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Making your own vegetable broth at home is one of the best ways to ensure a natural, chemical-free base for your soups, stews, and other dishes. Store-bought broths often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium. By preparing it yourself, you control the ingredients, flavors, and nutritional benefits.
This homemade vegetable broth is packed with fresh, whole ingredients that provide a deep, rich flavor. The combination of carrots, leek, parsnips, onion, garlic, celeriac, and fresh herbs creates an aromatic and nourishing broth that you can use in a variety of recipes. Plus, making it at home allows you to avoid additives while ensuring it’s 100% vegan and sugar-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this homemade vegetable broth, gather the following fresh ingredients:
- 3 carrots – Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 leek – Enhances the broth with a mild onion-like taste.
- 2 parsnips – Provides a slightly earthy, nutty sweetness.
- 2 parsley roots – Brings a delicate herbal flavor.
- 1 onion – Essential for a savory broth base.
- 2 garlic cloves – Gives the broth a rich, aromatic taste.
- 1/2 kohlrabi – Adds a gentle, slightly peppery note.
- 1/2 celeriac (plus leaves) – Offers a deep, umami-like depth.
- 1 piece of turmeric – Not only adds flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
- A handful of fresh parsley – Enhances the broth with a bright, fresh taste.
- Sunflower oil – Used for lightly sautéing the vegetables to boost their flavor.
- 80 grams of salt – Preserves the broth and enhances the natural flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Before cooking, wash all the vegetables thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides. Since we’re using whole, unprocessed ingredients, it’s important to keep the skins on where possible, as they add extra nutrients and flavor.
- Peel the onion, garlic, turmeric, and celeriac if needed.
- Roughly chop all the vegetables into large chunks. The size doesn’t need to be perfect since they will be strained out later.
2. Sauté for Extra Depth
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of sunflower oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, leek, garlic, and turmeric first, sautéing for about 3–5 minutes. This helps release their natural flavors and enhances the broth’s richness.
- Add the remaining chopped vegetables and continue stirring for another 5 minutes.
3. Simmer to Perfection
- Pour 2–3 liters of water over the sautéed vegetables.
- Add the parsley and celeriac leaves, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 60–90 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor will be.
4. Season and Strain
- Stir in the salt towards the end of the cooking process.
- After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Strain the broth using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down on the vegetables to extract all the liquid.
Storage and Usage Tips
Storing the Broth
- Allow the broth to cool completely before storing.
- Pour into glass jars or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
How to Use It
This homemade vegetable broth is versatile and can be used in:
✔ Soups and stews – As a base for rich, hearty meals.
✔ Cooking grains and legumes – Adds extra flavor to rice, quinoa, and lentils.
✔ Sauces and gravies – Enhances depth in homemade sauces.
✔ Sipping broth – Enjoy warm as a nourishing drink.
Why Make Your Own Vegetable Broth?
1. 100% Natural & Chemical-Free
Unlike store-bought broths, this homemade version contains no additives, preservatives, or artificial flavor enhancers—just pure, wholesome vegetables.
2. Nutrient-Rich & Full of Flavor
Each ingredient contributes its own vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this broth both delicious and beneficial for your health.
3. Customizable & Budget-Friendly
You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, reducing food waste and saving money.
By making your own homemade vegetable broth, you’re creating a clean, flavorful, and nourishing foundation for many delicious meals. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy the taste of pure, chemical-free goodness in every sip! 🌱🥣
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