Clear Lemon-Herb Broth with Asparagus
A delicate, transparent broth highlighting the crisp freshness of asparagus and bright herb notes. This french-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs minced garlic, low-sodium vegetable broth, juiced (3 tbsp) lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 medium, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced leek
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 cups, low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1, juiced (3 tbsp) lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced leek and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 12 oz trimmed asparagus pieces and 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until asparagus is tender.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes to infuse flavors before serving clear and warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Clear Lemon-Herb Broth with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Clear Lemon-Herb Broth with Asparagus?
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 minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Clear Lemon-Herb Broth with Asparagus?
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 Clear Lemon-Herb Broth with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Clear Lemon-Herb Broth with Asparagus?
French 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I made this for a dinner party and it was a hit! So elegant and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
The lemon and herbs really shone through, and the asparagus was tender without being mushy.
- ★★★★★
This broth was incredibly fresh and light, perfect for a spring dinner. My family loved it!
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