What You’ll Need
- Vegetable scraps (carrot peels, onion ends, celery leaves, etc.)
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 3 cloves of garlic
- A handful of fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaves, etc.)
- 10 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Gather Your Vegetable Scraps
Save all your vegetable scraps from previous meals in a freezer bag. These can include carrot peels, onion ends, celery leaves, and more. Once you have around 2 cups of scraps, you’re ready to start making your vegetable stock.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into large chunks. Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife to release their aroma.
Step 3: Bring Everything Together
In a large pot, combine the vegetable scraps, chopped vegetables, smashed garlic, fresh herbs, water, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 4: Simmer and Skim
Once the stock comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least an hour. During this time, skim off any impurities or foam that rise to the surface.
Step 5: Strain and Store
After simmering for the desired time, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. Discard the solids and let the stock cool completely before storing it in airtight containers or freezing it for future use.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your homemade vegetable stock is now ready to be used in soups, stews, risottos, or any other recipe that calls for a flavorful stock. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for several months.
By taking a little extra time to make your own vegetable stock, you’ll elevate the taste of your dishes while also reducing food waste. Plus, it’s a cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. Now go ahead and experiment with your homemade stock to create delicious meals that will impress your family and friends.