Making your vegetable stock is simple, and you only need a few basic ingredients and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make vegetable stock at home.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
The beauty of making vegetable stock is that there are no hard and fast rules as to what you should include. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, but some common ones include carrots, onions, celery, garlic, leeks, and mushrooms.
Aside from vegetables, you’ll need water, salt, herbs, and spices. Thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns are great choices; however, you can add more depending on your taste preference.
Step 2: Wash and Prepare Your Vegetables
Wash your vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Cut them into smaller pieces to extract the maximum flavor. You can leave the skin on the vegetables, but it’s best to remove any tough outer layers, such as the outer layer of onions and garlic.
Step 3: Start Cooking
In a large pot, add your vegetables and cover them with water. Use a ratio of three parts water to one part vegetables. Add your salt, herbs, and spices, and bring the pot to a boil.
Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and simmer the stock for about an hour or until the liquid has reduced by around half. Skim any foam and impurities off the top of the stock with a spoon.
Step 4: Strain Your Stock
Once your vegetable stock has cooked, it’s time to remove the solids. Line a colander with cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve and strain the mixture. Squeeze the vegetables with a wooden spoon or spatula to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 5: Store Your Vegetable Stock
Allow your vegetable stock to cool and then store it in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week and in the freezer for three to four months.
Conclusion
Making your vegetable stock at home is an excellent way to add flavor to your dishes and get more nutrients into your diet. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious vegetable stock that is full of vitamins and minerals.
Make sure to experiment with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your unique flavor profile. Once you’ve tried making your vegetable stock, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Enjoy!