Vegan “Chicken” Stock Recipe
When it comes to creating a delicious, flavorful base for soups, stews, and various other dishes, having a solid stock on hand is crucial. This Vegan “Chicken” Stock serves as an ideal alternative to traditional chicken stock, delivering a rich depth of flavor derived from an array of wholesome vegetables and herbs, making it a perfect companion for your culinary creations. Early vegetarian cookbooks have long asserted that vegetable stock can be crafted from vegetable scraps simmered in the same manner as meat scraps. However, it often resulted in what could only be described as overcooked vegetable water. After much experimentation, I discovered the perfect combination of ingredients and cooking methods to create a stock that is both savory and satisfying, perfect for enhancing your favorite recipes.
This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish and yields about 3 1/2 cups of stock, making it an excellent choice for beginner cooks and those looking for quick solutions in the kitchen.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 42.2 |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 363.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g |
| Sugars | 1.9 g |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot |
| 1 | Celery |
| 4 | Bay leaves |
| 2 | Celery seed |
| 1/4 | Rubbed sage |
| 1/2 | Salt |
| 1/2 | Parsley |
| 1 | Dried chervil |
| 2-3 | Shiitake mushrooms |
| 4 cups | Water |
Cooking Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by peeling and slicing the carrot into thin rounds. This will help to release its sweetness and flavor into the stock. |
| 2 | Next, slice the celery into small pieces, breaking up the shiitake mushrooms into smaller chunks to maximize flavor extraction. |
| 3 | In a medium-sized pot, combine all the prepared ingredients: carrot, celery, bay leaves, celery seed, rubbed sage, salt, parsley, dried chervil, shiitake mushrooms, and water. |
| 4 | Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, allowing all the flavors to meld together. |
| 5 | Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, but be careful not to overcook. The goal is to extract the flavors without making the vegetables mushy. |
| 6 | After simmering, strain the stock through a fine sieve to remove the solid ingredients. If your sieve has larger holes, line it with a clean tea towel to ensure a clear broth. |
| 7 | At this stage, the stock can be used immediately in place of chicken stock in any of your favorite recipes, providing a lovely base for soups, sauces, and risottos. |
| 8 | Note that the yeast may settle at the bottom; if using clear stock, consider thickening it with a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a bit of cold water for a silkier texture. |
| 9 | The vegetables can be repurposed in various dishes, such as soups or casseroles, as they are still packed with flavor. Simply pick them out from the herbs and incorporate them into your cooking. |
| 10 | Finally, discard the herbs used for flavoring, as they have served their purpose in imparting delicious essence to the stock. |
Final Thoughts
This Vegan “Chicken” Stock is a fantastic staple to have in your kitchen, as it enhances the flavors of your dishes without overpowering them. It is perfect for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet and provides a comforting base for many recipes that typically call for chicken stock. With its quick preparation and remarkable versatility, this stock is bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, enabling you to create delectable, wholesome meals with ease. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage, ensuring that you always have this versatile stock on hand for your cooking needs.
Embrace this Vegan “Chicken” Stock and watch how it transforms your cooking, providing a taste experience that even non-vegetarians will appreciate. With each spoonful, you’ll discover the joy of cooking with flavors that evoke warmth and comfort, making it an ideal companion for hearty meals shared with loved ones. Enjoy creating, adapting, and savoring dishes with this delightful stock that brings the essence of home-cooked goodness to your table.
