Brodo vegetale (Vegetable Broth)

Frankreference10 Comments

Vegetable Broth

With the increased interest in vegetarian and vegan diets in recent times, you will find more and more recipes calling for vegetable broth instead of, or as alternative to, the more traditional meat broths.

Ingredients

When I make vegetable broth, I always begin with the usual aromatic vegetables that go into a classic, traditional meat-based broth:

  • onion
  • carrot
  • celery

along with the usual spices and herbs:

  • parsley
  • bay leaf
  • a few cloves
  • whole peppercorns.

To this I add:

  • 1-2 waxy, yellow-fleshed potatoes
  • tomatoes, fresh ones in summer, canned out of season—or cherry tomatoes, which always seem to be available and often have better taste than other varieties.

On to this base of classic vegetables, you can now add a few vegetables in season. The beauty of a vegetable broth, like minestrone, is that it can subtly change from season to season, according to what you find the market. This week’s vegetable broth included some mushrooms, some peeled baby yams and a leaf or two of Tuscan kale.

Salt generously.

Directions

While the basic method is essentially the same as for meat-based broths, vegetable broth is, if anything, easier. You cover the ingredients with cold water, salt well and bring to a simmer, but there is no need to skim the broth (with no blood to coagulate no scum will form). 1-2 hours of simmering will be quite enough cooking time. To bring out full flavor, use more solid to liquid than you would for a meat broth and use an ample amount of salt.

Notes

Vegetable broth can be used in all of the same ways as meat broths, although I find that it is particularly apt for making risotto. To my mind, it is less successful in clear soups.

You can vary the vegetables according to the season and your mood. Leeks give the broth a mellow and savory flavor. Bell peppers, if used with discretion, can add a nice zesty edge. I always like to add some leafy vegetables to a vegetable broth, but it is best to use them discreetly. Too much and the broth will take on a greenish tinge. Escarole and chicory, swiss chard are particularly flavorful. In the warmer months, vegetables like zucchini and spinach.

Some vegetables do not really lend themselves to broth. I avoid cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli or the like, as they have an overpowering flavor that will throw the flavors out of balance. Eggplant can make the broth bitter, while fennel, I find, is a bit too sweet. Artichokes and asparagus are just too expensive to use for vegetable broth, at least for my money.

Vegetable Broth

Total Time2 hours

Ingredients

  • onion
  • carrot
  • celery
  • parsley
  • bay leaf
  • a few cloves
  • whole peppercorns.
  • 1-2 waxy yellow-fleshed potatoes
  • tomatoes fresh ones in summer, canned out of season—or cherry tomatoes, which always seem to be available and often have better taste than other varieties.
  • Seasonal vegetables of your choice
  • Salt

Instructions

  • Cover the ingredients with cold water, salt well and bring to a simmer. 1-2 hours of simmering will be quite enough cooking time. To bring out full flavor, use more solid to liquid than you would for a meat broth and use an ample amount of salt.

10 Comments on “Brodo vegetale (Vegetable Broth)”

  1. Pingback: Zuppa di lenticchie e porri (Lentil and Leek Soup) - Memorie di Angelina

  2. Pingback: Polpo alla piastra su crema di piselli (Seared Octopus over Green Pea Purée) - Memorie di Angelina

  3. What a simple way to add flavor and goodness to recipes. Do you ever roast the vegetables before making stock with them? I have heard that can add tons of flavor.

  4. I love all broths – there is so much satisfaction is breathing in the aroma as cooked water turns to broth. Sometimes I roast my vegetables the tinniest bit before adding them. (onions, tomatoes,mushrooms, carrots).I never use peppers in broth.

  5. great subject, homemade broth is so easy to do and so much better … like your advise on using less water for a more flavorful broth, more concentration without long cooking time – now why didn't I think of that … I just put mine on and walk away for several hours…

  6. Homemade stocks are wonderful and have kept me from buying the canned/boxed stuff. Stocks made me actually organize and label items in my freezer better. I do believe that once people start making their own they will struggle with anything store bought. Great post and beautiful pictures! ~LeslieMichele

  7. A lovely recipe, and as you say it can be varied dependant upon the season. If you add beans such as cannelini, borlotto, etc. You might need to remove the scum though.

  8. I like to use sweet corn cobs (after the kernels have cut off for something else) in the summer. As far as asparagus and artichokes, one could use the tough fibrous parts (i.e. the lower part of the stems of asparagus, or the outer leaves of artichokes). The same goes for the green upper part of leeks, or parsley stems.

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