Vegan Bouillon Recipe: Easy Homemade Broth in Minutes

Creating a rich, flavorful bouillon without relying on animal products is easier than you might think. This vegan bouillon recipe offers a wholesome, homemade alternative to store-bought cubes and powders, which often contain additives and preservatives.

Using simple, natural ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and nutritional yeast, you can craft a versatile base that enhances soups, stews, sauces, and more. Whether you’re aiming to add depth to a cozy bowl of soup or need a savory boost for your favorite grain dishes, this vegan bouillon will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Not only is it packed with umami goodness, but making your own bouillon also means you control the salt content and avoid unnecessary chemicals. Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can prepare a large batch and have it ready whenever inspiration strikes.

Let’s dive into this nourishing, plant-powered bouillon that’s sure to elevate your culinary creations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan bouillon recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves cooking with fresh, natural ingredients. Here’s why it stands out:

• All-Natural and Healthy: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients without preservatives or artificial flavors.
• Customizable Flavor: Easy to adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Economical and Sustainable: Utilizes common kitchen staples and leftover vegetable scraps to reduce waste.
• Convenient: Can be stored in the fridge or freezer for quick use in any recipe.
• Versatile: Perfect for soups, stews, sauces, grains, and more.

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped (shiitake or cremini preferred for umami)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (optional, for added depth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment

• Large stockpot or saucepan
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Blender or immersion blender
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional, for a clear bouillon)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Glass jars or ice cube trays for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop the carrots, celery, onion, and mushrooms into small pieces for even cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Herbs: Mix in the tomato paste, dried thyme, rosemary, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
5. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in 6 cups of water and add the soy sauce or tamari if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour to extract all flavors.
6. Blend the Bouillon: Remove the bay leaf. Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth. This step intensifies the flavor and creates a rich broth.
7. Strain (Optional): For a clearer bouillon, pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. If you prefer a thicker bouillon, you can skip this step.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste your bouillon and adjust salt or spices as needed. Remember, this base will be diluted when used in recipes, so it should be slightly stronger than your desired final flavor.
9. Store Properly: Let the bouillon cool to room temperature. Transfer to glass jars or pour into ice cube trays for convenient portioning. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
10. Use and Enjoy: Use 1 bouillon cube or 1/4 cup of the liquid bouillon per 1 cup of water or as directed in your recipe.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a small piece of smoked seaweed during the simmering stage.”

• Vegetable scraps: Save peels and ends of carrots, celery, and onions to add to the bouillon for extra flavor and to reduce waste.
• Spice it up: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, or add a dash of turmeric for color and health benefits.
• Make it chunky: Instead of blending, leave the vegetables chunky for a rustic broth with added texture.
• Low sodium: Reduce the salt and use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to control sodium intake.
• Freeze in portions: Using ice cube trays allows you to thaw only what you need.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan bouillon is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless ways to elevate your cooking:

• Add a few cubes or spoonfuls to water for a quick vegetable broth base for soups and stews.
• Use as a flavorful cooking liquid for grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• Incorporate into sauces and gravies for a rich, savory depth.
• Mix into vegan pasta dishes, such as our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, to boost flavor.
• Use as a base for slow cooker meals, inspired by these Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
• Try it as a cooking liquid for vegetables in dishes like our Vegetable Boil Recipe for a Quick and Healthy Dinner.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan bouillon is a rewarding way to enhance the flavors of your plant-based dishes naturally and healthfully. This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a delicious, umami-packed broth that can be customized to suit your palate.

By preparing your own bouillon, you avoid unnecessary additives and control the seasoning, ensuring every meal you prepare is as nourishing as it is tasty.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just starting your plant-based journey, having this bouillon on hand will simplify meal prep and add a comforting depth to your favorite recipes. Don’t forget to experiment with herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours.

For more delicious vegan recipes to complement this bouillon, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try baking fresh bread with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Enjoy the wholesome goodness and happy cooking!

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