Clear Broth Recipe Vegetarian: Easy, Flavorful & Healthy

Clear broth is a timeless classic in the culinary world, cherished for its simplicity, purity, and versatility. For vegetarians, crafting a clear broth that is both flavorful and light can sometimes feel like a challenge, but it’s entirely achievable with the right ingredients and technique.

This vegetarian clear broth recipe brings out the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, resulting in a crystal-clear, nourishing base perfect for soups, stews, or sipping on its own.

Whether you’re looking to create a comforting bowl of soup or want a foundational broth to build other dishes upon, this recipe offers a delicate yet satisfying flavor profile that highlights the best of plant-based cooking.

In the following sections, you’ll find everything you need to prepare this delightful broth, including why it’s a kitchen staple, the exact ingredients, step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and serving suggestions.

Plus, I’ll share a few internal links to other fantastic recipes that pair wonderfully with this broth. Let’s get started on making your kitchen smell like a fresh garden, with a clear broth that’s bound to become your go-to!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why this vegetarian clear broth recipe stands out. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of fresh vegetables and herbs.

It’s free from any additives or preservatives, ensuring a pure and healthy base for your meals.

This broth is exceptionally versatile. Use it as a base for vegetable soups, risottos, or to cook grains for extra flavor.

It’s also a comforting, low-calorie option for sipping when you want something light but nourishing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up vegetable scraps and reduce kitchen waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Most importantly, it’s a recipe that anyone can customize to their taste preferences or pantry availability, making it a perfect staple for every vegetarian kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered (no need to peel)
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 small leek, cleaned and chopped (white and light green parts only)
• 1 bay leaf
• 6-8 sprigs fresh parsley
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 1 small piece kombu seaweed (optional, for umami)
• 10 cups cold water
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Large stockpot (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Large bowl or another pot to strain into
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Ladle for serving or transferring broth
• Storage containers or jars for leftover broth

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. There is no need to peel the onion or garlic as their skins add a beautiful color and depth to the broth. Chop the carrots, celery, leek, and parsnip into large chunks for easy straining later.
2. Combine ingredients in the stockpot: Place all the chopped vegetables, garlic, and herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaf) into your large stockpot. Add the peppercorns and kombu seaweed if using.
3. Add cold water: Pour in 10 cups of cold water. Starting with cold water helps extract maximum flavor from the vegetables.
4. Bring to a simmer: Heat the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling rapidly as this can cloud the broth.
5. Simmer gently for 45-60 minutes: Reduce the heat to low and allow the broth to simmer gently. Stir occasionally but avoid boiling. This slow simmering extracts flavors while keeping the broth clear.
6. Skim the surface: During the simmering process, skim off any foam or scum that rises to the top using a spoon to keep the broth clear.
7. Strain the broth: Once the flavor is fully developed, remove the pot from heat. Carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. Discard the solids.
8. Season to taste: Add salt gradually, tasting as you go, until the broth is perfectly seasoned.
9. Cool and store: Let the broth cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“Using cold water and gentle simmering is key to achieving a clear and flavorful broth without cloudiness.”

• Use vegetable scraps: Save onion skins, carrot ends, celery leaves, and mushroom stems in a freezer bag to build broth stock anytime.
• Add mushrooms: For an earthier flavor, add a few dried shiitake mushrooms or fresh cremini mushrooms to the pot.
• Skip the kombu: If you’re not fond of seaweed flavor, omit kombu but add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for umami.
• Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or dill if you want a different herbaceous profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a small piece of fresh ginger or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a warming twist.
• Double batch: This broth freezes well, so consider making double and storing portions for quick use.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This clear broth is a perfect blank canvas for countless dishes. Serve it as a comforting warm sip during cold days or when you need a light, hydrating snack.

Use it as a base for vegetarian soups by adding diced vegetables, noodles, or grains. It’s especially delicious when paired with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

For an elegant appetizer, try serving this broth with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. If you want to explore more hearty vegetarian dishes, check out my Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a flavorful complement.

Looking for a protein-packed option? Pair this broth as a starter with the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe, balancing a light beginning with a satisfying main course.

For a tangy, spicy contrast, try serving alongside the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe, which adds a vibrant kick to your meal.

Conclusion

Making a clear vegetarian broth from scratch is an incredibly rewarding experience that elevates your cooking to a new level of flavor and nourishment. This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients with a gentle cooking process to create a broth that’s both delicate and deeply flavorful.

It’s a versatile staple for any vegetarian kitchen, perfect for soups, sauces, or even enjoying on its own as a soothing drink. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up leftover veggies and reduce waste.

With minimal effort and basic kitchen tools, you can produce a broth that adds warmth and comfort to your meals. I encourage you to experiment with the herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours.

And if you’re hungry for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to explore the links I’ve shared throughout this post. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Clear Broth Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A light and flavorful vegetarian clear broth perfect as a base for soups or sipping on its own. Made with fresh vegetables and simple seasonings for a clean taste.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 carrots, chopped”, “2 celery stalks, chopped”, “1 medium onion, quartered”, “3 garlic cloves, smashed”, “1 small leek, cleaned and chopped”, “1 bay leaf”, “5 black peppercorns”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “8 cups water”, “1 sprig fresh thyme”, “1 sprig fresh parsley”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine all vegetables and herbs in a large pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add water, salt, and peppercorns.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil over high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Discard solids and serve warm or use as a base.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “30 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “1 g”, “fatContent”: “0.2 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “7 g”}}