Vegetable Broth (version 1.3)

Mille® 's Note:

One of the best uses for a slow cooker is making vegetable broth. You can control the amount of sodium and the variety of vegetables and seasoning, and the broth can develop a full, rich flavor in the slow-cooker while you busy yourself elsewhere. This recipe depends on browned onion for a hearty flavor and parsnip for a subtle sweetness, but you can experiment with your own veget

• Total Time: 8 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 8 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 2 quarts

• 1 large onion , peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 carrot , peeled and sliced
• 1 parsnip , peeled and sliced
• 1 potato , peeled and quartered
• 1 turnip , cubed
• 1 zucchini , sliced
• 1 stalk celery , chopped
• 1 leek , cut in 3 inch chunks
• 3 Brussels sprouts , whole and scored with deep cuts
• 3 green onions , cut in large chunks
• 3 white pearl onions , peeled
• 1 red pepper , chopped
• ½ can pickled beet (including liquid)
• 3 teaspoons garlic , crushed
• 3 cloves garlic , sliced and sauteed in canola oil until brown on both sides
• 3 bay leaves
• 6 whole peppercorns
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon chopped oregano
• broth seasonings
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 ounces cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup low-sodium V8 juice
• 1 (14 ½ ounce) can no-salt-added whole tomatoes (including liquid)
• ¼-1 cup unsalted butter (optional)

Directions:

1. Saute chopped onion in canola oil until it is well browned.
2. Combine browned onion with remaining ingredients in a slow cooker.
3. Cover, and cook on low for 6 to 10 hours (a longer cooking time will result in a stronger broth).
4. Strain out and discard or compost vegetables, bay leaves and spices.
5. Cool broth, then refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in small portions to use in recipes calling for 1/2 cup or 1 cup.

Reviews

[mmgraff]

I really loved this recipe because it worked so well with substitutes. I didnt have potato but I had a yam etc. I dint have brussell sprouts but I had cabbage. I used leftover soysauce from chinese food instead of worchester. I used some pickle juice instead of pickled beats. It was so good. Thank you.