Discover the magic of homemade "Vegetable Stock Allergy Friendly," a culinary gem that not only elevates your dishes but also caters to various dietary needs! This rich and flavorful stock, brimming with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, is the perfect base for soups, stews, and risottos. With just 10 minutes of prep and an hour of simmering, you can create a wholesome stock that’s free from common allergens and packed with nutrients. Ready to transform your cooking? Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and unlock the secret to delicious, allergy-friendly meals!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 8 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Peppercorns to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash all vegetables under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Prepare the vegetables by quartering the onion, chopping the carrots and celery into rough chunks, and smashing the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife.
- Select a large stockpot with a heavy bottom to ensure even heat distribution during cooking.
- Add all prepared vegetables into the stockpot, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Pour 4 cups of water over the vegetables, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Add bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt to enhance the stock's flavor profile.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, allowing the stock to simmer uncovered for approximately 1 hour.
- Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that develops on the surface during cooking.
- After one hour, remove the pot from heat and let the stock cool slightly.
- Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all vegetable solids.
- Transfer the strained stock to clean, airtight containers for storage.
- Allow stock to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh, organic vegetables. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste of your stock.
- Customize Your Stock: Feel free to add other vegetables like leeks, mushrooms, or herbs such as parsley or dill for a unique twist tailored to your palate.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the stock to simmer gently for a full hour helps to extract the maximum flavor from the vegetables. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can make the stock cloudy.
- Skim the Foam: During cooking, periodically skim off any foam that forms on the surface. This will help keep your stock clear and improve its overall presentation.
- Storage Tips: Once cooled, store your stock in ice cube trays for easy portioning. This way, you can simply pop out a cube whenever you need a burst of flavor in your dishes!
- Season to Taste: Since the stock will be used in various recipes, consider keeping the seasoning light. You can always adjust the salt and pepper in your final dishes.
- Use Leftovers Wisely: After straining, don’t throw away the vegetable solids! They can be added to compost or used in vegetable puree recipes for added nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 17kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
