Vegetable Broth From Scraps (Printable)

Turn kitchen trimmings into rich, aromatic broth ideal for soups and cooking.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetable Scraps

01 - 5 to 6 cups assorted vegetable trimmings (carrot peels, onion skins, celery ends, leek tops, mushroom stems, garlic skins, parsley stems)

→ Aromatics and Seasoning

02 - 2 bay leaves
03 - 8 to 10 whole black peppercorns
04 - 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
05 - 1 small handful fresh parsley or thyme sprigs (optional)
06 - 1 to 2 teaspoons salt, to taste

→ Water

07 - 8 cups cold water

# Directions:

01 - Gather clean, fresh vegetable trimmings. Exclude bitter vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or large quantities of cabbage.
02 - Place the vegetable scraps, aromatics, and salt into a large stockpot. Pour in the cold water.
03 - Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
04 - Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, occasionally skimming foam and impurities from the surface.
05 - Taste the broth and adjust salt as needed for desired flavor intensity.
06 - Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl, discarding all solids.
07 - Cool the broth to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Zero-Waste: Repurposes vegetable peels and ends that would otherwise be discarded.
  • Customizable: Every batch is a unique reflection of the vegetables you've used throughout the week.
  • Healthy and Pure: Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-fat with no hidden preservatives.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you already have on hand to make a staple pantry item.
02 -
  • Freeze scraps in a bag until you have gathered the full 5–6 cups needed for a batch.
  • Use scraps from onions, leeks, celery, carrots, and mushrooms for the best flavor balance.
  • Always use cold water to start the broth for a clearer, more extracted liquid.
  • Label your containers with the date before storing in the refrigerator or freezer.
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