Making homemade vegetable broth is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to enhance your dishes while eliminating preservatives, excess sodium, and artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions. Not only is homemade broth nutrient-rich, but it’s also a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using leftover vegetables.

This guide will walk you through how to make, store, and use homemade vegetable broth, ensuring you have a flavorful, chemical-free base for soups, stews, and more!

🌱 Why Make Your Own Vegetable Broth?

✅ No Preservatives – Free from artificial flavors, excess salt, and additives.
✅ Packed with Nutrients – Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables.
✅ Customizable – Adjust flavors to your preference by adding your favorite veggies or herbs.
✅ Eco-Friendly – Reduces food waste by repurposing leftover vegetable scraps.
✅ Cost-Effective – Made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

🥕 Ingredients for a Flavorful Vegetable Broth

To make a deeply rich and nutritious broth, you’ll need the following:

🛒 Essential Ingredients:

• 3 carrots – Adds natural sweetness and depth.
• 1 leek – Provides a mild onion-like flavor.
• 2 parsnips – Enhances sweetness with nutty notes.
• 2 parsley roots – Adds an herbal, peppery touch.
• 1 onion – Creates a savory, aromatic base.
• 2 cloves garlic – Infuses warmth and complexity.
• ½ kohlrabi – Offers a subtle cabbage-like taste.
• ½ celeriac – Brings a bold, earthy, celery flavor.
• 1 piece turmeric – Provides anti-inflammatory benefits and a golden hue.
• A handful of fresh parsley – Brightens the broth with a fresh, herbal note.
• Sunflower oil – Helps release the vegetables’ natural flavors.
• 80 grams of salt – Enhances flavor and helps preserve the broth.

🥬 Optional Additions for Extra Nutrients:

• Lamb’s quarters or wild spinach – Super nutritious greens that add a health boost.
• Tomatoes – For a hint of natural acidity and umami.
• Mushrooms – Adds a deep, umami flavor to the broth.

🔥 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegetable Broth

1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables

• Wash and peel all vegetables thoroughly.
• Chop them into medium-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat a little sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• This step unlocks their natural flavors through gentle caramelization.

3️⃣ Simmer Until Tender

• Reduce the heat and cover the pot.
• Let the vegetables steam in their own juices for 8-10 minutes until soft.
• This creates a rich, concentrated broth without boiling out the nutrients.

4️⃣ Blend for a Smooth Texture (Optional)

• If you prefer a thicker, richer broth, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or food processor.
• Otherwise, leave it as is for a more classic, clear broth.

5️⃣ Store for Later Use

• Let the broth cool completely before storing.
• Use ice cube trays to freeze small portions for easy future use.
• Store in airtight containers or wrap in aluminum foil before freezing.
• Properly stored broth lasts:
  • In the fridge: Up to 5 days.
  • In the freezer: Up to 3-6 months.

🍲 How to Use Your Homemade Vegetable Broth

Homemade broth is super versatile and can be used in:

✅ Soups & Stews – The perfect base for hearty vegetable, lentil, or creamy soups.
✅ Cooking Grains – Replace water with broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous.
✅ Braising Vegetables – Adds rich flavor to mushrooms, greens, or root veggies.
✅ Sauces & Gravies – Use in place of water to boost depth and complexity in sauces.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Vegetable Broth

✔ Adjust Salt – Start with 80 grams and adjust based on taste. You can always add more later.
✔ Customize Vegetables – Feel free to experiment with different veggies and herbs to suit your taste.
✔ Avoid Overcooking – Stick to a cooking time of 8-10 minutes to preserve flavors and nutrients.
✔ Use Scraps! – Save onion skins, carrot peels, and herb stems in the freezer for an eco-friendly broth.

🌿 Final Thoughts: Homemade Broth for Better Cooking & Health

Making homemade vegetable broth is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. With just a few ingredients, you can create a deeply flavorful, preservative-free broth that enhances every dish.

🌱 Ready to try it? Let us know in the comments how your homemade broth turns out!

👩‍🍳 Loved this guide? Share it with friends who love cooking & healthy eating! 🍲✨