Liquid Base | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie

Vegetable Stock

N/A (culinary preparation) Allergen-Free
vegetable stock

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Western|Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A savory liquid made by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water, used as a base for many dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteSavory, Umami
TextureThin, Liquid
AromaVegetal, Earthy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Key Vegetables

Onion, Carrot, Celery

Shelf Life (refrigerated, homemade)

3-5 days

Usage Volume

Often replaces water in recipes

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup (240g)
Calories8 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.4 g
Total Carbohydrate1.4 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0.7 g
Calcium7 mg
Iron0.05 mg
Potassium25 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a richer homemade stock, roast vegetables before simmering. Always start with cold water to slowly extract flavors.

Substitutions

Best Match

Vegetable Broth

1:1

Often used interchangeably, broth is typically lighter but works well for most recipes.

Mushroom Broth

1:1

Offers a deeper umami flavor, excellent for gravies or dishes requiring richness.

Water + Bouillon Cube

1 cup water + 1 cube

A convenient pantry staple for quick savory liquid, adjust saltiness.

Water

1:1

Use in a pinch, but add more seasoning and herbs to compensate for flavor loss.

Buying Guide

Look for low-sodium options and check ingredient lists for added sugars or artificial flavors.

Flavor Pairings

Soups stews risottos braises sauces gravies cooking grains.

Recipes Using Vegetable Stock

Preparation Course Vegetarian 4 Hours Or Less

Three Sisters Stew

Celebrate Thanksgiving with this hearty and flavorful Three Sisters Stew! A vibrant vegetarian main course featuring butternut squash, corn, and beans – the three sisters of Indigenous American cuisine. This comforting stew is perfect for a festive gathering and boasts rich autumnal flavors that will impress your guests. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, satisfying meal.

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Meat 1 Day Or More Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Main Ingredient

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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Preparation Stews 4 Hours Or Less Course

Amazing Chicken Stew

After years of browsing and testing recipes, I'm thrilled to finally share my own delicious Chicken Stew! This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a cozy night in and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience a taste sensation – tender chicken, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a rich, comforting broth. This recipe is a culmination of inspiration from this wonderful community, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Course Main Dish Dietary

Arroz Non Pollo

A delightful vegetarian twist on the Spanish classic! This Arroz Non Pollo replaces chicken with hearty chickpeas, creating a flavorful and satisfying paella bursting with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Stir Fry Preparation Diabetic Dietary

Asian Vegetable Stir Fry With Sugar Snap Peas And Baby Bok Choy

This vibrant and flavorful Asian vegetable stir-fry is a quick and healthy weeknight meal! Featuring crisp sugar snap peas, tender baby bok choy, and optional succulent pork tenderloin, this recipe is easily adaptable to your dietary needs. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian option or add protein for a heartier dish. Serve over fluffy brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Easy Course Pasta Rice And Grains 60 Minutes Or Less

Asparagus Pilaf Rice

A vibrant and healthy asparagus pilaf recipe, inspired by the May 2006 issue of Coup de Pouce magazine. This elegant side dish is quick to prepare and bursts with fresh spring flavors. Perfectly tender rice is complemented by crisp-tender asparagus and a bright lemon finish. A delicious and healthy addition to any meal!

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Asparagus For 1 Or 2 Vegetables Number Of Servings

Asparagus Leek Soup

Indulge in this vibrant and creamy asparagus and leek soup, elevated with a sweet corn and bell pepper relish. A touch of curry powder adds warmth and depth to this elegant yet easy-to-make soup, perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated starter. Get ready to impress!

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Time To Make Vegetables 60 Minutes Or Less Fruit

Avgolemono Egg Lemon Soup Greece

Authentic Greek Avgolemono Egg Lemon Soup – a creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably flavorful classic! This recipe, inspired by the 2005 cookbook "The Best Recipes in the World," is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal any time of year. Experience the vibrant taste of Greece in under an hour!

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Spanish Dietary Spinach Greens

Baby Spinach And Lentil Salad

This vibrant Baby Spinach and Lentil Salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish. The earthy lentils are perfectly complemented by the fresh spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Main Ingredient Vegan Grains Vegetables

Barley Florentine

Cozy up with this hearty and flavorful Barley Florentine! Perfect for a chilly winter evening, this recipe features tender barley, spinach, and creamy parmesan cheese. A touch of onion powder adds depth without overwhelming the delicate flavors. Serve with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. Get the recipe now!

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Weeknight Preparation Italian 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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Time To Make Side Dishes Dietary Grains

Barley Risotto

This hearty and flavorful barley risotto is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted vegetables! A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional rice risotto, perfect alongside a roast chicken or as a satisfying vegetarian main course. Easily doubled for a crowd, this recipe is packed with flavor and sure to become a weeknight favorite. #barleyrisotto #vegetarianrecipe #roastedvegetables #easyrecipe #comfortfood

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Onions Served Hot Main Dish One Dish Meal

Barley Vegetable Soup

Discover the ancient goodness of barley in this comforting and healthy vegetable soup! Pearl barley, known for its low glycemic index, stars in this hearty recipe. Unlike other grains, barley provides sustained energy without the blood sugar spike. This easy-to-make soup is packed with fresh vegetables and boasts a rich, savory flavor perfect for a chilly evening or a nourishing weeknight meal. A delicious and healthy twist on a classic! #barleysoup #vegetablesoup #lowglycemic #healthysoup #comfortfood #easyrecipe #souprecipe

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Vegetarian Vegetarian Main Dish Dietary

Bean And Potato Enchiladas

Quick & Easy Bean and Potato Enchiladas! This simple recipe serves 4 (easily multiplied for a crowd). Flavorful beans and potatoes are wrapped in warm tortillas, smothered in a vibrant sauce, and baked to perfection. Top with your favorite guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for a truly satisfying and delicious Mexican-inspired meal. Ready in under an hour!

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4 Hours Or Less Vegetables Free Of Something Vegan

Bean Curd With Broccoli

Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and healthy vegetarian stir-fry! Tender bean curd and crisp-tender broccoli are tossed in a savory sauce of soy, sesame, and a touch of wine. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Course Dietary Course Stews

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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Pasta Rice And Grains 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Broccoli And Rice Soup

This comforting Broccoli & Rice Medley Soup is the perfect recipe for sensitive stomachs or when you're craving a light yet satisfying meal. Inspired by a request for a gentle post-cleanse recipe, this soup features a flavorful broth, tender broccoli, and hearty Great Valley Rice Medley (found at Costco!). It's quick to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to soothe your soul. Get ready for a warm hug in a bowl!

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60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Low Sodium Casseroles

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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