Homemade Veggie Broth: Follow these simple steps

 

By making your own veggie broth you can: 

  • Reduce fats, salt, and even added sugars
  • Use more of the veggies you purchase
  • Save money
  • Reduce packaging waste
  • Get your children involved in the process!

Save your scraps 
Over the next few weeks, save these veggie scraps as you are preparing meals: herbs and veggie peels, stems, skins, and leaves. Wash them very well and place in a freezer-safe bag. Keep the bag in your freezer.

Common veggie scraps that make a great broth:

  • Onion skins
  • Garlic ends
  • Root vegetable peels, like carrots, potatoes, turnips, and parsnips
  • Celery leaves
  • Kale, Swiss chard, and spinach stems 
  • Mushroom stems
  • Sage stems
  • Green onion ends

Note: You can use veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, but they tend to be bitter.

After collecting at least 2 cups of scraps, you can make broth following these simple directions: 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 large onions
  • 3 celery stalks
  • 3 carrots
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 8 cups water
  • Herbs and spices of choice
  • 2 cups frozen veggie scraps

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1 Wash all produce. Peel and dice garlic and onion. Dice celery. Chop carrots.

STEP 2 Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.

STEP 3 Add garlic, diced onions, celery stalks, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring often.

STEP 4 Add water, frozen veggie scraps, 2 bay leaves, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.

STEP 5 Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes.

STEP 6 Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or colander into a large heat-proof bowl or pot; discard solids.

STEP 7 Once the broth has cooled, transfer it to airtight plastic containers or 2-cup freezer bags. 

 *Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.

using a multicooker (Instant Pot®)?

STEP 1: Choose sauté function. Sauté garlic and onion in oil, until onions are translucent.
STEP 2: Then add all of the rest of the ingredients.
STEP 3: Place the lid on the cooker and seal the steaming valve.
STEP 4: Choose manual function. Cook on high for 1 hour.
STEP 5: Allow for natural pressure release; usually about 30-40 minutes.
STEP 6: Follow steps 6 and 7 above.