Fortifying Broths

As we transition into the cold & snowy season in the West I find I want broth or soup on the daily. There’s nothing that satisfies quite like it. The best thing about soup & stock, and really the main point for me, is to creatively use up whatever I have on hand. For stocks I save all veggie scraps (kale stems, onion tops, carrot peels, wilted greens or herbs, broccoli stems…), bones, and leftovers from other meals to throw into a big pot of water on Sunday and simmer slowly until it transforms into a flavorful batch of golden nourishment to enjoy throughout the week.

Don’t worry so much about following these recipes exactly. Add/omit based on what you have in your fridge or pantry. Remember that this is supposed to be simple! Scraps + herbs/spices + water + a slow simmer for an hour or all day (depending on your schedule) = nourishing & fortifying broth you can drink on its own or use as a base for soups, sauces, curries, grains, braised meats, etc.

Here are three of my favorite sips!

Veggie Miso Broth (plant-based)
– 3-4 cups veggie scraps
– 1 tsp nettle leaves
– 1 burdock root
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp yarrow
– any dried herbs you want
– 6 peppercorns
– salt, to taste
– 1 heaping spoonful Dandelion Leek Miso
(add this at the very end, after straining – do not boil)
– water to cover ~ 8 cups

Buttery Chicken Parmesan Broth
– 1 chicken carcass
– Parmesan rind
– 2-3 cups veggie scraps
– lots of dried herbs: rosemary, oregano, sage, parsley & bay leaves
– 1 lemon, cut in half
– spoonful ghee or butter
– pinch cayenne
– salt, to taste
– water to cover ~ 8 cups

Ginger & Garlic Beef Broth
– beef/bison (or wild game) bones
– 2 inches ginger, sliced
– 6 garlic cloves
– 1-2 cups veggie scraps
– splash apple cider vinegar (helps release bone nutrients)
– dash chili pepper
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– 1 sprig thyme
– 6 peppercorns
– salt, to taste
– water to cover ~ 8 cups

Directions: Bring the water to a boil for five minutes & reduce heat to simmer for several hours. The veggie broth only needs about 30-45 min.
As the nutrients release into the water & the flavor develops, give your pot of broth several mindful stirs to mix in your own healing intention & love. Breathe in the herbal aroma & breathe out gratitude for this nourishment.
When the liquid has reduced & stock is ready, just strain the mixture through a large fine mesh sieve into a bowl or another pot. Enjoy immediately or cool to save. Ideally compost the plant solids.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
– Leonardo da Vinci