Skip to main content

Kitchen Scraps Vegetable Broth

Use leftover veggie scraps to make a delicious broth to use in soups or cooking beans and grains!
Pot full of water with vegetables and herbs.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Chill time: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 to 12 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

8 to 16 cups fresh or frozen vegetable scraps (see Notes)
Herbs and spices (optional, see Notes)
Water
½ to 1 teaspoon salt 

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.

  3. Put vegetable scraps and herbs and spices, if desired, in a large saucepan or cooking pot. Add enough water to cover them.
  4. Heat pan on high until water boils, then cover pan and reduce heat. Simmer for at least 30 minutes or until all scraps are soft. Stir a few times and add more water, if needed, to keep scraps mostly covered.
  5. Turn off heat. Scoop out as many scraps as you can with a spoon. If you want, press on scraps to remove more liquid. Throw away or compost them.
  6. Fill a large container or clean sink with ice and some water to make an ice bath. Put pan into ice bath for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to release heat. If you were unable to remove all scrap pieces, pour broth through a strainer into another large pot.
  7. Stir in salt to dissolve. Use broth for soups or stews, or in place of water for cooking grains or beans.
  8. If not using broth right away, store in refrigerator or freezer. To freeze, pour into recipe-sized freezer-safe containers and label with date.
  9. Broth can be stored safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For best quality, use frozen broth within 2 to 3 months. 

Notes

  • Label a freezer container with "Broth Scraps" and the date. For the next several days or weeks, after preparing vegetables for any use, save scraps in the container until you have enough for making broth. Also wash and save any vegetables that have passed their peak freshness but are still safe to eat.
  • Vegetable scraps to save include ends, peels, stems, leaves and pieces of vegetables and herbs such as carrot, celery, garlic, leek, mushroom, onion, tomato, parsley and thyme.
  • Vegetable scraps to limit or avoid:
    • Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and leafy greens can add a bitter flavor if too many are used.
    • Beets will add a dark color and bitter flavor.
    • Potato, sweet potato and winter squash flesh can make the broth too thick.
    • Scraps that are moldy, slimy or otherwise unsafe to eat should never be used.
  • Optional herbs and spices:
    • 1 or 2 bay leaves
    • 1 or 2 teaspoons peppercorns or a dried chile
    • 4 to 8 cloves unpeeled garlic
    • 1 leek or unpeeled onion, cut in large pieces (if not included as scraps)
  • This recipe can be made in a slow cooker for extra convenience. Put all ingredients into the cooker, cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours. If possible, cook on HIGH for 30 to 60 minutes, then turn to LOW for 8 to 9 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.

Comments

This is such a great way to get another use from veggie scraps! And I'm happy to save on buying broth.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Cucumber Yogurt Dip
Yogurt dip served with a plate of sliced vegetables.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Quick and flavorful dip with Greek yogurt, mint and garlic. Perfect for snacks and party appetizers!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 ¼ cup
Cherry Scones
Photo of Cherry Scones

Cherry Scones

Warm and buttery treat combining whole-wheat flour, tart cherries and buttermilk. Perfect for breakfast or on the go.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 scones
Pork Chili
Medium bowl of pork, bean and vegetable soup.

Pork Chili

This pork and bean chili recipe is great for a hearty weekday meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Black Bean Brownies (without flour)
Black bean brownies on a plate.

Black Bean Brownies (without flour)

Black beans are the special ingredient in these moist and not-too-sweet brownies.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces
Whole-Wheat Quick Bread
Photo of Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Whole-Wheat Quick Bread

Warm and comforting whole wheat bread in about an hour.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
16 pieces
Baked Apple and Cranberries
Four cored apples filled with cranberries, butter and brown sugar are baked, broiled and displayed on a serving plate.

Baked Apple and Cranberries

Warm apples and cinnamon combined with sweet-tart cranberries make this flavorful low-sugar dessert!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
1 Apple
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.