml) low-sodium chicken broth, (75g) carrots, (75g) celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 75 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 International cuisine 75 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup diced celery, and 1/4 cup diced onion. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground coriander, 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 bay leaf. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
  3. Step 3: Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mystery Spice Clear Soup take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mystery Spice Clear Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (75g) carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mystery Spice Clear Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mystery Spice Clear Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mystery Spice Clear Soup?

International soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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