Parsnip and Leek Clear Broth with Herb Garnish
A delicate, flavorful broth simmered with root vegetables and fresh herbs, perfect for a light meal or starter. This french-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 75 minutes pairs parsnip, leek, carrot 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.
Ingredients
- 200g parsnip
- 200g leek
- 50g carrot
- 50g celery
- 50g onion
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh chives
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 200g diced parsnip, 200g sliced white leek, 50g diced carrot, 50g diced celery, 50g diced onion, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 cup water, 1 bay leaf, and 1 sprig thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Skim off any fat or impurities from the surface using a spoon. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bowl, discarding solids.
- Step 3: Return strained broth to the pot, bring to a simmer over medium heat, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with 1 tbsp fresh dill and 1 tbsp fresh chives.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Parsnip and Leek Clear Broth with Herb Garnish take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Parsnip and Leek Clear 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 parsnip from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Parsnip and Leek Clear 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 Parsnip and Leek Clear 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 Parsnip and Leek Clear 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
