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Prepare for winter with these homemade vegetable bouillon cubes, a great way to preserve the vitamins and flavors of fresh vegetables. These aromatic and healthy bouillon cubes are perfect for adding a boost of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Packed with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, and leeks, and seasoned with turmeric and garlic, these cubes are a natural alternative to store-bought bouillon. Easy to make and freeze, they will be your go-to for quick and flavorful meals all winter long.
Preparation Time
Total Preparation Time: 13 hours (including freezing time)
Active Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
1 onion, finely chopped
Olive oil (for sautéing)
2-3 carrots, grated
2-3 celery stalks, chopped
1 radish, chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 leek, chopped (including green part)
Fresh parsley, chopped
5 tsp salt
1-2 tbsp turmeric
Water as needed
Directions
Sauté the Onion:
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Carrots and Celery:
Grate the carrots and chop the celery into small pieces. Add them to the skillet with the onions and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Radish and Garlic:
Chop the radish into small pieces and add to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Leek and Parsley:
Chop the leek, including the green parts, and the parsley. Add them to the skillet, stirring to combine.
Season the Vegetables:
Add 5 teaspoons of salt and 1-2 tablespoons of turmeric to the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
Simmer the Vegetables:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the vegetables simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft and fully cooked.
Blend the Vegetables:
After simmering, use a blender or an immersion blender to grind the vegetables into a smooth, thick paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of water to help blend.
Prepare for Freezing:
Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Freeze the Mixture:
Place the baking dish in the freezer for 12 hours or until the mixture is completely frozen.
Cut into Cubes:
Once frozen, remove the dish from the freezer and cut the mixture into small cubes.
Store the Bouillon Cubes:
Wrap the cubes individually in foil or parchment paper. Store the bouillon cubes in a freezer-safe container or bag in the freezer.
Use the Bouillon Cubes:
When ready to use, dissolve a cube in boiling water to create an aromatic and natural broth for soups, stews, or sauces.
Cooking Tips
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes to the mix for additional flavor.
Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add other spices like cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile.
Blending: Ensure the vegetable mixture is smooth for even, well-formed cubes.
Nutritional Benefits
Vitamins and Minerals: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables.
Turmeric: Adds anti-inflammatory properties and a warm flavor to the broth.
Low in Calories: A healthy, low-calorie way to enhance the flavor of your dishes.
Dietary Information
This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Nutritional Facts (per cube, based on 20 cubes)
Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
Protein: 0.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Fiber: 0.5 grams
Storage
Freezing: Store the bouillon cubes in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Usage: Use directly from the freezer; no need to thaw before dissolving in boiling water.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful: Adds rich, natural flavor to your dishes without artificial ingredients.
Convenient: Make once and store for months, ready to use whenever needed.
Healthy: Packed with vegetables and free from preservatives.
Versatile: Perfect for soups, stews, sauces, and more.
Conclusion
These homemade vegetable bouillon cubes are a fantastic way to preserve the flavors and vitamins of fresh vegetables for the winter months. With a rich blend of sautéed vegetables and aromatic spices, these cubes will elevate any dish with their natural, wholesome taste. Easy to prepare and store, they are a must-have for anyone who loves cooking from scratch. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of these homemade bouillon cubes in your favorite recipes!
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