Liquid Base | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Keto

Vegetable Broth

NA Allergen-Free
vegetable broth

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Various (vegetables, herbs)
  • Primary Cuisine Universal
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Water, Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onions), Herbs

The Forktionary Angle

"The essential plant-based workhorse, providing savory depth without meat, making it indispensable for vegetarian and vegan cooking."

Definition

A flavorful liquid made by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water, used as a base for soups, sauces, and stews.

Sensory Profile

TasteSavory, Umami, Mildly Sweet, Earthy
TextureThin, Watery
AromaEarthy, Herbal, Aromatic
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

Common Usage

Base for Vegan Soups/Stews

Key Nutrients

Often low in calories, sodium (if unsalted)

Storage Life (Unopened)

Up to 1 year

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup (240ml)
Calories10 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.5 g
Total Carbohydrate2 g
Dietary Fiber0.5 g
Total Sugars1 g
Calcium5 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium100 mg

Chef’s Secret

To intensify flavor, reduce broth by half or add a pinch of dried mushrooms or nutritional yeast.

Substitutions

Best Match

Vegetable Bouillon Cube/Powder

1 cube/tsp per cup

Convenient, shelf-stable alternative for quick broth.

Water + Dried Herbs/Spices

1 cup water + pinch herbs

Basic flavor base, good when other options are unavailable, less complex.

Mushroom Broth

1:1

Adds a deeper umami profile, great for savory dishes.

Chicken Broth (if not vegan)

1:1

Similar savory base, but not suitable for vegetarian/vegan diets.

Buying Guide

Look for low-sodium or unsalted varieties to control seasoning. Check for natural ingredients.

Flavor Pairings

Soups Stews Risotto Sauces Braising Liquids Grains

Recipes Using Vegetable Broth

Preparation Egg Free Vegetarian Free Of Something

Cheesy Vegan Lasagna

Astonish your guests with this unbelievably cheesy vegan lasagna – no cheese required! This recipe, originally inspired by a VegWeb user submission, is a crowd-pleaser that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly decadent. Get ready for layers of rich, flavorful goodness that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for a potluck, dinner party, or a cozy night in.

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60 Minutes Or Less Low Fat Course 3 Steps Or Less

Copycat Costa Vida Green Rice

Craving the vibrant, flavorful green rice from Costa Vida? This copycat recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness at home! Perfect as a side dish for burritos, bowls, or salads, this recipe captures the restaurant's signature lime and cilantro zest. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your Mexican-inspired meals!

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Low Saturated Fat Winter Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less

5 Ingredient Soup

This ridiculously easy 5-ingredient soup is a crowd-pleaser every time! Packed with protein and fiber, yet low in fat and calories, it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, not 20 minutes. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Soups Stews Beans Course Time To Make

Alton Brown's Lentil Soup

This hearty and flavorful lentil soup recipe is a Good Eats classic, adapted from Alton Brown's iconic lentil episode. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers a rich, satisfying soup packed with vegetables and protein. Easy to follow instructions and customizable to your taste!

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5 Ingredients Or Less Taste Mood Vegetarian 5 Ingredients Or Less

Amazing Black Bean Soup In 5 Ingredients

This unbelievably easy black bean soup recipe will blow you away! Packed with flavor and ready in just 25 minutes, it's a totally vegetarian delight. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is easily customizable – top with crusty bread, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra deliciousness. Find your new favorite soup recipe here!

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Low Sodium Preparation Time To Make Fruit

Apple And Mint Couscous

This vibrant Apple & Mint Couscous Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Inspired by a Ricardo recipe, this recipe features the sweetness of Paula Red apples balanced by the refreshing mint and fluffy couscous. A delightful blend of textures and tastes, it's quick, easy, and sure to become a new favorite! (Originally made September 5, 2011)

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Stove Top 60 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Rice

Armenian Rice Pilaf With Mushrooms

Experience the rich flavors of Armenia with this aromatic rice pilaf! This recipe, inspired by an Armenian friend, features tender mushrooms, fragrant rice, and a touch of warm spice. Easily adaptable for vegans by substituting margarine for butter. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Rice Cuisine Rice European

Artichoke And Red Pepper Risotto

Indulge in this vibrant and creamy Artichoke & Red Pepper Risotto! This vegetarian recipe bursts with color and flavor, thanks to a rich vegetable broth and a medley of red, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers. We use a flavorful broth concentrate for an extra depth of taste, ensuring a perfectly 'wet' risotto that's never dry or pasty. Get ready for a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Taste Mood 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Savory

Asparagus And Parsley Pesto Risotto Bake

A delightful spring recipe inspired by Rachael Ray! This creamy risotto bake features tender asparagus and a vibrant parsley pesto, baked to perfection. Easy to follow instructions for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Rice Holiday Event Dietary Italian

Asparagus Risotto With Pine Nuts

Delight in this creamy, spring-inspired Asparagus Risotto! Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch to perfectly complement the tender asparagus. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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German Pork Preparation Time To Make

Authentic Schweinebraten German Pork Roast Bavarian Style

Experience the magic of Bavaria with this authentic Schweinebraten recipe! This incredibly juicy and tender pork roast boasts a rich, flavorful gravy, traditionally served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut. While the recipe may seem lengthy, the process is surprisingly simple and rewarding, resulting in a show-stopping dish perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this culinary masterpiece!

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Occasion Time To Make Holiday Event 60 Minutes Or Less

Autumn Carrot Soup

Warm up your autumn evenings with this creamy and comforting carrot soup! Bursting with the flavors of fall – carrots, apples, and warming spices – this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it's the ultimate fall comfort food.

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Dietary Course Time To Make Dietary

Baby Bok Choy With Mushrooms And Tofu

This vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish features crispy pan-fried tofu, tender baby bok choy, and savory mushrooms in a luscious homemade sauce. Inspired by traditional Chinese cooking, this recipe from Country Living Magazine is a quick weeknight meal perfect served over rice or ramen noodles. We've enhanced it with tips from countless reviews for the perfect balance of savory and umami.

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Low Cholesterol Low Cholesterol Low Calorie Casseroles

Baked Feta And Tomato Polenta Make Ahead Casserole

This comforting baked feta and tomato polenta casserole is a crowd-pleaser! Creamy polenta is layered with a vibrant tomato and basil mixture, salty feta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a make-ahead meal, this recipe is easily adaptable for a faster weeknight dinner using pre-made polenta. Inspired by Jeanne Lemlin's *Simple Vegetarian Pleasures*, this recipe is a guaranteed hit – even for polenta skeptics!

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Inexpensive Vegetarian Cheese Preparation

Baked Pasta E Fagioli

This comforting Baked Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a surprising source (a friend with questionable housekeeping skills!), this one-dish wonder is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Featuring a rich tomato sauce, hearty beans, and perfectly cooked pasta, it's a simple yet satisfying meal. Serve with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!

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60 Minutes Or Less Asian Poultry Occasion

Bami Goreng Indonesian Stir Fried Noodles

Unlock the secrets of authentic Indonesian Bami Goreng, a beloved dish with roots in Holland! This recipe is surprisingly easy – prep ahead for company or a quick weeknight meal. Customize the spice level with sambal to your liking. Get ready to savor the vibrant flavors of stir-fried noodles, tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a medley of crisp vegetables. Garnish with refreshing lychees and crunchy kroepoek for a truly unforgettable experience.

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Asian Squash Fruit Occasion

Basmati Rice Pilaf With Apples Squash And Cranberries

A festive and flavorful side dish perfect for holidays or any special occasion! This delightful Basmati Rice Pilaf, inspired by Washington Post columnist Stephanie Witt Sedgwick, combines sweet apples and cranberries with savory butternut squash for a truly unforgettable taste experience. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests!

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North American Mexican Tropical Fruit One Dish Meal

Lenten Lentils Oaxacan Style

Transport your taste buds to Oaxaca, Mexico with this vibrant Lenten Lentils recipe! A traditional Oaxacan favorite, these luscious lentils boast a unique tropical flair thanks to the addition of pineapple, plantain, cloves, and allspice. The generous dose of garlic adds a delicious zip, perfectly complemented by crispy fried plantain slices as a garnish. This hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish is perfect for Lent or any time you crave a taste of sunshine.

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