No critic goes to the theater to write about the foil. I prefer my stocks to be a foil — a background to other flavors. But the foil can make the play (or in this case the recipe). Market vegetable stock described here is made from cuttings saved up from the best of the growing season.
Unassuming yes, but if you want to see just how useful making this stock can be try a pot of Vegetable soup with Ground Beef made with this stock.
Notes in ingredients
Making your own vegetable stock is likely the cheapest easiest way to improve your cooking. Basically, it comes down to a simple step. Anytime you find yourself trimming a significant amount of stems that will be too tough to cook — throw it in the freezer. Almost any batch of greens is going to have a lot of stalks for you. But vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain a stalk that is often wasted. Eventually, you will have large bags or containers filled with stems and trimmings.
Notes on technique
From there the technique is simple. When enough is accumulated, place in a stockpot, throw in a bay leaf if you like, and add water to just cover. Salt till the water just tastes salty (it will evaporate and get saltier). Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes or so. Alternatively, roast the vegetables, as discussed in the caveats below, to get a richer taste.
I call this Market Vegetable Stock because it is easiest with market vegetables. Fresher, dirt-raised (as opposed to hydroponically raised) vegetables will have more stalks that you will want to use. Unfortunately, store-bought vegetables frequently have very dried brown or decaying stalks. These must be discarded. Nonetheless, it is possible to still build up enough to create a stock even if using store trimmings.
A few caveats are in order.
- I attempt to make this stock lighter than comparable canned vegetable stock. I am looking for an extra dimension to add to ingredients I am happy with, not a backbone to the dish.
- I generally, add dark red stalks to a separate container. From there I can make a conscious decision to add to my latest batch of stock. Using these colors the stock and may not be desirable for appearance’s sake. For example, a risotto.
- Asparagus stalks are also handled separately. The distinctive taste is one flavor that does not meld with the others. You may not want it in all of your stock. But to use risotto as an example again, an asparagus risotto is much better with some asparagus in the stock.
- Lastly, again depending on intended use, you can roast the stems and stalks before adding to the water. Roast on a sheet pan at 375°F for about 10-20 minutes. Keep a close watch and turn as needed.
Market Vegetable Stock
Lighter than canned stock, use this as an extra dimension to a dish, not necessarily the backbone.
Ingredients
- Large batch of stalks, stems and trimmings from greens and other vegetables, (see note 1)
- Water, Sufficient to just cover greens
- Salt
- Bay leaf
Instructions
- Place greens in dutch oven or a large stock pot. Add sufficient water to just cover the greens. Add salt.
- Bring to boil and simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Strain with a fine strainer into a large bowl to cool.
- When cooled divide into 1 or 2 cup containers to freeze for future use. Should keep for many months.
Notes
Note 1: About the only vegetables I avoid using are starchy vegetables.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
