Once you get into the habit of making your own stocks, you will loathe to use bouillion cubes ever again. I am picky about my level of salt and I find that not only are store-bought stock powders and cubes far too saliferous, but also much less tasty than a homemade broth. I generally keep a litre or so of stock (at least) in my freezer at any one time to use as a base for a number of recipes. It’s now a kitchen staple of mine and I feel uneasy when my freezer is missing its mandatory container of frozen veggie broth!
Homemade stocks are also a great way to use up those vegetables that have been sitting in the fridge for a little too long. You know the ones I mean. I’m talking about the veggies that are a little past their peak, but not quite funky.
Kippy’s Basic Vegetable Stock
- Directions/Method
- Mix all ingredients in a large 4 quart (or larger) saucepan. Bring to the boil and then let simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once the stock is cooled, strain it, discard the vegetable mush, and use the stock as needed. Freeze what’s leftover and simply defrost as needed.
Lynda says
26 August, 2009 at 4:08 pmKip! Lynda B here. I have a question about the stock. Is the broth “tasty” on its own? There are times when I am not very hungry but I crave veggie stock to have as a soup.
I make my own stock, but strictly reserve it for soups. My stock is unpredictable because it is made up of whatever leftovers I have at the end of the week.
Great site! I'm totally going to make some of these recipes!!
Donkey love,
L
Kip says
26 August, 2009 at 4:25 pmHey donkey fan!
I generally don't make base stocks to be salty and bold enough to eat on their own, but you could totally beef it up with some extras (salt, soy sauce, etc…). You could also try kicking it up a notch by adding some kombu for a Japanese style base or lemongrass,chili and lime leaves for Southeast Asian style.
A really good broth on its own is kombu + dried shiitakes + mirin + soy sauce. Realllly easy!
Lynda says
26 August, 2009 at 10:08 pmKip! Lynda B here. I have a question about the stock. Is the broth “tasty” on its own? There are times when I am not very hungry but I crave veggie stock to have as a soup.
I make my own stock, but strictly reserve it for soups. My stock is unpredictable because it is made up of whatever leftovers I have at the end of the week.
Great site! I'm totally going to make some of these recipes!!
Donkey love,
L
Kip says
26 August, 2009 at 10:25 pmHey donkey fan!
I generally don't make base stocks to be salty and bold enough to eat on their own, but you could totally beef it up with some extras (salt, soy sauce, etc…). You could also try kicking it up a notch by adding some kombu for a Japanese style base or lemongrass,chili and lime leaves for Southeast Asian style.
A really good broth on its own is kombu + dried shiitakes + mirin + soy sauce. Realllly easy!