Recipe: Basic Guidelines for Making Vegetable Stock

BASIC GUIDELINES FOR MAKING VEGETABLE STOCK

2 quarts cold water
vegetables,* cut into 1-inch pieces
fresh or dried herbs**

First choose the ingredients to reflect the soup in which the broth is being used. A general guideline for making vegetable broth is to use about 8 to 12 cups of vegetables cut into pieces no bigger than 1 inch.

Put these with 2 quarts of cold water in a large non-reactive pot with no more than six different herbs. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.

Strain and use as is or concentrate the flavor by simmering to the desired strength (by taste).

*VEGETABLES:
carrots, celery, potatoes, winter squash, summer squash, chard, kale, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, lettuce, green beans, celeriac When available use: fennel bulbs, asparagus, peas

**HERBS (LIMIT 6):
(When using dried herbs, lessen quantities by one-half to two-thirds but always add *to taste*)
basil, bay, borage, garlic, garlic chives, hyssop, lovage, morjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, thyme spices (limit 2) coriander, cumin, cardamon, fennel seeds, whole cloves, cinnamon

NOTES:
"Stock is very personal. It's quickly prepared. Or make ahead and freeze in a size that's convenient for you." -- Maggie

"Cabbage family vegetables were left off the list of ingredients because they give a strong (dominant) flavor; the flavor grows stronger (ages in the freezer). If you like, use mild cabbages: napa, bok choy, a little savoy, young brussels. Or use chard and endive. When using cabbage, try to use the broth right away. Also, straining is important. Use a very fine sieve." -- Maggie and patH

Servings: 8
Reprinted in Maggie Oster's Herb Garden
Source: The Greens Cook Book by Deborah Madison