Clear Light Broth with Herb Garnish

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

A delicate, sunlit broth infused with garden herbs and seasonal vegetables, designed to soothe and illuminate the palate. This international-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs low-sodium vegetable broth, julienned carrots, sliced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 60 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: 20 min Serves 4 International cuisine 60 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup julienned carrots and 1 cup sliced celery, then simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup sliced leeks, 1/4 cup chopped dill, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1 tbsp lemon zest; continue simmering for 5 minutes until the broth is fragrant and vegetables are fully cooked.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper, then remove from heat. Let the broth rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Clear Light Broth with Herb Garnish take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Light Broth with Herb Garnish?

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 low-sodium vegetable broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Clear Light Broth with Herb Garnish?

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 Light Broth with Herb Garnish 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.

Is Clear Light Broth with Herb Garnish vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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