Three Ways to Make Vegan “Bone” Broth at Home

Exploring the Basics: What Goes into a Vegan “Bone” Broth

Ever feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden culinary treasure trove? That’s exactly what diving into the world of vegan “bone” broth feels like! Packed with robust and nuanced flavors, vegan broths are a delightful twist on traditional bone broths, which are typically made from animal bones. Instead, these plant-based wonders derive their richness from an assortment of veggies, herbs, and umami-packed gems like mushrooms and seaweed.

At the heart of an exceptional vegan broth are foundational ingredients like carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. These are amped up with an array of spices and herbs to layer the liquid with rich, complex flavors. The magic happens during the slow cooking process, which transforms simple water into a nutrient-rich broth that’s perfect for sipping from a mug on a chilly evening or using as a base in soups and sauces.

What really brings the umami game to these broths? Ingredients like mushrooms, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, and seaweed (like kombu), which add a depth of flavor similar to that of traditional broths. With a good simmer, these flavors meld together beautifully, offering not just warmth but a wholesome base of minerals and hydration.

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Crafting the Classic: Hearty Mushroom and Seaweed Broth Recipe

When I’m crafting the classic vegan “bone” broth at home, I lean heavily on the earthy flavors of mushrooms paired with the slight oceanic notes from seaweed. Here’s my go-to recipe:

1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 chopped onions, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 4 sliced carrots, and 4 stalks of chopped celery. Cook until they begin to soften and exude their fragrances.
2. Mix in about 1 lb (450g) of roughly chopped mushrooms—shiitake or portobello are my favorites. Let them brown and release their moisture.
3. Pour in around 12 cups (nearly 3 liters) of water, adding a 4-inch (10cm) piece of kombu seaweed and a bouquet garni of thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
4. Allow the broth to simmer gently for 1-3 hours. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavors become.
5. Strain the broth using a fine-mesh sieve, remove the solids, then season with salt, pepper, and maybe a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of nutritional yeast for that extra umami touch.

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Spicing Things Up: Smoky Chipotle and Tomato Broth Variation

Craving a bit more zing? This smoky chipotle and tomato broth brings a fiery twist to the traditional recipe, perfect for those who like a little heat.

1. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil in a large pot. When they’ve softened, add 1 chopped red bell pepper and 2 finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for that smoky kick.
2. Stir in a 5 oz (140g) can of tomato paste, letting it caramelize slightly. This should take about 2 minutes and will deepen the flavors.
3. Add 12 cups (almost 3 liters) of water with a few dashes of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky profile, along with your usual bouquet garni.
4. Simmer the mixture for 1-2 hours to let the spicy and rich tomato flavors meld.
5. Strain, season with salt to balance the acidity and spice, and enjoy a broth with a kick!

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A Touch of Asia: Lemongrass and Ginger Infused Broth Guide

For those enchanted by Asian flavors, this lemongrass and ginger broth is a fragrant, healing elixir that soothes both the body and soul.

1. Begin by sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add 2 stalks of trimmed and smashed lemongrass and a 2-inch (5cm) piece of sliced ginger.
2. Pour in 12 cups (almost 3 liters) of water along with a couple of star anise and a cinnamon stick for a distinctive Asian twist.
3. Let the pot simmer gently for 1-2 hours—the longer, the better, as the flavors will become more pronounced.
4. Strain the broth to remove the solids, pressing to extract as much flavorful liquid as possible.
5. Season with salt and perhaps a splash of tamari for extra depth.

Each of these vegan “bone” broth variations brings its own unique spin to the table, proving that plant-based ingredients can indeed produce a broth as soul-satisfying and rich as any traditional bone broth. Whether enjoyed as a warming drink or used as a robust base for other dishes, these recipes invite a blend of health and flavor, perfect for cozy evenings or a comforting pick-me-up.

If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.