Vegetable Broth Base
A freezer-friendly concentrate for instant, high-quality vegetable stock
Why This Recipe Works
Swapping traditional onions and celery for leeks and celery root provides a cleaner, more refined flavor profile without any bitter edge. This concentrated paste remains soft in the freezer, allowing you to scoop out exactly what you need for a single cup of broth or a large pot of soup.
Instructions
Pulse the leeks, carrots, celery root, and parsley in a food processor until the vegetables are finely and evenly minced, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed.
Add the dried onion, salt, tomato paste, and soy sauce to the processor. Process until a thick, uniform paste forms; the salt helps break down the vegetable fibers into a smooth concentrate.
Transfer the base to an airtight container and store in the freezer. The high salt content prevents the mixture from freezing solid, so it should remain soft enough to scoop directly with a spoon.
Whisk the base into boiling water until fully dissolved to create a clear, savory broth, or stir it directly into sauces and stews to deepen the flavor. Serve hot.
π½οΈ Complete the Meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this recipe?
Store in the freezer indefinitely.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This base is designed to be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
What substitutions can I make?
- soy sauce: tamari for gluten-free