Enhance your soups, stews, and sauces with these homemade vegetable bouillon cubes. Packed with the natural flavors of fresh vegetables and seasoned perfectly, these cubes are a great way to add depth to your dishes. Let’s get started on making these handy and delicious bouillon cubes!
Ingredients
- 1 leek
- Olive oil
- 3 carrots, cleaned and cut
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 radish
- 1 celery stalk
- Parsley
- 80 grams of salt (about 5-6 tablespoons)
- 10 grams of turmeric (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables:
- Clean and cut the leek, carrots, onion, garlic, radish, and celery stalk into small pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the leek, carrots, onion, garlic, radish, celery, and parsley to the pot.
- Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Season and Cook
- Add Seasonings:
- Add the salt and turmeric to the vegetable mixture.
- Mix well to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook Until Tender:
- Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Blend the Mixture
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth.
- Ensure there are no large chunks remaining for a uniform consistency.
Step 5: Set the Mixture
- Transfer to Container:
- Transfer the smooth vegetable mixture into a container or a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Cool and Refrigerate:
- Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate for 12 hours to set.
Step 6: Portion and Store
- Cut into Cubes:
- After the mixture has set, cut it into small cubes.
- Wrap and Store:
- Wrap each cube individually in aluminum foil.
- Store the wrapped cubes in the refrigerator or freezer.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Chopping: Chop the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Blending: Use a high-quality immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Storage: Properly wrap and store the cubes to keep them fresh for longer periods.
Health Benefits
These homemade bouillon cubes are free from preservatives and artificial additives, making them a healthier option compared to store-bought versions. The fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while turmeric adds anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other vegetables?
A: Yes, feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach for different flavors.
Q: How long can I store these cubes?
A: Wrapped and stored properly, the cubes can last up to 3 months in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I use these cubes for other dishes?
A: Absolutely! These bouillon cubes are great for soups, stews, sauces, and even as a seasoning for rice and pasta dishes.
Q: What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
A: You can use a regular blender or food processor. Just be sure to blend the mixture in batches if needed.
Homemade vegetable bouillon cubes are a fantastic way to enhance your cooking with rich, natural flavors. With this easy recipe, you can make your own bouillon cubes that are both healthy and delicious. Enjoy making and using these versatile cubes in your favorite dishes!