Basic Vegetable Stock Recipe
Description:
A soup is only as good as the stock it is made from, and this recipe presents a good, basic vegetable stock that serves as the perfect foundation for various dishes, including the delightful Tortellini Minestrone With Spinach. This stock yields a generous amount, allowing you to freeze it in individual batches for convenient use. With customizable vegetable choices, you can tailor the flavors to suit your preferences, while avoiding ingredients that may overpower the stock or cloud its clarity, such as strong-flavored vegetables and potatoes.
Cook Time: 3 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 quarts
Keywords: Vegetable, Vegan, Free Of…, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 156.2
- Fat Content: 0.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 207.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 36.2g
- Fiber Content: 8.3g
- Sugar Content: 15.8g
- Protein Content: 4.3g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 1/4 | cups water |
| 1 1/2 | onions |
| 1 1/2 | carrots |
| 1 1/2 | celery |
| 3/4 | tomatoes |
| 3/4 | leek |
| 1 | garlic bulb |
| 1 | bay leaf |
| 6 | sprigs parsley |
| 2 | sprigs thyme |
| 3 | black peppercorns |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Stock: Place water in a stock pot and add the onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, leek, garlic, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, and black peppercorns into the pot.
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Simmering Process: Heat the pot on high until the mixture reaches a simmer, but take care not to let it boil.
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Reduce Heat: Once the stock reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low.
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Skim Surface: Throughout the simmering process, periodically skim any scum that rises to the surface of the stock.
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Simmering Time: Allow the stock to simmer, covered, for approximately 3 hours, ensuring not to stir it during this time.
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Monitoring: Check the stock occasionally to ensure it is not boiling and to skim the surface if necessary.
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Seasoning: Season the stock with salt to taste.
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Cooling and Straining: Once the simmering is complete, allow the stock to cool. Remove the vegetables and strain the stock to remove any solids, ensuring a clear and flavorful result.
Usage Tips:
- Store the vegetable stock in individual batches, with each bag containing enough for one batch of soup or recipe.
- Experiment with different vegetable combinations to customize the flavor profile of your stock.
- Use this stock as a base for various soups, stews, sauces, and risottos, enhancing their taste with its rich and savory essence.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a versatile and flavorful vegetable stock that serves as the perfect foundation for a variety of culinary creations. Enjoy the process of making your own stock and savor the depth of flavor it brings to your favorite dishes! 🥕🍲
