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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
