Creating Homemade Vegetable Broths from Scraps

Vegetable broth is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason! Not only does it add flavor to dishes like soups, stews, and grains, but it also has numerous health benefits. Did you know that making your own vegetable broth at home can be incredibly easy and cost-effective? All you need are some basic ingredients and a little bit of time.

In this article, we’ll show you how to create delicious homemade vegetable broths using scraps from your everyday cooking. By doing so, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also save money on store-bought broths. So let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make a simple vegetable broth, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Vegetable scraps (e.g., carrot peels, onion skins, celery leaves, garlic cloves)
  • Herbs and spices (e.g., bay leaves, thyme, parsley, basil, oregano, black peppercorns, salt)
  • Water
  • Optional: Aromatics (e.g., apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, ginger, lemongrass, or galangal)

You can use any combination of these ingredients, depending on what you have available. Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables, herbs, and spices to find your favorite flavors. Just remember that the more variety you use, the more complex and flavorful your broth will be.

Prepare the Ingredients

Now it’s time to prepare your ingredients. Start by rinsing and chopping up your vegetable scraps into small pieces. You can also chop up any aromatics you want to include. Next, pick through your herbs and spices, removing any stems or tough parts. Finally, chop up any fresh herbs if desired.

Once you have everything prepped, it’s time to start simmering. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine the water and vegetable scraps. Add in any aromatics, herbs, and spices. Make sure to crush the garlic cloves and bay leaves before adding them to the pot. If using a slow cooker, fill it about halfway with the vegetable mixture.

Simmer and Strain

Cover the pot and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, depending on your preference. The longer you simmer, the more concentrated the flavors will become. You can also add more water as needed to keep the vegetables submerged.

After simmering, turn off the heat and allow the broth to cool slightly. Then, strain the solids from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Discard the solids and reserve the liquid. You should now have a rich, flavorful vegetable broth ready to use in your favorite recipes!

Store and Freeze

Homemade vegetable broth can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the cooled broth to an airtight container or freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents, and then place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy!

Making homemade vegetable broth from scraps is a great way to reduce food waste and save money. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious broth that will enhance any meal. So next time you’re cleaning out your fridge, don’t toss those vegetable scraps – turn them into gold!