Immune System Booster Broth
A nourishing, vegetable-packed broth rich in herbs and greens, perfect for boosting immunity and comforting the soul, suitable for all health-conscious or plant-loving diners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables and herbs as needed.
- Add the celery, parsley, green beans, zucchini, spinach, beets, greens, chard, bell pepper, scallions, potato, carrots, cauliflower or broccoli, turnip, parsnip, garlic, and herbs to a large pot.
- Fill with water to cover the vegetables.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Strain the broth and season to taste if desired.
- Serve hot as a nourishing starter or light meal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or miso paste during cooking. If you're out of fresh greens, frozen spinach or kale can be a good substitute. Experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand; this broth is quite forgiving. Adding herbs like thyme or dill can enhance the flavor profile. This broth can also serve as a base for John'S Vegetarian 'Ska-Betti'.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the broth hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad, such as Tomato Salad With Mint And Spring Onions. You can also enjoy it as a base for grains like quinoa or rice for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions using freezer bags or ice cube trays. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a little water if it’s too concentrated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Immune System Booster Broth contains roughly 736 calories, with 28g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (218% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (204% of the Daily Value), and iron (137% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1056mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this broth?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible; you can substitute or add any vegetables you have on hand, such as parsnips, turnips, or any seasonal greens. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
Is this broth suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this broth is entirely plant-based and fits perfectly into vegan recipes. The variety of vegetables provides a rich flavor without any animal products, making it a great option for everyone.
How can I make this broth more nutritious?
You can enhance the nutritional value by adding legumes like lentils or chickpeas during cooking. Additionally, incorporating superfoods like garlic or ginger can boost the immune-boosting properties of the broth.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).