Lemongrass Chia Clear Soup – Light Daily Vegetable Soup

This lemongrass and chia clear vegetable soup is light, fragrant and the kind of bowl you could happily enjoy every day. Inspired by the delicate clear soups served in good hotel restaurants, it is simmered with a fresh lemongrass stalk and ginger for a beautiful citrusy aroma, then gently thickened with soaked chia seeds instead of cornflour. There is no oil and no refined white flour, it is naturally low in calories, and it is ready in about 10 minutes.Serves: 1 bowlPrep time: 5 minutes, plus 10 minutes to soak the chiaCook time: 6–7 minutesDiet: vegan, gluten-free (with gluten-free stock), oil-free and no refined flourIngredients1 cup mixed vegetables, finely chopped: carrot, green beans, cabbage and sweetcorn1 fresh lemongrass stalk½ tsp freshly grated ginger1 slice of lemon1 tsp chia seeds, soaked in 2 tbsp water for 10 minutes1½ cups (360ml) water or low-salt vegetable stockFreshly ground black pepper and a pinch of pink Himalayan saltHow to Prepare LemongrassLemongrass has a fresh, lemony, slightly floral flavour that is used widely in Thai and South-East Asian cooking. Trim off the dry tip and the root end, peel away any tough outer layer, then bash the stalk a few times with the back of a knife or a rolling pin. Bruising it releases the aromatic oils into the soup. In the UK and US, fresh lemongrass is sold in most large supermarkets and Asian grocers; frozen lemongrass works well too.MethodSoak the chia: Stir 1 tsp chia seeds into 2 tbsp water and leave for 10 minutes until they turn gel-like.Infuse: Bring the water or stock to the boil. Add the bruised lemongrass, grated ginger and all the vegetables.Simmer: Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still have a little bite.Thicken: Stir in the soaked chia seeds with the salt and pepper, and simmer for 1 more minute.Serve: Remove the lemongrass stalk, float a lemon slice on top and serve hot.Why Chia Seeds Instead of Cornflour?Most clear soups are thickened with a cornflour slurry. Here, soaked chia seeds do the job instead. When soaked, they form a soft gel that gives the broth a light, silky body without any refined starch. They also add a little fibre, which helps make a light soup feel a bit more satisfying.Why You Will Love This Clear Vegetable SoupLight and low in calories: With no oil and no flour, a bowl comes in at under 100 kcal, which makes it an easy starter or light supper.Packed with vegetables: A full cup of vegetables in one bowl is a simple way to add more veg to your day.Fragrant and soothing: The aroma of lemongrass and ginger makes this a comforting, calming bowl to enjoy in the evening.Light on the stomach: A warm, broth-based soup is a gentle option when you want something that does not feel heavy.Suits everyone: Vegan, gluten-free and easy to scale up for the whole family.This soup is a light, vegetable-rich meal to enjoy as part of a balanced diet. It is not a treatment or a weight-loss plan, and individual results vary.Nutrition (Approximate, Per Bowl)Calories: around 80–90 kcalFibre: around 5gProtein: around 3gFat: around 2g (from the chia seeds)Figures for this clear vegetable soup are estimates and will vary with your choice of vegetables and stock.Make It Your WayAdd protein: Stir in cubed tofu, a handful of cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken to turn it into a fuller meal.More vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, peas, courgette (zucchini) and spring onions all work well.A little heat: Add a slice of fresh green chilli with the lemongrass.Thai twist: Finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime instead of lemon.StorageThis clear vegetable soup is best fresh, while the vegetables still have their crunch. Leftovers keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chia will thicken the soup slightly as it sits, so add a splash of hot water when reheating, and make sure it is piping hot before serving.More Recipes You Might LikeLooking for something heartier? Try our High-Protein Chicken Corn Soup with Makhana Pops (crunchy roasted fox nuts).For a no-cook treat, try our Coconut Chia Pudding with Gond Katira (tragacanth gum, a natural edible plant gum).A Note on SafetyAlways soak chia seeds before adding them, and drink plenty of water if you are increasing the fibre in your diet. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, speak to your GP or healthcare provider before making big changes to your diet.