Vegetable Stock

N/A (blend) Broth, Culinary Base

Vegetable Stock Broth, Culinary Base

At a Glance

  • Category Broth, Culinary Base

The Forktionary Angle

"The essential, versatile liquid that breathes life and umami into countless vegetarian and vegan dishes."

Definition

A savory liquid foundation made by simmering vegetables, herbs, and sometimes spices in water, used to add depth of flavor to soups, sauces, stews, and grains.

Key Vegetables Onion, Carrot, Celery
Shelf Life (refrigerated, homemade) 3-5 days
Usage Volume Often replaces water in recipes

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Vegetable Stock are:

Umami savory aromatic herbaceous subtly sweet

Chef’s Secret

Keep a freezer bag of vegetable scraps (onion peels, carrot tops, celery ends, mushroom stems) to easily make homemade stock when full. Avoid cruciferous veggies.

Best Substitutes

Vegetable broth

often interchangeable
Ratio 1:1

Chicken broth

non-vegetarian
Ratio 1:1

Water + bouillon cube

less complex flavor
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for low-sodium options and natural ingredients. For homemade, use fresh, aromatic vegetables.

Recipes Using Vegetable Stock

Beans Dietary Central American Seasonal

Barbados Bajan Beans

Experience the vibrant flavors of Barbados with this hearty and healthy vegetarian Bajan Beans recipe! Low in fat and bursting with fresh ingredients, this satisfying dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, authentic taste of the Caribbean.

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Occasion Vegan Fall Course

Vegetarian Pumpkin Tortilla Soup

This heartwarming Vegetarian Pumpkin Tortilla Soup is a family holiday tradition, perfect for cozy gatherings! Our recipe boasts a rich, creamy pumpkin broth, vibrant spices, and crispy tortilla strips (or a convenient shortcut with store-bought chips!). Easily doubled for larger groups, this adaptable recipe even works beautifully with polenta instead of tortillas for a delightful twist. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will become a new family favorite!

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Low Cholesterol Course Vegetables Oven

Curried Cauliflower Casserole

This creamy, dreamy Curried Cauliflower Casserole is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender cauliflower florets are nestled in a rich and aromatic curry sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Served over linguine, it's a satisfying and surprisingly easy recipe that will impress your family and friends. Get ready for a burst of curry spices!

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Savory Heirloom Historical Savory Chowders

A African Bean Soup

This vibrant African-inspired bean soup recipe has been a family favorite for 50 years! Originating from an unknown cookbook, this recipe boasts a rich, savory flavor profile that's easily customizable. We love using Mayocoba beans (Peruvian beans often found in the Mexican food aisle), but feel free to experiment with your favorite bean variety – 1/2 cup dry beans equals a 15oz can after soaking and cooking. This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and is even better the next day! Serve over rice for an extra satisfying meal.

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Preparation Vegetables Time To Make Course

Artichoke Spinach Soup

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Artichoke Spinach Soup! A vibrant blend of spinach, artichokes, and mushrooms creates a luxuriously delicious vegetable soup perfect for a light lunch or comforting dinner. Easy to make in under 30 minutes!

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Time To Make Beans Weeknight Vegetables

Barley Minestrone With Pesto

Warm up with this hearty and flavorful Barley Minestrone! This satisfying soup bursts with fresh vegetables, tender barley, and a vibrant basil-garlic pesto. Customize it with your favorite veggies – the possibilities are endless! Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, served with crusty bread and a side salad. (Prep time excludes barley soaking.)

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Vegetarian Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less Vegetables

African Sweet Potato And Peanut Stew

Experience a taste sensation with this vibrant African Sweet Potato & Peanut Stew! Sweet potatoes and peanuts create an unexpectedly delicious harmony in this rich and savory stew. Even sweet potato skeptics fall in love with this recipe's creamy texture and warm spices. Serve over fluffy rice or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Dietary Diabetic Vegetables Asian

Baba Ghannouj Soup

This vibrant Baba Ghannouj soup is a garden-fresh delight, showcasing the best of summer produce! Imagine creamy roasted eggplant, infused with fragrant garlic and tahini, all swirled into a warm, comforting broth. Topped with crispy pita strips and served with soft pita triangles, it's a unique twist on a classic that's perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated dinner. Inspired by a gourmet recipe, this dish elevates simple ingredients to a new level of flavor. Get ready to impress!

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30 Minutes Or Less Vegan 30 Minutes Or Less Number Of Servings

99 Calorie Broccoli Soup

Craving a healthy and flavorful soup without the guilt? This 99-calorie broccoli soup recipe from Dr. Weil is your answer! A light and refreshing alternative to creamy broccoli soups, this recipe is packed with flavor and ready in minutes. Enjoy two guilt-free bowls of this vibrant, delicious soup! Perfect for weight watchers and healthy eaters alike.

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Course Main Dish Course

3 Bean Vegetarian Chili

This hearty 3-Bean Vegetarian Chili is bursting with flavor and will quickly become a weeknight favorite! No one will miss the meat in this satisfying and incredibly delicious chili. Perfect for meal prepping, it freezes and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary recipe!

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Cuisine Soups Stews 60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Barszcz Beet Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of Barszcz, a classic Polish beet soup traditionally served on Wigilia (Christmas Eve). This hearty and deeply flavorful soup features earthy beets, a tangy broth, and optional dried mushrooms for an extra layer of umami. Our family recipe includes a delightful twist – a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes for extra richness! Customize your garnish and make it your own – perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal.

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Vegetables Gluten Free Preparation Vegetables

Spring Vegetable Soup

This vibrant spring vegetable soup is a delicious and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Made with fresh leeks, carrots, celery, and potatoes, this soup is bursting with flavor and freezes beautifully for future enjoyment. A family favorite passed down through generations!

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Preparation Poultry Main Ingredient Holiday Event

Alton Brown's Brined Turkey

Unlock the secret to unbelievably juicy and flavorful turkey with Alton Brown's foolproof brining method! This recipe transforms a simple turkey into a culinary masterpiece. The salt water brine magically alters the turkey's cellular structure, locking in moisture and infusing the meat with incredible depth of flavor from aromatic herbs and spices. From the moment you create the fragrant brine to the rich, flavorful gravy, this recipe is a symphony of taste that will impress even the most discerning palates. Prepare for rave reviews – this is the best roasted turkey you'll ever serve! Easily adaptable to chicken too!

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Vegan Main Dish Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Belgian Style Seitan Stew With Dark Beer

Indulge in this rich and hearty Belgian-style seitan stew, perfected with a dark beer reduction! Inspired by Robin Robertson's Vegan Planet, this recipe boasts a deeply flavorful sauce thanks to caramelized onions and a touch of sweetness. Enjoy it over your favorite noodles, mashed potatoes, or even with a side of steamed broccoli. The perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, best paired with a glass (or two!) of the oatmeal stout used in the stew. Easily adaptable with sliced portabello mushrooms for a unique twist.

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Equipment To Go Potluck Cheese

Leek Hazelnut And Cheese Crumble

A deliciously savory side dish! This easy recipe elevates simple leeks with a crunchy hazelnut and cheese crumble topping. Adapted from a Vegetarian Society recipe and featured on UKTV Food, this dish is bursting with flavor. For an extra savory kick, add bacon! We recommend using our vegetable stock (recipe #135453) for a rich, flavorful base – a great way to use up those vegetable peelings!

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North American Dietary Canadian Easy

Almond Honey Carrots

Sweet and savory perfection! These vibrant honey-glazed carrots, studded with crunchy almonds, are a side dish that will elevate any meal. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!

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Vegetables European Seasonal Italian

Asparagus Penne

A vibrant and flavorful 15-minute pasta dish! This Asparagus Penne recipe features tender penne pasta tossed with perfectly blistered cherry tomatoes, crisp-tender asparagus, and a hint of garlic. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious!

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Eggs Dairy Eggs Dairy Main Ingredient Diabetic

Azerbaijani Kefir And Greens Soup

Inspired by Gil Marks' "Olive Trees and Honey," this vibrant Azerbaijani kefir (or yogurt) soup is a refreshing and flavorful experience. Featuring tender split peas, fluffy rice, and a burst of fresh herbs, this unique soup is traditionally served warm after the main course. The subtle tang of kefir perfectly complements the earthy greens, creating a surprisingly light and satisfying finish to any meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this culinary gem!

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