Vegetable Broth
A flavorful, aromatic vegetable broth perfect for soups and risottos, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs, suitable for vegetarians and those seeking a comforting homemade stock.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place carrots, onions, celery with tops, tomatoes, bay leaf, parsley, and salt in a large saucepan.
- Cover with 3 quarts of water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to moderately low and simmer for 2 hours.
- Strain the broth before using.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add noodles when serving if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of your favorite vinegar, like Garlic Lover'S Vinegar, during simmering. You can also substitute the fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes if fresh ones are unavailable. If you want a deeper color, roast the vegetables before adding them to the pot.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable broth serves as a great base for soups or can be enjoyed as a light and healthy beverage. Consider adding noodles or grains for a heartier meal, or pair it with Banaha Choctaw Corn Shuck Bread for a comforting combo. Fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors when serving.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the vegetable broth to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove, adding a bit of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Broth contains roughly 419 calories, with 16g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (205% of the Daily Value), iron (150% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% 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 frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones, although fresh vegetables usually provide better flavor. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as frozen vegetables may require a shorter simmering time.
How can I make this broth more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your broth, consider adding other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or peppercorns. You can also include mushrooms for an umami kick, or roasted garlic for added depth.
Is this broth suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This vegetable broth is entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegan recipes. You can use it as a base for various soups, stews, or sauces without compromising any dietary restrictions.
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).