Homemade Vegetable Broth

The first time I made Homemade Vegetable Broth, it was on a rainy afternoon. The scent of simmering vegetables filled my kitchen, wrapping me in warmth and comfort. I had just come back from the farmer’s market, my bags overflowing with fresh produce. As I chopped the vibrant carrots, celery, and onions, I felt a sense of joy knowing that soon I’d have a rich, flavorful broth to enjoy. This was going to be the base for so many meals, from soups to risottos. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make!

With every simmer, the broth transformed. The colorful veggies and aromatic herbs melded together, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors. I remember my grandmother always encouraging me to make my own broth, insisting that it was not just a recipe but a way to infuse love into my cooking. Now, I find myself doing the same, sharing this Homemade Vegetable Broth recipe with friends and family. It’s a perfect way to utilize those leftover vegetables and herbs that might otherwise go to waste. Plus, every spoonful feels like a hug from the inside out!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Vegetable Broth

Creating a rich and flavorful Homemade Vegetable Broth starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component brings its unique flavor, creating a harmonious blend that elevates your dishes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and depth of flavor to the broth.
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Onions form the aromatic base of your broth.
• 2 medium carrots, coarsely chopped: Their natural sweetness balances the flavors.
• 2 medium parsnips, coarsely chopped: Parsnips add a unique earthy flavor.
• 2 medium leeks, trimmed and washed thoroughly: They bring a mild onion flavor.
• 1 large stalk celery, coarsely chopped: Celery adds a refreshing crunch and flavor.
• 1 large handful chopped kale leaves: Kale adds nutrients and a robust flavor.
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme: Thyme enhances the overall aroma.
• 3 sprigs fresh parsley: Parsley adds brightness and freshness.
• Two 1-inch pieces peeled ginger: Ginger provides a delightful warmth and depth.
• 1 large bay leaf: A bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Recipe Steps for Homemade Vegetable Broth

Making Homemade Vegetable Broth is as easy as it gets! Just follow these simple steps for a delicious result. Let’s dive in!

1. In a medium to large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Look for the oil to shimmer slightly, which indicates it’s hot and ready for cooking.
2. Add the onion to the pan. Stir it around, letting it cook until caramelized, about 8 minutes. You want the onion to turn a lovely golden brown, which adds sweetness.
3. Next, add the carrots, parsnips, leeks, and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and continue to cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. You’ll notice a delightful medley of colors and aromas filling your kitchen.
4. Now, add 10 cups (2½ quarts) of water to the pot. This is where the magic happens. Incorporate the kale leaves, thyme, parsley, ginger, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
5. Let your broth simmer for about 1 hour. As it simmers, you should see the water transforming into a delicious, golden broth. The aroma will be comforting and inviting.
6. After an hour, remove the pot from the heat. Take a fine sieve or strainer and strain the broth into another pot or bowl. Press down on the vegetables to squeeze out as much juice and flavor as possible. Discard the solids; they’ve done their job!
7. Your Homemade Vegetable Broth can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Perfect for all those delicious soups you’re planning!
8. If you’d like, you can also freeze portions of the broth in containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll always have some on hand for future meals!

Helpful Hints

When making Homemade Vegetable Broth, a few tips can enhance your experience. Let’s ensure you get the best results!

• Storage: Keep your broth in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain its flavor.
• Freezing: Portion out broth in ice cube trays for easy use in future recipes.
• Pairing: Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
• Variations: Experiment with different herbs and vegetables for unique flavors.
• Consistency: Adjust the water amount based on how concentrated you want your broth.

What to Pair With Homemade Vegetable Broth

There are so many delightful ways to enjoy your Homemade Vegetable Broth. Here are some ideas:

• Soups: Use the broth as a base for your favorite soups, enriching flavors and textures.
• Risottos: The broth makes a wonderful addition to creamy risottos, adding depth.
• Stews: Create hearty vegetable stews using your homemade broth for added flavor.
• Sipping: Enjoy a warm mug of broth on a chilly day for comfort.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Pair with seasonal vegetables for a light summer soup or a hearty winter stew.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Homemade Vegetable Broth is not just a recipe; it’s a way to create something nourishing and full of flavor. By making it at home, you’re embracing healthy eating and reducing waste in your kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover the joy of homemade broth for yourself. It’s a game-changer that enhances so many dishes, and once you start, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Homemade Vegetable Broth

Warm up your kitchen with this Homemade Vegetable Broth. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, it's an easy recipe that serves as a flavorful base for soups and stews. Perfect for meal prep, this broth is both nutritious and comforting. Make your own today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Soups

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Peeler
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion coarsely chopped
• 2 medium carrots coarsely chopped
• 2 medium parsnips coarsely chopped
• 2 medium leeks trimmed and washed thoroughly, then sliced into 1-inch chunks
• 1 large stalk celery coarsely chopped
• 1 large handful chopped kale leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 sprigs fresh parsley
• 2 1-inch pieces peeled ginger
• 1 large bay leaf

Instructions

 

• In a medium to large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Look for the oil to shimmer slightly, which indicates it’s hot and ready for cooking.
• Add the onion to the pan. Stir it around, letting it cook until caramelized, about 8 minutes. You want the onion to turn a lovely golden brown, which adds sweetness.
• Next, add the carrots, parsnips, leeks, and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and continue to cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. You’ll notice a delightful medley of colors and aromas filling your kitchen.
• Now, add 10 cups (2½ quarts) of water to the pot. This is where the magic happens. Incorporate the kale leaves, thyme, parsley, ginger, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
• Let your broth simmer for about 1 hour. As it simmers, you should see the water transforming into a delicious, golden broth. The aroma will be comforting and inviting.
• After an hour, remove the pot from the heat. Take a fine sieve or strainer and strain the broth into another pot or bowl. Press down on the vegetables to squeeze out as much juice and flavor as possible. Discard the solids; they’ve done their job!
• Your Homemade Vegetable Broth can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Perfect for all those delicious soups you’re planning!
• If you’d like, you can also freeze portions of the broth in containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll always have some on hand for future meals!

Notes

• Tip: If you would prefer the ginger flavor to be pronounced, grate one piece of ginger into the pot instead.

Keyword easy vegetable broth, healthy broth, homemade broth recipe, vegetable broth