Plain Light Soup

This is a basic recipe for a clear broth based on water (or stock), tomatoes, chili pepper, onion, and salt, enhanced as desired by spices (garlic, ginger, herbs, etc.) as well as vegetables, bones, or a little meat, chicken, or fish. It is a soothing recipe and considered a good soup for those who are ill or weak. Much more recently, it is seen as an appropriate soup for a first course.