Homemade Vegetable Broth: A Healthy Base for Your Soups & More

Get
FREE
Recipes!

Get My Favorite Recipe

Welcome to the world of homemade cooking with our easy-to-make and tasty vegetable broth! This broth is not just healthy, but it can be used in so many dishes. It can also be enjoyed just as it is. Let’s get started on making this key kitchen ingredient

Homemade vegetable broth might not be the flashiest dish, but it’s an essential skill everyone should hone. Serving as the backbone of countless delectable soups and various recipes, this broth is an excellent natural remedy for those not feeling their best, especially when crafted from wholesome, organic ingredients.

Health and wellness are the cornerstones of my approach to cooking. That’s why I often opt for a vegetable broth low sodium version, given that 90% of the ingredients in this recipe are organic. Filtered water is my go-to, and I generally forego adding salt. However, for those who enjoy an extra pinch of flavor, or if you’re in a hurry and resort to a vegetable broth can, feel free to season it according to your preference.

Choosing Homemade Broth Over Store-bought

While the convenience of store-bought vegetable broth is tempting, it’s essential to weigh the trade-offs. Many canned broths, even those labeled as healthy, can contain unnecessary additives and excessive salt. This not only masks the genuine vegetable flavors but may also affect your well-being.

Opting for homemade vegetable broth introduces a richer culinary experience. Making broth from vegetable scraps means less waste and a full utilization of every vegetable component. The transition from store-bought to homemade elevates you from a mere cook to a curator, diligently choosing organic ingredients for your broth. Such a homemade approach offers not only unmatched flavor flexibility—be it a quick soup or a slow-simmered broth—but also a wealth of nutrients. This choice goes beyond taste; it’s about infusing every dish with wholesome goodness.

Tips for Perfect Broth

The quality of your ingredients plays a significant role. Seasonal vegetables offer peak flavors, so let the seasons guide your choices. Herbs and spices can dramatically influence your broth’s taste profile, so experiment to find what resonates with you. And remember to avoid pitfalls like over-salting, which can turn even a homemade broth into a high-sodium dish.

Versatile Uses and Deep Dives into the World of Broths

Homemade vegetable broth, with its vibrant flavors and health benefits, can transform a multitude of dishes beyond the traditional vegetable soup. By adding depth to grains and stews or acting as a vital component in vegan recipes, this broth introduces complexity without relying on meat-based alternatives.

However, as enriching as our vegetable broth is, it represents just one hue in the colorful spectrum of broths. A nutrient-rich lamb broth, for instance, brings its own set of unique flavors and benefits. Further diving into the culinary world, it’s intriguing to explore the nuances distinguishing broth from stock. While the gelatinous depth of stocks owes itself to simmered bones, broths maintain a lighter consistency, achieved by the simmering of meat or vegetables.

Check Our soup collection:

Whether it’s the wholesome goodness of Lentil Kale Soup, the rich embrace of Carrot Coconut and Cream of Mushroom, or the fresh vibrancy of Broccoli and Butternut Squash soups, our offerings, both vegetarian and vegan, are a testament to the culinary magic unlocked by a well-made broth.

Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
Thoroughly wash all the vegetables and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces.
Melt one tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat in a large stockpot.
Mark as complete
2.
Start adding the vegetables individually, continuously stirring for about 4 minutes. This process, known as "sweating," helps to release the flavors and aromas from the vegetables.
Mark as complete
3.
Now, incorporate the herbs and peppercorns, followed by the filtered water. Increase the heat until the water bubbles slightly, then reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 hours.
After the first hour of simmering, add an additional cup of warm water. This helps to ensure all the flavors are fully extracted from the vegetables. Repeat this step after the second hour.
Mark as complete
4.
Once the three hours are up, carefully strain the vegetable mixture into another pot, capturing the liquid - your pure, homemade vegetable broth.
Mark as complete
5.
Portion the broth into separate containers for immediate use or storage.
Now, you're ready to enhance your cooking with your very own homemade vegetable broth. Enjoy!
Mark as complete

Please Support The SiteHome Cooking is Easy!With These Minimalist Kitchen Essentials

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
5 celery sticks (cut into large chunks)
5 carrots (cut into large chunks)
2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into large chunks )
1 large onion (cut into large chunks)
1 bunch green onions (chopped)
5 garlic cloves (not peeled)
3 twigs fresh rosemary
3 twigs fresh thyme
½ bunch Italian parsley
1 bunch greens like kale and collards (I used broccoli leaves)
20 cups filtered water
1 tablespoon coconut oil
10 black peppercorns

Preparation

1
Thoroughly wash all the vegetables and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Melt one tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat in a large stockpot.
2
Start adding the vegetables individually, continuously stirring for about 4 minutes. This process, known as "sweating," helps to release the flavors and aromas from the vegetables.
3
Now, incorporate the herbs and peppercorns, followed by the filtered water. Increase the heat until the water bubbles slightly, then reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 hours. After the first hour of simmering, add an additional cup of warm water. This helps to ensure all the flavors are fully extracted from the vegetables. Repeat this step after the second hour.
4
Once the three hours are up, carefully strain the vegetable mixture into another pot, capturing the liquid - your pure, homemade vegetable broth.
5
Portion the broth into separate containers for immediate use or storage. Now, you're ready to enhance your cooking with your very own homemade vegetable broth. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

How Should I Store Vegetable Broth?

Because this broth is so versatile, I love making a large quantity and storing it for later use. Once prepared, homemade broth can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.  

Freezing Homemade Vegetable Broth:

Freezing homemade vegetable broth for future use is a great idea, and it's simple. After your broth has cooled, pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. If using bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space. If using containers, leave a bit of space at the top, as the broth will expand when frozen. For easy portioning, consider freezing the broth in ice cube trays first. Once the cubes are frozen, you can transfer them into freezer bags. This way, you can easily take out and thaw the exact amount of broth you need for your recipes. Remember to label your containers or bags with the date. While frozen broth can last several months, it's best used within 3-4 months for optimal flavor. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or directly in your cooking pot if you're in a hurry.

Rana’s Notes!

Substitutions and Using Scraps: This vegetable broth recipe is quite versatile. If you don't have some of the vegetables listed, feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand. Root vegetables, squashes, bell peppers, and even mushrooms can all contribute to the depth of flavor. Moreover, don't be afraid to use vegetable scraps! Peels, stems, leaves, and ends often have just as much flavor as the rest of the vegetable. Just ensure they are clean and in good condition. This not only reduces waste but also allows you to extract the most value from your produce. However, be cautious with vegetables that can impart a bitter flavor, like the green tops of carrots or onion skins. Happy cooking!

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.

Have You Tried This American Recipe?

If So, Mention Us @ranasrecipe

Or Use Hashtag #ranasrecipe

Let’s Start Cooking With Love!

Tell Me How I’m Doing?

Have you tried making this homemade vegetable broth? I’d love to hear about your experience! Please leave a comment below sharing your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or how you used the broth in your culinary creations. Your input not only helps us but also supports others in their own kitchen endeavors. So don’t hesitate—join the conversation below!

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *