Prepare for winter with these homemade vegetable bouillon cubes, a great way to preserve the vitamins and flavors of fresh vegetables. These aromatic and healthy bouillon cubes are perfect for adding a boost of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and leeks, and seasoned with turmeric and garlic, these cubes are a natural alternative to store-bought bouillon. Easy to make and freeze, they will be your go-to for quick and flavorful meals all winter long.
Preparation Time
- Total Preparation Time: 13 hours (including freezing time)
- Active Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 2-3 carrots, grated
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 radish, chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 leek, chopped (including green part)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 tsp salt
- 1-2 tbsp turmeric
- Water as needed
Directions
- Sauté the Onion:
- Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Carrots and Celery:
- Grate the carrots and chop the celery into small pieces. Add them to the skillet with the onions and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Radish and Garlic:
- Chop the radish into small pieces and add to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Leek and Parsley:
- Chop the leek, including the green parts, and the parsley. Add them to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Season the Vegetables:
- Add 5 teaspoons of salt and 1-2 tablespoons of turmeric to the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
- Simmer the Vegetables:
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the vegetables simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft and fully cooked.
- Blend the Vegetables:
- After simmering, use a blender or an immersion blender to grind the vegetables into a smooth, thick paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of water to help blend.
- Prepare for Freezing:
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Freeze the Mixture:
- Place the baking dish in the freezer for 12 hours or until the mixture is completely frozen.
- Cut into Cubes:
- Once frozen, remove the dish from the freezer and cut the mixture into small cubes.
- Store the Bouillon Cubes:
- Wrap the cubes individually in foil or parchment paper. Store the bouillon cubes in a freezer-safe container or bag in the freezer.
- Use the Bouillon Cubes:
- When ready to use, dissolve a cube in boiling water to create an aromatic and natural broth for soups, stews, or sauces.
Cooking Tips
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes to the mix for additional flavor.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add other spices like cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile.
- Blending: Ensure the vegetable mixture is smooth for even, well-formed cubes.
Nutritional Benefits
- Vitamins and Minerals: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables.
- Turmeric: Adds anti-inflammatory properties and a warm flavor to the broth.
- Low in Calories: A healthy, low-calorie way to enhance the flavor of your dishes.
Dietary Information
- This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Nutritional Facts (per cube, based on 20 cubes)
- Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
Storage
- Freezing: Store the bouillon cubes in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Usage: Use directly from the freezer; no need to thaw before dissolving in boiling water.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: Adds rich, natural flavor to your dishes without artificial ingredients.
- Convenient: Make once and store for months, ready to use whenever needed.
- Healthy: Packed with vegetables and free from preservatives.
- Versatile: Perfect for soups, stews, sauces, and more.
Conclusion
These homemade vegetable bouillon cubes are a fantastic way to preserve the flavors and vitamins of fresh vegetables for the winter months. With a rich blend of sautéed vegetables and aromatic spices, these cubes will elevate any dish with their natural, wholesome taste. Easy to prepare and store, they are a must-have for anyone who loves cooking from scratch. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of these homemade bouillon cubes in your favorite recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini for extra flavor.
- Is turmeric necessary?
- Turmeric adds a warm flavor and health benefits, but you can omit it or substitute with another spice like cumin.
- How long do these bouillon cubes last?
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Can I add fresh herbs?
- Yes, fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be added for more flavor.
- Do I need to thaw the cubes before using?
- No, you can add the cubes directly to boiling water or your dish.
- Can I make the cubes smaller or larger?
- Yes, cut the cubes to your preferred size based on how concentrated you want your broth to be.
- Can I omit the salt?
- The salt acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer, but you can reduce the amount if desired.
- What if I don’t have a blender?
- You can finely chop the vegetables after cooking, though the texture may be less smooth.
- Can I use these cubes in cold dishes?
- These cubes are best used in hot dishes where they can dissolve properly.
- How many cubes should I use per cup of water?
- Typically, use one cube per cup of water, but adjust based on your taste preference.