Kitchen scrap broth is a flavorful and nutritious base that is made by simmering leftover vegetable scraps such as onion peels, carrot tops, and herb stems in water. This homemade broth is a sustainable and cost-effective way to use up vegetable scraps that would otherwise go to waste, and it can provide a range of nutritional benefits.
Kitchen Scrap Broth recipe
Kitchen scrap broth
Equipment
- 1 stock pot
- 1 sieve
- 1 jars
Ingredients
- 2 pounds leftover chicken bones or chicken scraps like necks, backs, and wings
- 2½ cups loosely packed vegetable trimmings, such as onion skins, carrot peelings, celery leaves, and parsley stems
- 2 leaves dried bay
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 4–6 quarts cold water
Instructions
- Dump all of the ingredients into a heavy stockpot and then pour enough water into the pot to cover by 1 inch (about 4–6 quarts). Cover pot and boil over med-high heat. Then lower heat to med-low.
- Covered, let it simmer for at least 8 and up to 12 hours, adding water if necessary to keep bones submerged.
- Strain broth through a fine sieve. Use the stock right away or transfer into 4, 1-quart sized jars, sealing their lids. Store up to 5 days or freeze for 6 months.
Video
Notes
How to Make the Perfect Kitchen scrap broth
To make the perfect kitchen scrap broth, follow these steps:
- Gather your scraps: Collect vegetable scraps such as onion peels, garlic skins, carrot tops, celery ends, and herb stems. Avoid using scraps that are moldy or spoiled.
- Clean the scraps: Rinse the scraps thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Sauté the scraps: In a large pot, sauté the scraps in a little bit of oil until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
- Add water: Cover the scraps with cold water, making sure that they are fully submerged.
- Add aromatics: Add aromatics such as bay leaves, peppercorns, and garlic cloves to the pot.
- Simmer the broth: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-60 minutes, or until the broth is rich and flavorful.
- Strain the broth: Once the broth is done, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids.
- Cool and store the broth: Let the broth cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious and nutrient-rich kitchen scrap broth that can be used as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables and aromatics to create your own unique flavor profile. Kitchen scrap broth is not only a great way to reduce food waste, but it is also an economical and sustainable ingredient that can add depth and complexity to your cooking.
Nutritional ingredients of kitchen scrap broth
Kitchen scrap broth is a nutrient-dense ingredient that is rich in several important nutrients. Here are some of the nutritional ingredients that you can find in kitchen scrap broth:
- Vitamins and Minerals: Kitchen scrap broth is rich in vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health and well-being, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
- Antioxidants: Many of the vegetables used in kitchen scrap broth are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Fiber: Kitchen scrap broth contains small amounts of fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Low in Calories: Kitchen scrap broth is a low-calorie ingredient that can be used as a base for soups and stews without adding extra calories.
Overall, kitchen scrap broth is a nutritious and flavorful ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. It is also a sustainable and economical way to use up vegetable scraps and reduce food waste, making it an excellent choice for those who are committed to sustainable cooking.
FAQs of kitchen scrap broth
Here are some frequently asked questions about kitchen scrap broth:
Q: What vegetables can I use to make kitchen scrap broth?
You can use a variety of vegetables to make kitchen scrap broth, including onion peels, garlic skins, carrot tops, celery ends, leek greens, mushroom stems, and herb stems. Avoid using vegetables that are known to have a bitter taste, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
Q: How long should I simmer kitchen scrap broth?
Simmer kitchen scrap broth for 30-60 minutes to extract the maximum amount of flavor and nutrients from the vegetables.
Q: Can I freeze kitchen scrap broth?
Yes, kitchen scrap broth can be frozen for later use. Let the broth cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months.
Q: How long can I store kitchen scrap broth in the refrigerator?
Kitchen scrap broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I reuse vegetable scraps to make another batch of broth?
You can reuse vegetable scraps to make another batch of broth, but the flavor and nutritional content may be reduced. It’s best to use fresh vegetable scraps for each batch of broth.
Q: Is kitchen scrap broth vegan/vegetarian?
Kitchen scrap broth can be vegan/vegetarian if made using only vegetable scraps and aromatics. If using meat or animal products, it would not be vegan/vegetarian.
Q: How do I use kitchen scrap broth?
Kitchen scrap broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or enjoyed on its own as a nourishing and flavorful drink. It can also be used to cook grains or as a substitute for water in recipes to add extra flavor.
In conclusion, kitchen scrap broth is a sustainable, economical, and nutritious ingredient that can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. By using up vegetable scraps that would otherwise go to waste, you can create a flavorful and nutrient-dense broth that can enhance the flavor of your cooking.
Kitchen scrap broth is a great way to reduce food waste, support sustainable cooking practices, and promote overall health and well-being. So next time you’re cooking, don’t throw away those vegetable scraps – use them to make a delicious and nutritious kitchen scrap broth that will elevate your dishes to the next level.