Poached Asparagus in Clear Vegetable Broth
A delicate broth featuring tender asparagus stalks that stand upright, evoking winter tree silhouettes against a clear, flavorful base. This Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 17 minutes, pairs vegetable broth, lemon juice, asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 12 oz asparagus
- 1/4 cup dill
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus stalks (leaving them whole) to the simmering broth, arranging them to stand upright. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes. Transfer the asparagus to a serving bowl and pour the broth over them. Top with 1/4 cup fresh dill.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Poached Asparagus in Clear Vegetable Broth take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Poached Asparagus in Clear Vegetable Broth?
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 vegetable broth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Poached Asparagus in Clear Vegetable Broth?
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 Poached Asparagus in Clear Vegetable Broth 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 Poached Asparagus in Clear Vegetable Broth 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.






