Unlock the secret to rich, savory flavors with our Umami Packed Brown Vegetable Stock! This versatile broth is not just a base for soups and stews—it's a flavor powerhouse that can elevate any dish. Imagine the deep, satisfying taste of umami enveloping your meals, all while being completely vegetarian! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a stock that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to transform your cooking? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to be a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 8 cups
Ingredients
- 2 onions, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 cups water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure you have 2 quartered onions, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 4 smashed cloves of garlic, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt and pepper to taste, and 12 cups of water.
- In a large stockpot, add the quartered onions, chopped carrots, chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, and smashed garlic. These vegetables will form the base of your stock and contribute to its rich flavor.
- Pour in 12 cups of water, ensuring that all the vegetables are fully submerged. This will help extract the flavors during the cooking process.
- Add the bay leaf and thyme to the pot. These herbs will infuse the stock with additional depth and aroma.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount, as you can always adjust the seasoning later.
- Place the stockpot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Allow the stock to simmer uncovered for about 1 hour. This slow cooking process will extract the umami flavors from the vegetables and create a rich, flavorful broth.
- After 1 hour of simmering, remove the pot from heat. Let it cool slightly before straining the stock.
- Using a fine-mesh strainer or a cheesecloth, strain the stock into a large bowl or another pot, discarding the solids. Press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Taste the stock and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can simmer the strained stock for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Allow the stock to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- Your umami-packed brown vegetable stock is now ready to be used in soups, stews, sauces, or any recipe that calls for vegetable stock!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your vegetables directly impacts the flavor of your stock. Opt for fresh, organic vegetables whenever possible for the best results.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing your stock to simmer gently for a full hour is crucial. This slow cooking process extracts all the rich flavors from the vegetables, creating a deep and complex broth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed after the stock is finished. This way, you can control the saltiness according to your preference.
- Experiment with Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs you have on hand, such as leeks, parsnips, or rosemary, to customize the flavor of your stock.
- Save Your Scraps: If you have vegetable scraps (like onion peels or carrot tops), toss them into the pot for added flavor. It’s a great way to reduce waste and enhance your stock!
- Storage Tips: Once cooled, store your stock in airtight containers. It can last up to a week in the fridge or several months in the freezer—perfect for batch cooking!
- Use It Wisely: This umami-packed stock is perfect not just for soups and stews, but also for cooking grains like rice or quinoa, adding depth to sauces, or even as a base for risottos.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 20kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
