Discover the secret to a comforting and nourishing bowl of "Dr. Oz Vegetable Broth" that’s not just a recipe, but a delightful experience! Packed with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, this homemade broth is the perfect base for soups, stews, or simply enjoyed on its own. In just over an hour, you can create a flavorful elixir that will warm your soul and elevate any dish. Ready to transform your kitchen into a sanctuary of health and flavor? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to invigorate your meals and your well-being!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 cups
Ingredients
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 garlic bulb, halved
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash all vegetables under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the onion and quarter it into rough chunks, keeping the pieces relatively large.
- Chop the carrots and celery into similar-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches long to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Cut the garlic bulb in half horizontally, exposing the individual cloves while keeping the bulb mostly intact.
- Place all prepared vegetables into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Add the bay leaf to the vegetable mixture for additional depth of flavor.
- Pour 10 cups of cold water over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- Place the pot on the stovetop and bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the broth to simmer uncovered for approximately 1 hour.
- During simmering, occasionally skim off any foam that forms on the surface to maintain a clear broth.
- After one hour, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, separating the liquid from the cooked vegetables.
- Season the strained broth with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Allow the broth to cool completely before transferring to storage containers.
- Refrigerate the broth and consume within 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, organic vegetables whenever possible. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the taste of your broth.
- Cut Uniformly: Chop the carrots and celery into similar sizes (about 1-2 inches) to ensure even cooking and flavor extraction.
- Skimming Foam: Keep an eye on your broth while it simmers. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to maintain a clear and clean broth.
- Season Gradually: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and adjust the seasoning after straining the broth. This allows you to control the flavor intensity.
- Storage Tips: Allow the broth to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep!
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. Just toss them in during the simmering stage!
- Use a Fine-Mesh Sieve: For a perfectly smooth broth, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, ensuring no vegetable bits remain.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 25kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
