Best Vegetable Broth Recipe Vegan For Flavorful Soups

Updated On: October 7, 2025

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup or a flavorful stew, and the secret behind many delicious dishes is a rich, homemade vegetable broth. If you’re following a vegan lifestyle or simply want to avoid store-bought broths laden with preservatives and artificial flavors, making your own vegetable broth at home is the way to go.

It’s not just healthier and more economical but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. This best vegetable broth recipe vegan will become your go-to base for countless recipes—from hearty soups to vibrant risottos and beyond.

With simple, wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, this vegetable broth packs a punch of natural umami and deep flavor. It’s perfect for batch cooking, meaning you can store it in the fridge or freezer and have it ready whenever you need an instant flavor boost.

Plus, making your own broth reduces food waste by utilizing vegetable scraps you might otherwise toss. Let’s dive into this nourishing, aromatic, and utterly delicious vegan vegetable broth recipe that will elevate your cooking to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable broth is a vibrant blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices that creates a full-bodied and savory base for any dish. Unlike many store-bought versions, this broth is free from added sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavor enhancers, making it a clean and wholesome choice.

One of the best parts? It’s incredibly versatile.

Whether you’re making a hearty lentil soup or a delicate risotto, this broth adds depth and richness to your meals without overpowering them. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to make in large batches, so you’ll always have some on hand.

Plus, this recipe is completely vegan and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. The natural sweetness from the carrots and the earthiness of mushrooms combine beautifully, creating a broth that’s both comforting and nutrient-dense.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, quartered (leave skin on for color and flavor)
  • 3 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 cup mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
  • 1 large tomato, quartered (optional for acidity and color)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 2 sprigs fresh parsley
  • 8 cups water (filtered or spring water preferred)
  • Salt to taste (optional, add after cooking)

Equipment

  • Large stockpot (at least 6-quart capacity)
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for straining
  • Large bowl to catch broth
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Storage containers or jars for broth (glass preferred)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the large stockpot. Once shimmering, add the quartered onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and develop some color. This step builds a deeper flavor base.
  2. Add the garlic and mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown slightly.
  3. Stir in the tomato (if using), bay leaf, black peppercorns, thyme, and parsley. Mix everything together well to combine the flavors.
  4. Pour in 8 cups of water, making sure all the vegetables are submerged. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This slow simmer extracts maximum flavor from the vegetables and herbs.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and allow the broth to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
  7. Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing down on the solids gently to extract all the liquid. Discard the vegetable solids or compost them.
  8. Season the broth with salt to taste if desired. Remember, you can always add salt later in your recipes as well.
  9. Transfer the broth into storage containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

“Save your vegetable scraps!” Keep a bag in the freezer to collect peels, ends, and trimmings from onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and herbs. When you have enough, use them to make a flavorful broth instead of wasting these nutrient-rich parts.

For a richer broth, try roasting your vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes before simmering. This caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a lovely depth.

You can also add other veggies like leeks, fennel, or parsnips for a different flavor profile.

If you want a lighter broth, reduce the simmering time to 30 minutes. For a heartier taste, add a splash of soy sauce or tamari during the simmering process.

Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices such as rosemary, sage, or a pinch of turmeric for added complexity and health benefits.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 1 cup (240ml)
Calories 40
Carbohydrates 8g
Protein 1g
Fat 1.5g
Fiber 1.5g
Sodium Variable (depends on added salt)

Serving Suggestions

This vegan vegetable broth is incredibly versatile. Use it as a base for your favorite homemade soups, stews, and chili.

It’s especially wonderful in recipes like a cozy lentil soup or a creamy vegan risotto.

Want to try something different? Use this broth to cook grains such as quinoa, barley, or rice for extra flavor, or as a poaching liquid for vegetables and tofu.

For a delicious meal idea, try pairing this broth with a vegan pasta dish or a hearty vegetable stew. If you love experimenting in the kitchen, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with broth-based dishes.

Conclusion

Making your own vegetable broth is a simple, rewarding process that elevates your cooking while supporting a wholesome, vegan lifestyle. This recipe offers a flavorful, nutrient-rich base that can be tailored to suit your personal tastes and dietary needs.

By using fresh vegetables and herbs, you create a broth that’s free of preservatives and full of natural goodness.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight soup or a complex dish that calls for rich broth, this recipe ensures you always have a delicious foundation ready to go. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and save money.

For more delicious recipes that complement this broth, be sure to explore our Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes and the luscious Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert inspiration. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetable Broth Recipe Vegan

Description: A rich and flavorful vegetable broth perfect for soups and stews. Made with fresh vegetables and herbs for a wholesome taste.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 6 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 large carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 parsnip, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley stems
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
  4. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve.
  5. Discard solids and season broth with additional salt if needed.
  6. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition: Calories: 40 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 0.5 g | Carbs: 8 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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