Make rich, flavorful vegetable broth from your garden scraps and produce for a homemade base that elevates soups, stews, sauces, and more—zero waste, all flavor.
Course: Meal Prep, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, freezer-friendly, fresh, from the garden, health benefits, healthy recipes, homemade
Wash your vegetables thoroughly and remove any soil or dirt. Chop the veggies into medium-sized pieces.
For the most flavor, begin by either roasting the vegetables or sautéing vegetables.
To roast vegetables: Toss vegetables (not greens) with olive oil and put on a sheet pan. Place pan in 400°F (204°C) oven and roast, stirring once until golden brown and tender (about 45 minutes).
To sauté vegetables: Heat oil in the stock pot or pan over high heat. Add herbs and vegetables (not greens). Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and begin to brown (5 -10 minutes).
Add the vegetables and greens to a large stock pot, and cover them with enough water to fully submerge them.
Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the vegetables simmer for an hour for vegetable broth or 2-3 hours for stock, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables release their flavor and the broth turns a deep golden color.
Once the broth or stock has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
Once the broth has completely cooled, store it in airtight jars or containers with leak-proof lids and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage (up to 6 months).
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Notes
Ingredient Amounts: This recipe is very adaptable; use it as a guide for the amounts of vegetables you add.
Other Vegetables You Could Add: based on the season include asparagus, corn cobs, fennel, bell peppers, peas, Swiss chard, squash, oregano, and basil.
Vegetables to Avoid Adding: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, beets, and artichokes.
Salt: You can add a teaspoon of salt while cooking, however, I like to wait and add salt as I use the broth/stock rather than adding it.