Diabetic Vegetable Stock 🥕🌿
Introduction:
This Diabetic Vegetable Stock recipe, adapted from the Art of Cooking for the Diabetic and tweaked for ultimate flavor and health benefits, is a staple for any kitchen. Low in sodium, low in cholesterol, and bursting with the wholesome goodness of vegetables, this stock is not only diabetic-friendly but also a versatile base for soups, stews, and sauces.
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 7 U.S. pints
Ingredients:
- 2 onions
- 2 leeks
- 3 celery ribs
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 3/4 – 1 celery root
- 1/2 shallot
- 3 1/2 cups bottled water
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions:
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Sauté Onions: Begin by sautéing the chopped onions in a skillet until they are browned and almost black. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors in your stock.
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Prepare Vegetables: While the onions are cooking, prepare the rest of your vegetables. Clean and chop the leeks, celery ribs, carrots, parsnip, celery root, and shallot.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the onions are nicely browned, transfer them to a crockpot. Add in all the chopped vegetables and pour in the bottled water.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. This helps ensure a clear and flavorful stock.
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Add Seasonings: Toss in the fresh parsley, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to infuse the stock with aromatic flavors.
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Slow Cook: Set your crockpot to low and let the stock cook for about 3 hours. Periodically check on it and add more water if needed to keep all the ingredients submerged.
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Enhance Flavor: Taste the stock occasionally and continue cooking to your desired intensity. Remember, the longer it simmers, the more robust the flavor will become.
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Strain: Once the stock has simmered to perfection, strain it through a fine sieve to remove any solids and achieve a clear liquid.
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Storage: Your homemade vegetable stock can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month, allowing you to enjoy its wholesome goodness whenever you need it.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 81.9
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 90.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.6g
- Fiber: 3.8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2.7g
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, roast the vegetables in the oven before adding them to the crockpot.
- Customize the ingredients based on your preferences and what’s in season. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the stock to your taste buds. Thyme, rosemary, or a dash of cayenne pepper can add depth and complexity.
- To save time, you can make a large batch of this vegetable stock and freeze it in smaller portions for future use. Just thaw and heat whenever a recipe calls for a flavorful broth.
Conclusion:
With its simplicity, versatility, and health benefits, this Diabetic Vegetable Stock is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re simmering a comforting soup on a chilly evening or adding depth to your favorite recipes, this homemade stock will elevate every dish with its nourishing goodness and wholesome flavor. So, grab your vegetables, fire up the crockpot, and let the magic begin!
