Golden Vegetable Consommé
A clear, golden broth simmered with carrots and leeks, finished with a delicate lemon zest note. This french-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium carrot, medium leek, small zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 60 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
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium leek
- 1 small zucchini
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- a pinch salt
- a pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1 medium peeled and thinly sliced carrot, 1 medium white part of leek sliced thin, and 1 small zucchini sliced thin.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, and 1/2 tsp lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Step 3: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing gently on vegetables to extract all liquid. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Vegetable Consommé 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 Golden Vegetable Consommé?
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 medium carrot from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Vegetable Consommé?
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 Golden Vegetable Consommé 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.
Is Golden Vegetable Consommé 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
