Vegetable broth or stock is a nutritious liquid strained from cooked vegetables and it is rich in all the essential minerals, proteins and what not from specific vegetables used. Vegetable broth is used in many recipes and even mixed with some more ingredients and consumed as soup. Vegetable broth or stocks are available commercially and many of us use it on regular basis. These packets or cans containing veggie stock also contain additional preservatives and additives or even artificial flavours. Why to purchase it when you can make a healthier one yourself? Here are some easy ways to make vegetable broth:
ONION-CARROT BROTH
Things you need: 1-2 onions, 3 carrots, 3-4 celery stalks, 1 small bunch coriander leaves, 3-4 springs fresh thyme and enough water.
Method: Wash the veggies before you use them. Chop onions and carrots roughly and add in a shallow pan. Add chopped celery stalks, thyme and roughly mashed coriander. Cover the ingredients with enough water so as to dip it fully in the liquid. Adding less water makes the broth more concentrated and flavourful while adding more water gives it a slightly less flavour. Let it simmer on high fame for 15 minutes and medium-low flame for 45 minutes. Do not forget to put a lid on the vessel. Strain it after you are done and store it in the fridge; use within 3-4 days.
POTATO-MUSHROOM BROTH
Things you need: 3-4 potatoes, 2 medium sized tomatoes, handful mushrooms, 1 large onion, handful coriander leaves and enough water.
Method: Wash the vegetables before you use them. Chop potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions roughly and add them to the shallow vessel. Tear coriander leaves or mash them a bit and add them in too. Cover the ingredients with enough water so as to dip it fully in the liquid. Adding less water makes the broth more concentrated and flavourful while adding more water gives it a slightly less flavour. Let it simmer on high fame for 15 minutes and medium-low flame for 45 minutes with a lid on it. Strain the liquid and your broth is ready. Store it in your fridge and use within 3-4 days.
BROCCOLI-SPINACH BROTH
Things you need: 3 cups chopped broccoli, 1 full bunch spinach, 2 cups peas, 1 big sized onion, 2 medium sized tomatoes and water as per requirement.
Method: Wash the vegetables before you use them. Chop the onions roughly and add it to the shallow vessel. Also add in chopped broccoli, roughly torn spinach, peas and chopped tomatoes. Cover the ingredients with enough water so as to dip it fully in the liquid. Adding less water makes the broth more concentrated and flavourful while adding more water gives it a slightly less flavour. Let it simmer on high fame for 15 minutes and medium-low flame for 45 minutes with a lid on it. Strain the liquid and store it in fridge for 3-4 days.
MIXED VEGETABLE BROTH
Things you need: 2 medium sized potatoes, 2 medium sized onions, 2 medium sized tomatoes, 1 handful of chopped coriander leaves, 1 bay leaf, 2 carrots and water as per requirement.
Method: Wash the vegetables before using. Chop potatoes, onions, tomatoes and carrots roughly add toss it in a shallow vessel. Add coriander leaves and bay leaf too. Pour enough water so as to dip it fully in the liquid. Adding less water makes the broth more concentrated and flavourful while adding more water gives it a slightly less flavour. Let it simmer on high fame for 15 minutes and medium-low flame for 45 minutes with a lid on it. Strain the liquid and store it in fridge for 3-4 days.
WAYS TO USE VEGETABLE BROTH:
- Add vegetable stock in your soups to add in extra nutrients and flavour.
- You can use vegetable stock/broth to make homemade sauces.
- Use it in your non-veg and veg curries to add flavour and to make it healthier.
- Use it to make your breakfast oats and also add in few veggies.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- You can add spices and salt to it if you wish, especially if you are going to consume the broth as it is.
- Feel free to add more dried herbs like thyme, rosemary etc.
- You can also add rock salt or Himalayan pink salt to it to enhance the flavour.