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

Vegan Course Beginner Cook Preparation

Thicker Than Pea Soup Pea Soup

This unbelievably creamy and satisfying pea soup is a vegetarian dream! Forget meat – this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and filling meal. Bursting with fresh pea flavor, its thick, luscious texture is perfect for dipping crusty bread. Easy to make and unbelievably flavorful, this recipe is a new family favorite.

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Taste Mood Occasion Weeknight Vegan

Chicken Tikka Masala Vegan Style

Craving Chicken Tikka Masala but living the vegan life? This recipe delivers the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors you love, completely plant-based! Using Gardein's 'Chicken Scallopini' as a fantastic meat substitute, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and will impress even the most dedicated carnivores. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Dietary 5 Ingredients Or Less Black Beans Low Cholesterol

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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Course Stove Top Occasion Meat

711 Kirkwood's Barley Casserole

This easy barley casserole recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Customize it to your liking – add your favorite spices, use ground meat or swap for mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Ready in under an hour, this simple dish is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying meal!

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Time To Make Seasonal Occasion Vegetables

Acorn Squash Bisque

Indulge in this luxuriously creamy Acorn Squash Bisque! This comforting autumnal soup is surprisingly easy to make and bursts with the sweet flavor of roasted acorn squash. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated fall gathering. Get the recipe now!

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Served Hot Course 30 Minutes Or Less Inexpensive

Adzuki Bean Stew With Okra

This vibrant adzuki bean and okra stew is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes! Budget-friendly and packed with flavor, it's perfect served over brown rice with a drizzle of tahini and a side of cucumber or avocado. Experience the magic of warm spices and tender beans in this satisfying and inexpensive recipe.

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Vegetables Preparation Side Dishes Main Dish

Almond Rice Casserole

This comforting and flavorful vegetarian almond rice casserole is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions and delicious results make this recipe a must-try for both beginner and experienced cooks. Enjoy the creamy texture and nutty aroma!

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Stove Top Easy Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Angel Hair With Garlic Spinach And White Beans

A light yet satisfying dish bursting with garlic flavor! This low-fat, high-fiber pasta recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. Using pre-washed spinach and bottled minced garlic cuts prep time significantly, leaving you with more time to enjoy this delicious and hearty meal. Serve with a side green salad for a complete and vibrant dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Dietary Low In Something Low Sodium Preparation

Arni Youvetsi Lamb And Orzo

Experience the rich flavors of Greece with this Arni Youvetsi recipe! This comforting, traditional Sunday lunch dish features tender lamb slow-cooked with orzo pasta in a luscious tomato-based sauce. The orzo absorbs the delicious lamb juices, creating a truly unforgettable taste. Easily adaptable, you can substitute the lamb with beef or chicken for a similar hearty experience. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family meal!

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Cuisine Main Dish Potluck Weeknight

Artichoke Spinach Lasagna

This vegetarian Artichoke Spinach Lasagna is a cheesy, comforting delight! Layers of tender spinach, artichoke hearts, and rich pasta sauce are nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles and topped with melted mozzarella and feta. A vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Choose your favorite pasta sauce – red or white – for a customized taste experience. (Tip: Red sauce freezes better!)

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Cuisine Asparagus Preparation Cuisine

Asparagus Black Bean Sauce Stir Fry

Craving that authentic Chinese restaurant taste? This Asparagus Black Bean Sauce Stir-Fry delivers! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe recreates your favorite takeout dish in just 20 minutes. Tender asparagus spears meet a rich, savory black bean sauce, all perfectly balanced for a delightful culinary experience. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen!

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Vegan Vegetables Preparation Course

Balsamic Tomato Couscous

This vibrant Balsamic Tomato Couscous is a surprisingly easy and delicious side dish that's perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion! A slight twist on a classic recipe, this couscous salad boasts burstingly fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. So good, it practically disappeared at my last potluck – get ready for requests! It's quick to prepare (ready in under 30 minutes!), healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant side.

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Dietary Main Ingredient Beans Vegan

Barley Morocco

This vibrant and flavorful Barley Morocco recipe is a feast for the senses! Tender barley is perfectly complemented by a medley of colorful vegetables and hearty garbanzo beans. Served with warm pita bread and refreshing melon wedges sprinkled with mint, this dish is a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Comfort Food Time To Make Comfort Food Dinner Party

Barley Pine Nut Casserole

This comforting vegan Barley & Pine Nut Casserole is a slow cooker dream! My sister's recipe is easy to make and bursting with nutty flavor. Enjoy the creamy texture and satisfying heartiness of this plant-based masterpiece. Easily substitute almonds for pine nuts if you prefer. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Fruit Holiday Event Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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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Brown Bag Mushrooms To Go Occasion

Bell Pepper Kidney Beans And Mushrooms

This vibrant and easy side dish is the perfect complement to grilled or pan-fried steak! A family favorite for 40 years, this recipe boasts a delicious blend of sweet bell peppers, hearty kidney beans, and earthy mushrooms. Enjoy it fresh off the stove or as a fantastic leftover – the flavors only get better! A quick and satisfying side that's sure to impress.

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One Dish Meal Main Dish Low Saturated Fat Low Fat

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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Main Ingredient Vegetables Equipment Stove Top

Seafood Stew Crock Pot

This hearty and healthy seafood stew is a delicious and adaptable recipe perfect for a weeknight meal! Using up leftover ingredients from your fridge and pantry, this low-calorie, low-fat recipe is packed with flavor. Imagine succulent shrimp, clams, and scallops simmering with tender chicken in a rich tomato broth, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Spice it up or keep it mild – it's entirely customizable to your taste! Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying seafood feast!

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