Are you ready to discover a game-changing light vegetable broth that will elevate your culinary skills and tantalize your taste buds? This incredibly simple yet incredibly flavorful vegan broth is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen. Packed with wholesome vegetables and aromatic herbs, this recipe proves that plant-based cooking can be both incredibly easy and supremely delicious. Whether you're a seasoned vegan chef or just looking to add more plant-based magic to your meals, this light vegetable broth will become your new go-to recipe for soups, stews, and so much more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all vegetables: peel and chop the onion, slice carrots and celery into thin pieces, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for another 5 minutes to help vegetables release their flavors.
- Introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour 8 cups of water into the pot, ensuring all vegetables are submerged.
- Add bay leaf and dried thyme to the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer.
- Allow broth to simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, occasionally skimming any foam that forms on the surface.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper according to preference.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Strain the broth if a clear liquid is desired, or serve with vegetables included.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm, or store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: The key to an amazing broth is using the freshest vegetables possible. Look for crisp, vibrant produce that will impart maximum flavor.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing the vegetables. This process helps develop deep, rich flavors that will make your broth truly exceptional.
- Customize Your Herbs: While this recipe uses thyme and bay leaf, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary, parsley, or oregano to create your unique flavor profile.
- Skimming is Caring: Always skim the foam that forms on the surface during simmering. This helps keep your broth clear and clean-tasting.
- Storage Hack: This broth freezes beautifully! Pour into ice cube trays for convenient portioned servings you can use in future recipes.
- Waste Not, Want Not: Consider saving vegetable scraps like onion peels, carrot tops, and celery leaves to add even more depth to future broths.
- Salt Wisely: Add salt gradually and taste as you go. Different vegetables have different sodium levels, so adjust accordingly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
