Dive into the heart of Italian cuisine with a warm bowl of homemade Italian Vegetable Broth, or Brodo di Verdure! This vibrant and aromatic broth is not only a comforting staple but also a versatile base for countless dishes, from soups to risottos. With just a handful of fresh vegetables and a little olive oil, you can create a rich, flavorful broth that will elevate any meal. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of this traditional recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 potato, peeled and chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery stalks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped zucchini and potato to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Pour in the water, making sure that all the vegetables are covered. Add the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or container, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
- Let the broth cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Tips
- Use Fresh Vegetables: For the best flavor, choose fresh, seasonal vegetables. They will enhance the taste of your broth significantly.
- Customize Your Broth: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or herbs such as thyme and parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your broth.
- Strain Well: When straining the broth, press down on the solids to extract every last drop of liquid. This ensures you get the fullest flavor.
- Storage Tips: If you’re making a large batch, store the broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning. This way, you can easily add a splash of flavor to any dish whenever you need it!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
