Clear Lens Vegetable Broth with Lemon Zest

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

A light, clear broth with delicate flavors, inspired by the clarity of a cleaned camera lens and the refreshing quality of solar energy. This french-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs Chicken stock, medium, sliced thin Carrot, sliced thin Celery stalk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 50 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 French cuisine 50 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 4 cups chicken stock, 1 sliced medium carrot, 2 sliced thin celery stalks, 1/4 cup finely diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Step 2: Strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding solids, and return to low heat. Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes until the dill is fragrant and the broth is clear.
  3. Step 3: Serve hot in bowls, garnished with 1/2 sliced lemon and a light sprinkle of fresh dill.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Clear Lens Vegetable Broth with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Lens Vegetable Broth with Lemon Zest?

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 chicken stock from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Clear Lens Vegetable Broth with Lemon Zest?

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 Lens Vegetable Broth with Lemon Zest 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 Clear Lens Vegetable Broth with Lemon Zest?

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.

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