Homemade Vegetable Broth Without Chemicals: The Best Way to Prepare It!

Making homemade vegetable broth is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to enhance your dishes while eliminating preservatives, excess sodium, and artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions. Not only is homemade broth nutrient-rich, but it’s also a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using leftover vegetables.

This guide will walk you through how to make, store, and use homemade vegetable broth, ensuring you have a flavorful, chemical-free base for soups, stews, and more!

🌱 Why Make Your Own Vegetable Broth?

✅ No Preservatives – Free from artificial flavors, excess salt, and additives.
✅ Packed with Nutrients – Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables.
✅ Customizable – Adjust flavors to your preference by adding your favorite veggies or herbs.
✅ Eco-Friendly – Reduces food waste by repurposing leftover vegetable scraps.
✅ Cost-Effective – Made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

🥕 Ingredients for a Flavorful Vegetable Broth

To make a deeply rich and nutritious broth, you’ll need the following:

🛒 Essential Ingredients:

3 carrots – Adds natural sweetness and depth.
1 leek – Provides a mild onion-like flavor.
2 parsnips – Enhances sweetness with nutty notes.
2 parsley roots – Adds an herbal, peppery touch.
1 onion – Creates a savory, aromatic base.
2 cloves garlic – Infuses warmth and complexity.
½ kohlrabi – Offers a subtle cabbage-like taste.
½ celeriac – Brings a bold, earthy, celery flavor.
1 piece turmeric – Provides anti-inflammatory benefits and a golden hue.
A handful of fresh parsley – Brightens the broth with a fresh, herbal note.
Sunflower oil – Helps release the vegetables’ natural flavors.
80 grams of salt – Enhances flavor and helps preserve the broth.

🥬 Optional Additions for Extra Nutrients:

Lamb’s quarters or wild spinach – Super nutritious greens that add a health boost.
Tomatoes – For a hint of natural acidity and umami.
Mushrooms – Adds a deep, umami flavor to the broth.

🔥 Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegetable Broth

1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and peel all vegetables thoroughly.
Chop them into medium-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a little sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This step unlocks their natural flavors through gentle caramelization.

3️⃣ Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat and cover the pot.
Let the vegetables steam in their own juices for 8-10 minutes until soft.
This creates a rich, concentrated broth without boiling out the nutrients.

4️⃣ Blend for a Smooth Texture (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker, richer broth, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or food processor.
Otherwise, leave it as is for a more classic, clear broth.

5️⃣ Store for Later Use

Let the broth cool completely before storing.
Use ice cube trays to freeze small portions for easy future use.
Store in airtight containers or wrap in aluminum foil before freezing.
Properly stored broth lasts:

In the fridge: Up to 5 days.
In the freezer: Up to 3-6 months.

🍲 How to Use Your Homemade Vegetable Broth

Homemade broth is super versatile and can be used in:

✅ Soups & Stews – The perfect base for hearty vegetable, lentil, or creamy soups.
✅ Cooking Grains – Replace water with broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous.
✅ Braising Vegetables – Adds rich flavor to mushrooms, greens, or root veggies.
✅ Sauces & Gravies – Use in place of water to boost depth and complexity in sauces.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Vegetable Broth

✔ Adjust Salt – Start with 80 grams and adjust based on taste. You can always add more later.
✔ Customize Vegetables – Feel free to experiment with different veggies and herbs to suit your taste.
✔ Avoid Overcooking – Stick to a cooking time of 8-10 minutes to preserve flavors and nutrients.
✔ Use Scraps! – Save onion skins, carrot peels, and herb stems in the freezer for an eco-friendly broth.

🌿 Final Thoughts: Homemade Broth for Better Cooking & Health

Making homemade vegetable broth is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. With just a few ingredients, you can create a deeply flavorful, preservative-free broth that enhances every dish.